Our new normal these days includes spending most of our time at home and running our home appliances and plumbing a little more than usual.
Home projects are growing, and that leaky faucet, "weird" noise, or "funny" smell might be getting to you at this point. It makes sense that the need for help to fix any issues we run into is needed more than ever.
As restrictions start lifting Bonney Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air, continues to serve and do business as usual.
"We are an essential business," says Sam Blakley General Manager of Plumbing at Bonney. "We have continued to serve our community with their home service needs."
Since the implementation of the shelter-in-place order and social distancing guidelines, Bonney's service technicians have been safely responding to calls by continuing their standard protocol of wearing masks and gloves when entering a home – in addition to sanitizing before and after each visit.
Many weeks into the new normal, parents have adjusted to working from home, children are learning through google classroom or other apps, and visiting a doctor is now done more often through telemedicine. Bonney is also using technology to provide an added service and an extra outlet of protection to customers who prefer the "virtual" option.
"The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way many professions do their jobs, but this added service is more of a convenience and peace of mind for our customers and the community," adds Blakley.
The virtual plumbing process starts by having a quick call with a customer service representative who discusses the plumbing concern and determines if the issue is a virtual diagnosis qualifier. Bonney is using Google Duo as their medium to keep calls secure and recorded for quality control and training purposes.
The virtual calls are helping customers learn whether their plumbing issue is a real problem or a quick do it yourself fix. Should the customer have the tools necessary to solve the issue, and the certified technician deems the item as a simple fix – customers have the option to be coached through the process. If the matter cannot be repaired virtually, the technician then schedules an in-person visit to complete the service.
"We have received a great amount of feedback about our innovative approach to servicing plumbing needs," says Blakley. "We know this is convenient for our customers, so we will continue to offer virtual calls even after the shelter-in-place orders expire."
Bonney offers virtual diagnostics for issues with garbage disposals, minor toilet problems, leaks, shower drips, faucet problems, and much more.
"If people have plumbing emergencies like water heater leaks, burst pipes, and sewer backups and they don't fall in the self-repair category, we can still guide our customers virtually on how to shut down their water and help stop any damage to their home, all virtually," says Blakley.
In the past, many have gone straight to a DIY video, but having a certified technician guide you through the process visually, can be reassuring and so much better! Plus, I'm sure you will get a virtual high five when it's complete!
Bonney is available online at Bonney.com. For any virtual plumbing diagnosis needs, call 916-444-0551.
