Practice social distancing, wash hands, sanitize, and wear masks if necessary. People understand the measures we must take to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But what about our plumbing systems?
After analyzing previous coronavirus outbreaks, like SARS and MERS, the CDC says it found that coronaviruses can be transmitted through sewage systems. However, the agency says it’s still reviewing data revolving around this specific COVID-19 virus. Fortunately, the CDC says there have not been any cases where the virus has been detected in drinking water.
Nonetheless, whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, there are some steps you can take to help prevent COVID-19 from being transmitted through your plumbing system.
Keep septic tanks covered; repair if necessary
Meticulously clean and disinfect your bathroom plumbing fixtures
Address overflowing toilets and clogs immediately to avoid contact with fecal matter and sewage
Periodically run water down any floor drains in your home to help prevent the pipes from getting dry as dry pipes are a potential source of contamination.
Be aware of unpleasant odors coming from your drains as this is often a sign of dry pipes
Ensure your toilet U-trap is filled with at least 0.2 gallons of water
Ensure bathtubs, showers, sinks, and other fixtures have around 1 to 2 gallons of water
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
In addition to strictly following the CDC’s guidelines to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, like wearing protective equipment, practicing excellent hygiene, and practicing social distancing, we’re also using hypochlorous acid (HOCI) for our business.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI), also known as electrolyzed salt water is a highly effective environmental disinfectant that safely eliminates viruses, including COVID-19. In fact, it’s 100 times more efficient at killing bacteria than sodium hypochlorite or chlorine bleach.
Our company is using hypochlorous acid to disinfect and sanitize our equipment, keeping our staff safe. We’re also using it to treat drains and adding it in our hydro-jetter to effectively clean sewers of any viruses.
Hypochlorous acid is being used around the world too. It’s already in use aboard ships in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ fleet and firefighters in Tulsa, Oklahoma are using it to keep their equipment safe as well.
SAFE AND PROFESSIONAL PLUMBING
We at Pacific Plumbing and Drain want to let you know we’re still fully staffed and ready to help with your septic or sewer needs. So whether you have a question about your plumbing or have a plumbing emergency, contact us. We provide 24-hour emergency plumbing.
