Force 1 Restoration Services - Force 1 shares how WFH during COVID-19 is affecting a house's plumbing system

How WFH during COVID-19 is putting strain on the plumbing system and increasing the risk of water damage

South Windsor, United States - December 1, 2021 / Force 1 Restoration Services /

The increasing strain on plumbing systems during COVID-19

As the work dynamics morph into hybrid models during COVID-19, more and more people are staying home for longer than ever before. This has increased the amount of strain on the water lines and plumbing systems at homes. Force 1 Restoration shares the signs of plumbing leaks that homeowners must watch out for.

Importantly, homeowners must realize that they are:

Using the toilets more often.
Washing dishes more often.
Taking more showers.
Washing hands more frequently.
Undertaking more home improvement projects.

This doesn't necessarily mean that every homeowner will struggle with plumbing issues during the pandemic but it does require homeowners to be aware and be on the lookout for any sign of stresses on the plumbing.

Toilets

On average, one person will flush the toilet six to eight times a day but this number can increase to ten to twelve times when more liquids such as coffee or certain medications are consumed. This means that up to sixteen gallons of water is flushed daily and for a family of four this compounds to sixty to eighty gallons per day. Moreover, people often flush twice and end up using more water. That is a lot of pressure on the toilet structure and pipes.

What can homeowners do?

Watch out for water puddles around the toilet that indicate that the tank may be leaking.
Listen for the continuous flow of water into the tank. Smaller tanks don't take long to fill.
Prevent clogs by flushing only toilet paper. All other materials such as wipes and facial tissue do not break down easily and can clog the plumbing. The consequent sewage backup can be disastrous.
Sewage is highly unsanitary and must be handled by professionals with the requisite equipment, protective gear, and cleaning solutions for a safe and efficient restoration.

Faucets

A leaky faucet or sink connection, even at the rate of one drop per second, can waste as much as one gallon per day. Once the water leaks under the cabinet or onto the floor, the water damage potential multiplies.

With the advent of coronavirus, the frequency and duration of handwashing as recommended by medical experts rose to around ten times per day. This number can easily be doubled considering the chores that require handwashing. A family of four can be estimated to wash their hands about eighty times a day, which would utilize eighty gallons per day on average!

What can homeowners do?

Conserve water and prevent water damage by keeping the faucets turned off tightly.
Look out for any leaks and immediately repair them.
Keep a look out for a moldy smell in the bathroom or under the kitchen sink. This unpleasant odor indicates the presence of mold and a definite leak that is providing the ideal environment for it.

Sewer Lines and Drains

As more people spend more time at home for long hours, the chances of the sewer lines and drains becoming strained increases. The potential for sewer spills and water damage rises. As children spend more time at home, there are higher incidents of toys being plunged into the swirling flush and drains getting clogged. The frequent trips to the bathrooms and clogged toilets are leading to more incidents of backups. This pressure from backups in the home plumbing can lead to a large-scale sewage spill in walls, ceilings, the basement, or the crawl space.

What can homeowners do?

Educate the family members on the importance of correct disposal.
Children must be explained why throwing a toy or any object in the toilet is a bad idea.
In case a sewer line or drain line clogs, call a professional water damage restoration company for immediate repair to prevent pipes from cracking and joints from separating.

Hot Water Tanks

Water heaters are working overtime for all family members at home, all the time. This 24/7 usage can shorten its lifespan and lead to massive water damage. As most water heaters are often located out of sight, it is easy to miss inspecting their condition. Homeowners must realize that these hot water tanks are supplying water for dishwashers, washing machines, and showers that are being used more than ever. Leaks from water heaters often go unnoticed until the problem is advanced.

What can homeowners do?

Watch out for a consistent “out of hot water” situation as it indicates the appliance needs replacement.
Look for stains on the ceilings and walls from a leak in the attic or upstairs water heater.
If the appliance is old, replace it with a newer, more efficient model that can cope up with the increased usage. A new water heater will prove to be more economical than a massive water damage restoration project.

Why Force 1 Restoration Services?

The professionals at Force 1 Restoration Services can quickly arrive at the damaged residence with the personnel, equipment, and training to begin the water removal, drying, and restoration process. The team of professionals can handle the claims process and total restoration project from beginning to end for its clients.