What To Do With Drainage Issues During Lockdown
Drainage issues can occur at any time, and there’s no convenient time for your drains to start leaking, your water pressure to drop or your taps to stop working. During a pandemic, though, the inconvenience becomes more severe, and you’re likely to wonder whether or not you’ll be able to find a drainage company to help. In this article, 1st Call Drain Clearance will explain what to do if you encounter drainage problems in lockdown.
Are drainage companies still operating during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Drainage companies are classed as essential services and are therefore still operating throughout the pandemic and lockdown. It’s important to note that all but the most minor drainage issues should be resolved by a professional technician – if you attempt a repair yourself without the right equipment, you risk worsening the issue or putting yourself in danger.
Drainage companies like 1st Call Drain Clearance are operating contact-free services so that we can still deliver the same high standard of work whilst adhering to all social distancing and health and safety rules.
Steps you can take to minimise the problem
If you notice an issue with your drains, whether your water pressure is suffering or there’s a leak in your kitchen, there are some actions you can and should take to arrest the problem without endangering yourself or making it worse.
Turn off the stopcock
The stopcock is the master switch, of sorts; it can turn your property’s water supply on or off as necessary. If there’s a drainage issue, seek out the stopcock and turn the water off. The stopcock is usually found under the kitchen sink – turn it clockwise to turn off your water supply. By shutting off the water, you’re preventing the problem from worsening and buying time until the professionals arrive.
Things to keep away from your drains
Flushing items down the toilet or pouring things down the plughole is convenient, but certain items can block your drains and cause serious problems. To help minimise the risk of drain blockages and damage to your pipes, avoid putting troublesome items down your drains, including:
- Cooking fats and oils
- Chunks of food
- Sanitary products
- Baby wipes (even ‘flushable’ ones)
- Cotton buds
- Coffee grounds
For a longer list, click here to read our piece on keeping drains clean.
Call your water company
If there’s a severe issue with your drains, contact your water provider, either by phone, email or social media to check if there’s a burst pipe in your local area. They’ll be able to update you on the problem and let you know how long it’ll be before it’s resolved.
Stock up on bottled water
If there is a widespread drainage issue and you’re likely to be without water for a day or longer, then you’re going to need reserve supplies. Pick up a multipack of water bottles from your local shop – if you don’t feel comfortable going out, ask a friend, relative or neighbour if they can get some for you. Make sure you get enough for everyone in the house to consume a sufficient amount of water per day.
Have an evacuation plan
In the most severe of cases – when your property is flooding, for example – you’ll need to evacuate quickly. It’s important you have a procedure in place and that you’re properly prepared. Fresh clothes, food, water, medication and other supplies are necessities, and it’s also crucial that you shut off your gas, water and electricity before leaving your property.
In the event of a drainage problem, whether it’s minor or major, domestic or commercial, you can trust 1st Call Drain Clearance to assist you. We’re working 24/7 during the COVID-19 pandemic so that we can offer our expert services whilst adhering to all social distancing guidelines and health and safety rules. Our staff are fully temperature and symptom checked every day and they use full PPE on each and every job; please click here to read our COVID-19 policy.
For more information about our contact-free, COVID-safe drainage services in London, Harrow and Ealing, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.