Top 9 Plumbing Safety Tips

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Author: Kat Pettit

Most of the time, you want to fix things that don't work yourself. But, have you fully considered that fixing these things is perfectly safe? Here is some advice on how to make sure you are fully safe, when you cannot turn to professional help and try to do things yourself. If you follow some basic safety rules and resort to your common sense, you can deal with the home plumbing projects quite easily. Also, remember, when in doubt, call in a pro!

1. Don't get electrocuted If you want to make a plumbing repair near an electrical source, you need to turn off the power near that source. Remember that water and electricity 'mix' themselves together very well so you can get into trouble quite easily.

2. Have the emergency numbers at hand It is highly advisable that you should have emergency numbers at hand. These numbers should include phone numbers for fire, medical emergency, police, utilities, etc.

3. Calm down Even if you face a bursting pipe and water is leaking everywhere, you need to keep your head on your shoulders and shut off the water as soon as possible in order reduce further damage. Remember, keeping calm will help you make the best decision and act quickly and wisely.

4. Practice In case of emergency, you should be ready. It shouldn't be your first time using a plunger or an auger. You shouldn't use these tools for the first time when you are under pressure.

5. Protect your eyes Wear eye protection! Safety glasses are an absolute necessity when you are cutting, soldering or working over your head. Safety goggles particularly will provide the adequate protection for your eyes for most jobs.

6. Protect your years Just because you're doing a cut or two with the power saw does not mean that you are not going to need hearing protection. Protecting your ears is even more important when you are doing more noisy stuff like hammering or heavy-duty pounding. Continuous loud noise can damage your ears more than you think.

7. Protect your hands The types of gloves that you may need depends on the type of job that you are doing; if you are working with chemicals, some rough rubber gloves will be needed. If you are doing some soldering, some heavy-duty leather gloves will protect you from accidental drip of hot water. Wearing long pants and long sleeves for waste water protection containing chemicals and bacteria will also protect you from any unwanted accidents. Remember, doing the laundry afterwards is important as well.

8. Protect your Lungs When working around chemical fumes, wearing a respirator 'might' be a good idea.

9. Use the right tools One of the first lessons that you have to learn in diy projects is using the rights tools for the jobs that you are doing. A screwdriver is not a chisel, while the wrench is not a hammer. Using wrong tools for the wrong job not only will make jobs more difficult, but they will also do more damage to what you are working on. Also, not only the repair is going to take longer, but you also risk of losing money in the long run.

Safety should always be your top priority. A work area that is clear of materials and tools that you do not use. Hazards can be prevented this way. In spite of being willing to repair things, you should note that your health and your life should be your priority.