3-Step Guide to Plumbing Services Consultation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Plumbing problems are still on the rise amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Plumbing needs did not stop as the virus kept lurking.  Plumbing services considered in-home repairs during COVID-19, are considered essential.  Hence, plumbers have been working throughout the pandemic.

If you require one, what is the best way to contact a plumber to get the work done to prevent more serious and costly plumbing?  Here’s how to hire a plumber during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Look for Online Reviews and Pertinent Information

Use online platforms like and similar sites to read reviews of plumbing companies.  You will know how the team regards their customers and how they handle plumbing work.

Look especially for reviews that have been recently posted or that have been posted during the pandemic.  See how customers respond to these questions in their reviews.

• Do they include precautions to avoid spreading the coronavirus?
• Do they have excellent customer relations?
• Have customers appreciated how the plumbing company follows health protocols to keep their clients safe?
• Do their plumbers follow the company policies in relation to doing plumbing work during the pandemic?

You can trust a plumbing company that has a social media page to inform its clients about safety during the pandemic while offering plumbing services. Check if the plumbing company is following protocols as mandated by the U.S Department of Labor for in-home repairs during COVID-19.

In-home repair services are required to follow mandatory safety and health standards that are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthy workplace amidst the pandemic.

This is called the Occupational Safety and Health Act, updated and called “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace”.

2. Consider Online Consultation

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid rise in the use of remote consultations as a safe method to access the services of plumbers and other essential routine industries.

It is a cost-effective and safer way to enable access to needed services when protocols would limit in-house services.

Plumbing companies have reported a huge uptick in calls during the pandemic when homeowners were required to stay at home. The main issues reported include:

• Clogged drains due to sanitary wipes, baby wipes, and extra-thick toilet paper are flushed down drains.
• Freezing and burst pipes.
• Clogged kitchen drains due to oil and grease build-up.

In particular, homeowners who work at home are more aware of drainage problems already.  The best advice is still to call the experts when you encounter plumbing issues.

Plumbing companies such as Tom’s Plumber are aware of how to use technology to connect with their clients regularly.  Hence, they would usually accept online consultations before they do in-house plumbing services.

During the teleconsult with your plumber, you can ask questions about these important items:

• Have there been team members who have recently been exposed to COVID-19?
• What are the safety measures that your plumbers undertake during their plumbing services?
• What are the sanitation procedures that you do for the tools and equipment that you use for in-house plumbing services?
• Do you require your plumbing team to wear protective equipment when they do in-house plumbing?
• Do you allow your plumbers to carry out emergency plumbing services even if the household is under quarantine?
• How much will in-house plumbing services cost during the pandemic?  Are there additional charges for protective equipment used by the plumbers?

3. Setting up an Online Consultation or Appointment

It is relatively simple to set up an online consultation or appointment for plumbing services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you don’t have a plumber, and you have yet to look for one, use the online platforms where businesses are listed that were mentioned earlier.

You can check their website or their business listing for their phone number. Give the plumbing a call and request a teleconsult or online consultation.

You may talk about your plumbing issues over the phone or, if needed, you can set up a video call, so the plumber can see what has gone wrong.

There are options once the problem has been diagnosed.  If you prefer that you do the repair, and you have the necessary tools, you can ask for instructions on how to carry on with the job.

If the issue is beyond your capability, knowledge, or skill, you can set an appointment for in-home repairs during COVID-19, with precautionary measures.

• Prepare the Work Area

Before the plumber arrives at your home or establishment, prepare the work area. Make sure that there is easy access to the work area to avoid unnecessary contact with other items and surfaces in your home.

Prepare hand soap and other disinfecting materials that you use at home.  You can also offer a disposable plastic, sheet, of paper where the plumber can place his tools.

•  Keep Your Distance

In addition to following safety protocols, keep your distance even when the plumber is using protective gear.  A safe distance would be at least 6 feet behind the plumber. Other members of the household should stay in a separate room from the work area during the plumbing service.

•  Pay Online

Many businesses offer online payment to avoid handling bills, which can be a medium for infection. Virtual payments through bank transfer, credit or debit cards, and other online payment methods are the safest ways to make a payment during this pandemic.

• Disinfect the Area

When the plumbing service is done, conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the work area, including surfaces and areas where the plumber has been. The recommended area to clean for the safety of the household is 6 feet around the work area and the plumber’s path.

Work With a Dependable Plumbing Contractor

When considering plumbing services during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to consider additional safety precautions.  Make sure that your plumbing contractor adheres to the updated guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Act that promote the safety and health of the plumber and the workplace.

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Tom’s Plumbing and Drain Service, LLC is a family-owned, full-service company offering plumbing repairs in the New Orleans, Louisiana area. With 20 years of experience, our professional and certified plumbers can handle all of your sewer line service needs. If you have a plumbing question or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today!