Can You Catch the Coronavirus Through Your Bathroom Plumbing?
More than three million people have been affected by the novel coronavirus worldwide, and while there are some people who appear to be asymptomatic, no one is completely immune to the effects. Even people who don’t show symptoms can be carriers.
To make matters worse, there is very limited information available about the virus, and scientists and medical experts are only just starting to learn more about it.
A recent cause of concern is whether COVID-19 may be present in fecal matter, spreading through inefficient bathroom plumbing. Here’s what you need to know:
Germs Can Easily Travel Through The U-bend
Most of the fixtures installed in bathrooms, including bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and floor drains feature a curved U-shape. This design feature is intentional and is aimed at maintaining certain water levels. It acts as a ‘plug’ and keeps odors from spreading through your house.
The problem is that the water inside the U-bend can get contaminated after your bathroom is used by a person carrying the virus, which can, in turn, infect anyone else who goes in after.
Germs Can Move Around Through Ventilation Systems
We’ve all come across times when our ventilation systems have been blocked by debris or leaves, but this can be particularly dangerous during situations like this, because the accumulated pressure can tamper with the drainage system.
This could lead to sewer gases getting trapped inside the building and releasing contaminants into your bathroom, making it dangerous for you to use it. This could happen if the vent pipe can no longer maintain equal pressures on either side of the trap, leading to insufficient amounts of water inside the trap.
The Toilet Plume Can Also Contribute To The Spread Of The Virus
The toilet flush spreads germs to the toilet bowl, which is a cause for concern if someone is sick in the house. It can even spread the pathogens to other surfaces in the bathroom, for example, the sink, floor, and even toiletry essentials like your toothbrush.
This means that touching surfaces in your bathroom—even the towels to wipe off freshly washed hands—could be dangerous.
What To Do About It
Inefficient bathroom plumbing can be dangerous. But that doesn’t mean nothing can be done about it. Just avoid DIY plumbing at all costs and get a professional plumber to cater to your issues, making sure your home’s plumbing system is up-to-date and that there are no leaks or cracks in the pipework.
If you’re looking for a plumber in the Fort Worth region, TX, call our team at Pro Serve Plumbing. Specializing in plumbing leak repairs and gas system installation services, we’ll make sure that COVID-19 particles spreading through your bathroom are the least of your worries.
Here’s a detailed look at our services. For more information, feel free to reach out to us.
