What to Do in a COVID-19 Outbreak
With the coronavirus and its effects becoming an everyday reality for households and businesses across the country, it may leave you wondering what to do in a drainage emergency – and especially if it occurs in a virus outbreak situation.
We rely on the drainage in our homes and workplaces on a daily basis, but we do so without really giving it a second thought. When we turn our taps, we don’t even consider something might be wrong unless the water doesn’t come out immediately.
4.6 stars
view reviewsRapid response time
We'll be with you in 60 minutes or less!
Emergency assistance 24/7
We are open 7 days a week
Fully transparent cost breakdown
Our quotations are clear and concise.
Comprehensive aftercare
If your drain blocks again within 28 days, we'll unblock it, free of charge.
Emergency Drainage in COVID Times
A blocked drain is annoying, and waiting for it to be fixed can obstruct your daily schedule, but compared to the worst-case scenarios of drain issues, a blockage is a minor problem.
When you encounter a full-scale drainage or COVID drainage emergency, it is important that you have a contingency plan in place to help you deal with it as safely and efficiently as possible.
Use a Company Who Provide Emergency Coronavirus Drain Services
Here at EDS, we work 24/7 to provide contact-free/contactless emergency drain unblocking to safeguard all our customers and employees during the covid outbreak. With stringent health and safety measures in place, you can rest assured that we will take every precaution to offer an emergency coronavirus drain unblocking and safe COVID drain clearance to ensure your drains stay healthy through these uncertain times.
These measures include minimal/no contact with customers during a visit, disposable paper suits, PPE gear, face masks worn by staff, all staff symptom/temperature checked and sanitised before visits, and putting down mats on the floor upon entry.
Call Your Water Supplier
The next thing to do if you suffer a drainage emergency is call your water supplier. If a drain pipe has burst in your local area, you will need to know what exactly has happened and how long you will be without water for.
Be prepared for a bit of a wait when you call if the issue is widespread. As well as calling, look out for their social media channels and also the local news for more information. They may provide regular updates on social media which will be easily viewable during busy times, whereas you may have to wait a while before getting through on the phone.
Turn off Your Stop Tap
You need to shut off the water in your property if there is a burst pipe on your premises, or it is discovered that your water supply is contaminated. The stop tap is usually located under the kitchen sink, on the pipes that run down from the sink itself.
Repair Small Leaks
If you notice any minor leaks that are easy to reach and you have the sufficient skill to seal them, do so. Things like small holes in piping can be fixed with specialist tape or even by tying a towel or rag around the pipe. Placing buckets under dripping leaks will help minimise further damage. Once your drainage expert arrives, make sure to inform them of all the leaks that you have repaired yourself, as this will help them with their work.
Gather an Emergency Water Supply
This should be a priority once you notice that you have a drainage emergency. As mentioned before, there could be a long wait for your water supply to be switched back on while the problem is rectified.
Each person in your household should be consuming around a gallon of water a day, so ensure that you have enough bottles of water in place to keep everyone hydrated while your water supply is out of action. Buy as much as you can to prepare for another water emergency, but take care to date the bottles – they should be kept fresh and replaced every six months.
Know Your Evacuation Procedure
In order for you to have to evacuate your property, you would need to experience a drainage emergency of the most severe variety, which is unlikely. However, in the event that you do need to evacuate, it is important that you are fully aware of your procedure and what you need to do before you leave.
Shutting off your water, gas and electricity supplies is vital; as is draining your pipes, toilet and taking your emergency water supplies with you. Keep your social distance from people wherever possible and always adhere to government advice during the corona virus situation.
Prevention of Drainage Issues During COVID Times
There are certain drainage issues that you can take precautions against. It is predicted that many are now using toilet paper alternatives during the coronavirus situation, which can actually block your drains very quickly and cause issues further down the line.
Insulating your pipes can stop them from freezing and eventually cracking in winter – sheep wool, fibreglass and many other options are available for pipe insulation – contact a drainage professional for more information and advice. You can also help prevent small problems with your drain pipes by having regular inspections and maintenance – this way, any potential issues will be spotted and rectified early, before they worsen and create a whole new set of problems.
If you encounter a drainage issue, it is important that it is resolved as quickly as possible, in order to save time, money and hassle. Whether you have a blocked pipe in your home or a leak in your commercial premises, if these issues are not dealt with efficiently then they will only get worse.
Speak to an expert today
Core Services
Find your local engineer today