Plumbing is a prime element in every home and office. Without functional plumbing, you cannot survive even a day. Even a minor issue, such as blocked toilets in Geelong, can disrupt your day. It gets way worse when your plumbing becomes a health and safety hazard.
A healthy plumbing system is essential for your well-being, and it is your responsibility, as the homeowner, to ensure everything is up to the snuff. Plumbing safety is what you must study as part of this.
So, here’s a guide to plumbing safety at home, and you will be greatly satisfied with these measures implemented.
1. Wear Protective Equipment
It is less common for plumbers to wear protective equipment, but it is absolutely essential in some situations. When working on high-risk repairs, it is important to wear proper protective equipment.
Some essentials could be as follows.
- Face masks
- Eye protection
- Hand protection
Each of these protective gear is important in different situations. For example, plumbers need eye protection while using drills and hammers. Sometimes, it can be risky to even look up while working under a sink.
In the same way, wearing protective gloves could be incredibly helpful when working with chemicals and electrical circuits. And face masks protect your lungs from inhaling dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
2. Caution with Power Tools
As the name implies, power tools are powerful and sometimes, a slip-up can be extremely dangerous. Hence, it is best to leave such work to professionals as they are more adept with these tools.
If you are using these power tools, make sure to read and understand the instruction manual before beginning the work. Use necessary protective gear as the manual suggests. For example, using a heat shield or eye protection while working with a soldering torch is helpful.
3. Cut the Main Water Supply
Your first step before starting any plumbing work is turning off the main water supply. This valve controls the water supply to your entire home, so shutting it off will prevent any water from flowing while you work on your plumbing system.
The main water valve is usually near the water meter, typically in the basement or crawl space. Turn it off even for small repairs or maintenance tasks, as water can quickly flood your home if a pipe bursts or is accidentally damaged.
Once your plumbing work is complete, you can turn the valve back on and check for any leaks before using your plumbing system again. If you cannot identify the location of your main water valve, get a licensed plumber to help you locate it.
4. Turn Off the Electricity
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and they can be deadly if they come into contact. So, before starting any plumbing work, it is essential to turn off the electricity to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Shut off the power at the breaker box or the main electrical panel in the area you will be working on. Wear protective gear like rubber-soled shoes, gloves, and eye protection.
If you are unsure how to turn off the electricity, it is best to call a licensed electrician or plumber to do the job. Always take necessary precautions to ensure your, and your family’s safety.
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Installing proper ventilation is crucial for plumbing safety at home as it helps prevent mould and mildew growth. Mould and mildew thrive in warm and damp environments, which are common in areas around plumbing fixtures.
These fungi can cause serious health problems, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma. Thus, proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens can help prevent mould and mildew growth by keeping the air dry and circulating.
Some helpful suggestions are:
- Installing exhaust fans
- Regularly cleaning and inspecting vents and fans
- Opening windows during and after showers and cooking (helps reduce the moisture levels in the air)
These basic steps can keep your home safe and free from dangerous mould and mildew growth.
6. Risk of Slips and Falls
Plumbing jobs often necessitate working at heights, which can cause slips and falls, leading to injuries. For example, roof plumbing or gutter installations require climbing up a ladder, and there is always a risk of falling.
If a professional is at the job, you have less to worry about as they take necessary precautions. However, working by yourself can be worrisome. To mitigate this risk of falling from heights, you could take the following steps:
- Using a sturdy ladder
- Utilising fall protection devices such as scaffolding
- Having a work positioning system, such as rope access
- Employing a fall prevention system such as a safety net or harness
7. Extreme Temperature Injuries
Extreme temperatures can pose a serious risk to plumbing safety. During cold weather, pipes can freeze and burst, causing water damage and potential flooding. Thus, insulating pipes and ensuring they have the proper temperature is important to prevent freezing.
On the other hand, exposure to hot water can lead to scalding injuries. In order to prevent this, you need to set your water heater’s temperature to no higher than 120°F. Installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads also greatly helps.
Besides, when working on the plumbing in extreme temperatures, dress appropriately and take frequent breaks to avoid heat exhaustion or hypothermia. The only way to prevent injuries is by being cautious and taking necessary precautions.
8. Hire a Licenced and Insured Plumber
Finally, hiring a licenced and insured plumber for complex issues ensures plumbing safety like no other. Complex plumbing issues such as major leaks, pipe bursts, or sewer backups require the expertise of a professional plumber. Attempting to fix these issues on your own can result in further damage or injury.
By hiring a licensed and insured plumber, you can ensure that the work is safe and effective. A legit licence proves that the expert has undergone rigorous training to ensure their expertise and knowledge, while insurance provides financial protection in case of accidents or damages.
So, always research and choose a reputable plumber to ensure a safe and successful plumbing repair.
Final Say
Without a doubt, plumbing is a job with many angles. It could be gas installation, pipe repair, sewage system repair or blocked toilets in Geelong. Whatever your problem may be, you must always ensure proper plumbing safety — especially if you are on the job yourself.
However, the best is still hiring a professional. They know what’s best and what’s not, and one can’t argue with that. Your Local Plumbing is an excellent plumbing partner to consider for your home.
YLP has experts in all areas of plumbing, and they offer 24X7 emergency service. So, keep their contact information handy in case you need it.
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