Sunday, December 2, 2018

Do’s and Don’ts When Working With Your Plumbing System

Florence-plumbing-300x200.jpgBefore you do any DIY plumbing repair or project, you need to know some basic safety precautions. These include legal requirements for plumbing installations and general tool safety tips. And because plumbing work involves dealing with pipes, you also need to know what is in the pipe. Is it sewage? Or pressurized water? And the possible consequences of those actions. Do Plumbing the safe and smart way begins with thinking about what you need to do next. Take some time to consider what is in the pipe or if turning off the water first can make a difference between finishing simple plumbing project to causing a costly plumbing disaster. Think before you open the drain – before you remove a cleanout or separate drain parts, ask yourself first if it is possible that the contents of the pipe is going to drain in your direction. Drains are not usually under pressure however a clog in a drain can create significant pressure because of gravity and the weight causing the clog. Several plumbers have their own horror stories to share about opening a cleanout in a basement and triggering a firehouse effect of gushing sewage. Shut Off The Water – In case there is a possibility that your work will involve a water supply, turn off the water just to be safe. In some cases, what might appear as a decorative knob or cap actually suppresses pressurized water. You do not want to have to look for it in a panic. Be Informed – Check all necessary local building as well as Florence plumbing codes before you begin any significant plumbing project. You should know what you can do on your own and what type of work requires a professional. Obtain a permit if it is needed for your plumbing project. Protect Your Eyes – you have to wear safety glasses if you are doing plumbing work. There are some tasks like using a reciprocating saw or a drill, hammering, working under the sink while looking up, and even snaking a drain can damage your eyes. You also have to be aware of the possibility of contaminants like drain gunk or sewage splashing into your eyes. Protect Your Hands – Don’t forget to protect your hands by wearing work gloves. Your hands will be coming in contact with various kinds of chemicals and materials when taking on plumbing projects, and by using gloves, you will be able to prevent injuries. When utilizing a drain machine of any type, it is recommended to wear latex gloves underneath the leather gloves so you will have protection against the germs that are commonly found in drain lines. Protect Your Lungs – you should always use a face mask when needed to protect your lungs. If your project involves sanding or sawing, you have to take extra precautionary measures by using disposable face mask so you won’t inhale dust particles. Practice Tool Safety – always exercise caution when you are using power tools, and be sure to follow the instructional manual provided by the manufacturer. When you drill large holes for pipes using a powerful ½ inch drill, you need to take extra precautions because this is a common hazard for plumbing work. You need to make sure that the cutter or drill bit won’t bind while you are using it. In case the bit stops, the drill will continue working. Additionally, be extra careful when soldering or utilizing any heat on pipes, particularly on the wall or close to any insulation. Utilize a heat shield to safeguard surrounding combustible materials whenever you are working with a soldering torch. Read labels – you should read instructions and labels all the time especially when working with machines or chemicals. Stick to the recommendations at all times. Be sure to check the warning labels on the equipment and products that you will use. You should also know what you have to do in case an emergency happens. Don’ts Plumbing may seem simple but it is actually very complicated. So the general rule of thumb is to never rush into thins. Consider every phase of your plumbing project and be sure that the plan works before you begin tearing into your pipes or removing the fixtures. Ignore code requirements – building and plumbing codes are set in place for your protection, everybody in your household, as well as the general public, so they must never be ignored. For instance, leaving out a basic vacuum breaker, which is a common code requirement, in a water supply line could most likely result in the contamination of the public drinking water. Ignore the odor of gas – if you suspect a possible gas leak or smell natural gas, stop whatever it is that you are doing immediately. In case it is safe to do so, switch off the gas, and contact your gas company right away. Never try to find the gas leak on your own. Cut blindly – before you drill or cut anything into a ceiling, wall, or floor cavity, you should know what is behind the surface. Cavities usually conceal electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, as well as ductwork, and several other things that you wouldn’t want to drill into. Use tools and equipment incorrectly – you should use equipment and tools for their intended purpose only. Incorrectly using them can lead to injury or damage to the tool or equipment. Those that are poorly maintained can also pose a safety hazard. Be sure to check all your things to make sure that they are all in good condition before using them.

Call Plumbing Experts Florence if you need the assistance of an expert residential plumber.

Plumbing Experts Florence Florence, SC 29501 843-536-4568 www.plumbingprosflorence.com/

http://plumbingprosflorence.com/dos-donts-working-plumbing-system/

No comments:

Post a Comment