For those that follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you’ve likely seen that each and every day in the life of a plumber can look a little bit different. One day you may be installing a faucet and then the next day, there’s an excavator on-site to replace a sewer line. You never know what type of plumbing problem may arise on any given day. Given this wide range of potential jobs, it’s critical that all of our plumbers are well aware of the proper safety precautions required. Some of these are designed to protect the technician actually doing the work, while others are there to protect the homeowner’s property. Nonetheless, SAFETY is always an important term to keep in mind for any home services or construction project.
Knowing safety is such a critical element, there’s also no denying that it can be key for DIY projects as well. If you have a small plumbing repair that you’re planning on knocking out over a weekend, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Having said all of that, this week’s blog is going to dive deeper into plumbing safety. We’ll touch on some safety precautions that directly impact us as a plumbing contractor, as well as any homeowner that’s looking to embark on DIY projects.
Before Getting Started, Make Sure You Know a Trusted Professional
For any DIY plumbing project, it’s important to have a back-up plan ready to go (unless you already have prior plumbing experience). Even though you may feel fully prepared for the project at hand, you never know when something out of the ordinary might happen. Or in more serious cases, it’s tough to predict when an emergency might pop up and require immediate attention. After all, one of the most notable skills you’ll notice in an experienced plumber is their ability to troubleshoot when things aren’t as cut and dry as you may expect.
Which professionals should you keep in mind?
- You’ll want a licensed plumber in case things get a little out of hand and you realize it’s time to delegate this project to a pro.
- You’ll want to know the number for the gas company. Gas leaks are nothing to mess around with and can pose serious risks. If you happen to find yourself in this scenario, make sure you know how to react.
- You could potentially need the water company and electric company ready to go as well, depending on what the project entails.
Nonetheless, knowing who to call when an emergency occurs is worthwhile knowledge!
Right Tools and Equipment
As you could likely guess, having the right equipment on-hand can make any job much more effective and efficient. However, when it comes to plumbing, having the right tools also leads to a “safer” job. Furthermore, it’s one thing to stock up the right equipment from Home Depot, but don’t forget that you also have to know how to actually use the tools. If this is one of your first DIY projects around the house, make sure you’re aware of the proper operating procedures, particularly with any power tools.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply First
This one is likely second nature for any experienced plumber, but it can’t be understated for someone taking on a DIY project. Even if you’re just replacing a kitchen faucet, you’re going to want to make sure you shut off the water supply before doing anything. Failure to do so will almost always result in a potential plumbing emergency. In the end, there’s not much more that needs to be said about this point, but just make sure it’s a safety step you take care of!
Working Higher Up
This next tip is likely only going to be applicable for plumbing companies, rather than DIYers. As I mentioned at the very beginning of this blog post, our social media channels are perfect examples of the wide range of projects that plumbing professionals can be faced with. This is particularly true for plumbers that work on both residential and commercial projects.
In terms of commercial projects, you’ll notice there are plenty of instances where plumbers may have to run piping higher up or even get on the rooftop for various tasks. No matter what the task may be, whenever using a lift to complete these projects or climbing up ladders, it’s critical to follow the proper safety protocols. Unsurprisingly, failure to do so could easily lead to some serious injuries. Whether that be hard hats, safety harnesses or anything else, it’s always best to make sure you’re protected.
Personal Protection
As we’ve already mentioned, every plumbing project is unique. While we discussed how this directly applies to the tools and equipment you’ll be using, the same can be said about personal protective equipment.
- There are going to be some jobs where you’ll need to wear protective eyewear. For example, say you’re taking out an old piece of cast iron pipe. In doing so, it’s not uncommon for pieces of the pipe to shoot out and you’ll want to make sure that doesn’t cause any damage to you personally.
- Beware of mold. As you likely know, mold can pose a number of different health risks, especially for those struggling with asthma or allergies. If you’re working in a mold-infected area, make sure you have a quality mask on to keep you protected.
- Always wear gloves. If you take a look through our Facebook page, you’ll notice gloves are a must-have in the life of a plumber. Before you get started, make sure you have a solid pair of construction gloves on-site.
Know Your Local Codes
Next on our list involves making sure you’ve done adequate research prior to getting started. Keep in mind, if you’re just planning on replacing the flapper on your toilet or something rather small, you can likely ignore this point. However, for those making significant changes like a bathroom remodel, you’re going to want to keep reading. There are plumbing codes and local codes that you’ll need to follow. Additionally, some projects may require you to pull a permit as well. All in all, just make sure you do your due diligence and have everything lined up correctly before starting construction!
And…Do a Little More Research
There’s a reason why the Union requires extensive training to become a journeyman plumber! No matter what the project entails, it’s critical that you have a thorough understanding of what you’re about to get started on and are prepared to handle any curveballs that may be thrown your way. With that in mind, my final tip to ensure plumbing safety is to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into from the very start. Whether that means watching tutorials on YouTube, carefully reading through installation manuals, chatting with experienced plumbing professionals or anything else, embarking on a bigger plumbing repair is not something you want to take lightly. And if you get to the point where you think you need to bring in a pro, there’s no shame in doing that either!
Need an Experienced Plumber in Kansas City?
Here at Stine-Nichols Plumbing, we truly do take pride in being a one-stop shop for all of our customers in Kansas City! With a team of experienced professionals and being a member of Plumbers Local 8, you can rest assured knowing that your project will be completed correctly and in a safe manner. No matter if it be residential, commercial or even new construction, we have you covered. To learn more and request a free quote, feel free to either fill out the form HERE or give us a call at (816) 348-3481. We look forward to hearing from you!