Need to do Some Home Plumbing Maintenance? Read These Safety Tips

Plumbing problems can range from minor, inconvenient leaks to major issues that lead to burst pipes and water damage. As a result, home requires regular plumbing maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.

But before you get started, it’s essential to make sure you take the correct safety precautions.

Why You Need to Take Plumbing Safety Seriously

Plumbing safety is important because there is risk of injury from cutting and fitting sharp objects, something flying into your eye, or falling on you.

Not only that, but you could also cause damage to your property if you make a mistake with your plumbing maintenance. A leak can be a costly repair if handled by an untrained plumber.

Add to that the risk from lead pipes and possible asbestos, and it’s essential you consider the risks before tackling plumbing maintenance yourself.

Tips to Keep You Safe When Carrying Out DIY Plumbing Maintenance

It’s very important to always wear eye safety glasses. Wearing some safety goggles or a full face mask will protect you from debris flying around from the repairs.

It’s not only debris that can damage your eyes. A pipe could break suddenly under pressure and send water everywhere. Dirty water can cause infection if it gets into your eyes.

There’s a huge range of safety glasses available online, including those that go over prescription glasses.

Protect the Rest of Your Body — Especially Your Hands and Arms

It’s easy to underestimate the risks to your hands and arms when carrying out small plumbing jobs at home. But with a host of DIY plumbing maintenance tasks, many of which involve sharp metal edges, moving parts, water, and caustic substances, you need to take precautions.

Hands come into contact with all sorts of surfaces when fixing a sink or toilet, exposing them to germs and bacteria from the buildup of dirt. Wearing gloves protects you from injury and a range of nasty skin diseases.

Make Sure You Know Where the Shutoff Valve Is and Turn Off the Water if Necessary

Turning off the water supply is essential when working on plumbing fixtures. For example, you don’t want to apply new washers or replace a faucet if there’s pressure in the pipes; water will squirt out, and what could have been a five-minute job could become an hour-long clean-up.

When a pipe bursts, water can spew everywhere, knowing where the shutoff valve is and how to turn it off will save you a major plumbing headache.

Before You Start, Read All the Labels

Before buying any plumbing chemicals or products, read their labels carefully. The label will give instructions on using the product and precautions to follow during application. It also shows whether the product is safe for use with septic tanks and pipes.

When fitting new appliances, like washing machines, always follow the instructions given by the supplier. You don’t want to break your new machine before getting to use it!

Stop and Think Before You Open a Drain

If you try to open up a drain while something is blocking it, you could find yourself face-to-face with some unpleasant waste materials or even a swarm of bugs.

What’s more, pressure can build up behind a blockage leading to a surge when the water escapes. Always stand to the side — a shower of stinky water isn’t a pleasant experience.

For Peace of Mind, Call in the Professionals

Hiring a professional plumber can save time and money in the long run and reduce the risk of further damage. Minor plumbing repairs that seem easy on the surface may not be so simple underneath.

Plumbing Maintenance — Here’s What Not to Do

Ignore Gas Smells

Be careful when working around gas pipes and appliances. Gas leaks can have serious health risks for both you and your family. If you smell gas, ventilate the area and call the gas company immediately to report it.

Not Paying Attention to Building Codes

Don’t forget about building codes and regulations. Failing to adhere to these requirements may result in costly fines while also putting your home at greater risk of property damage or you at risk of personal injury.

Cut Blindly

Never cut blindly into a wall without knowing what’s behind it. Remember that as well as pipes and cables, there could be water tanks or radiators lurking behind the walls. The last thing you want is to drill into a wall and straight into another pipe.

Use the Wrong Tools for the Job

It can be dangerous to misuse tools or use them without the proper safety equipment. For example, if you try to use pliers instead of a pipe wrench to loosen bolts on pipes, you could end up damaging them and paying for replacements. Make sure you’re using the right tools and you know how to use them properly.

Save yourself the hassle of plumbing maintenance by calling the experts at Service Champions. Click here to schedule an appointment online.