Thursday, June 18th, 2020
Easy guidelines for plumbing safety
It may not seem like it, but plumbing can be dangerous if you aren’t careful or if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why, whether you’re about to embark on a DIY plumbing project or simply cleaning your kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to follow some guidelines for safety.
From carefully reading the labels on products to knowing how to use the tools, the simple rules below can keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Five rules for home plumbing safety
Protect your hands, eyes, and lungs. Whenever you’re doing a DIY plumbing project, make sure to wear safety glasses. These are essential when using any liquid with harsh chemicals, and whenever you’re dealing with contaminants in drains like sewage. It’s also critical to wear safety glasses when operating plumbing tools including a snake, drill, or a saw.
You’ll want to protect your hands from harsh chemicals as well by wearing a pair of gloves at all times. And if you think you’ll come in contact with germs from cleaning a drain or unclogging a pipe, it’s a good idea to wear a double layer of latex gloves or leather gloves over the latex ones.
As for your lungs, whenever you are using chemicals or working on a project that involves drilling or sawing, be sure to wear a face mask so you don’t breathe in the chemicals that are in the air.
Be familiar with the tools you’re using. Before you start your DIY project, have a good handle on how to use the tools. Using them incorrectly can result in serious injury. This is especially important when you’re using drills, saws, and any soldering equipment. Read the instruction manual carefully and, if possible, do plumbing projects with the help of an assistant.
Use caution when opening a drain. The problem with opening a drain too soon is that should any contents be under pressure, they can spew out quickly once the drain is detached and this can cause damage to you or your home. Go slow and open the drain so it’s facing away from you.
Honor all codes. Every homeowner should be up to date on Cincinnati’s building and plumbing codes before starting any DIY plumbing project. If needed, get a permit for the work you’ll be doing. If you fail to do so, you could be faced with some pretty hefty fines.
Apply caution when using household cleaners. Many cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health if used improperly. Always read the labels of household cleaners before using them and avoid mixing cleaners or using two different types at one time. Additionally, you could always use cleaners in a well-ventilated area.
At Allied-Reddi Rooter, we care about our customers. If you’ve got a plumbing issue, contact us or give us a call. We can fix the problem quickly so you stay safe. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.