Plumbing often is relatively simple, especially if all you need to do is tighten a fixture or apply a little plumbing putty. Even so, plumbing sometimes brings with it a few hazards that need to be avoided. American Leak Detection is a plumbing and leak detection company with over 30 years of service and millions of satisfied customers. The owner of the Tampa, Florida, branch of the company, Steven Nagel, personally has 10 years experience in the plumbing field. He says there are a few ways that homeowners and other professional plumbers and leak specialists can use to stay safe.
Control and prepare for wet surfaces. Nagel recommends that homeowners and those in the plumbing industry first prepare themselves for the wet surfaces that almost always are encountered during plumbing. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a good pair of waterproof shoes or boots you can use while on the job. Comfortable footwear with rubber soles that have good traction greatly reduces the risk that you will slip on any water that ends up on the floor. In the rare instance that a plumbing problem coincides with an electrical short, rubber-soled footwear also reduces the odds of electrocution.
Know how to shut off the water in your home. Although plumbing gets water on the floor in most cases, Nagel says you can reduce a cleanup headache by knowing how to turn off the water in your home. There are two ways to do this. First, shut the valve that is closest to the source of the leak by turning it clockwise by hand or with pliers. (For toilets and faucets, the valves typically are right underneath the fixture and are usually chrome or plastic.) If the plumbing problem involves multiple fixtures, then it is better to turn off the water to the entire home. The main shutoff valve usually is located where the cold water pipe enters the house and may have a red handle.
Equip yourself with some basic protective gear. Since plumbers often use tools that may be sharp (such as a hacksaw) or which contain chemical agents, another tip that Nagel gives is to wear gloves and safety goggles. The gloves should be a good fit so that you still can grip pipe and tools well. Goggles should be able to go over glasses if you wear them but shouldn’t be so tight that they press into your skin. These items will prevent cuts, and irritated skin and eyes. A face mask also is a good idea since it will keep you from inhaling residues, dust, and chemical fumes.
Do what you can to avoid physical stress. Nagel says that plumbing can cause injuries if a person doesn’t realize how their body works and its limitations. Nagel says that you never should lift extremely heavy tools or parts by yourself—always get a buddy to help you and lift using your legs to prevent back injury. Try not to twist into awkward positions, and stretch often to avoid cramping if you have to keep bending over. Never work through pain.
Be aware of wiring and electrical components near your piping project or leak. Some plumbing projects require that you go through flooring or a wall in order to get to a leaking pipe. Unfortunately, pipes aren’t the only thing that goes through walls and floors—electrical wires also do. If you see that electrical wiring is close to the pipes on which you need to work and aren’t absolutely positive of how to turn off the electricity to your home, do NOT attempt to finish the job yourself. Call in professional plumbers like those at American Leak Detection who are more familiar with how to handle the situation, or call in an experienced electrician to show you how to stay safe while you work. Always swallow your pride when it comes to electricity and plumbing safety.
