As COVID-19 cases continue to climb, it's clear this virus isn't going away any time soon. Social distancing, and avoiding contact with people outside your household, is essential, to keep yourself safe. But what if you have a plumbing problem? As essential services, plumbers have been operating throughout the pandemic. By having one come to your house, are you increasing your risk of infection? Will you have to choose between getting the repairs you need and remaining healthy? Not if you follow these guidelines.

Make Sure Your Plumber Is Taking Precautions

When you talk to your plumber, ask what steps they're taking to avoid spreading infection as they go from house to house. Important precautions include keeping disinfecting hand soap and water with them at all times and washing their hands thoroughly before entering any new building.

Once inside, they should practice social distancing, staying at least six feet away from all household members. To facilitate social distancing, make sure all booking procedures can be done online, so that you don't have to sign any forms physically.

Finally, ask about the company's illness policy for its workers. Make sure plumbers are required to stay home if they're feeling ill, and to report any symptoms to management, so that testing can be arranged.

Check License and Insurance

This is something you should do anyway when vetting a new plumber, even if there's not a virus raging outside. And now, it's more important than ever. Don't settle for a friend of a friend who's good with a wrench and can do a quick and dirty repair for cheap. Find a reputable plumber who's licensed and insured.

There are two reasons for this. First, a licensed and insured plumber will be more likely to have adopted the precautions listed above as company policy. Second, that less reputable plumber might give you a quick fix, but it likely won't last as long. Then, when your pipes break again in a few weeks, you'll have to take the risk of having a plumber in your house all over again. A licensed, insured plumber is more likely to get it right the first time, minimizing the need for further contact.

Read Reviews

This is another step you should follow regardless of the virus. Go to Yelp, Angie's List, and similar sites to see what customers have to say about a plumber, before hiring them. Specifically look for reviews left since March, and see if they mention precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19. Are the individual plumbers following their company's policies? Do customers feel safe inviting them into their homes?

Don't Wait for a Costly Plumbing Emergency

Despite all precautions, you might still be reluctant to call a plumber right now. You might decide you can live with a small problem, like a leaky faucet, and avoid calling the plumber altogether. Don't do this. If left unchecked, those small problems can quickly turn into big, expensive problems. By calling the plumber now, rather than later, you'll save yourself a lot of money and a lot of hassle.

It's understandable that you're nervous about calling a plumber during these dangerous and uncertain times. But David Gray Plumbing takes all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection in any home we enter. We're committed to keeping both our customers and our employees safe during this time, while still providing top quality service.

To learn more about all the services we offer, including the precautions we're taking during the COVID-10 pandemic, give David Gray Plumbing a call at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online today.