So you are planning to manage all plumbing duties that arise at your home by yourself. This is not a bad idea because it will save you money if the repairs are not huge. But while you conduct the tasks, you need to ensure safety and take necessary precautions. This will help you in avoiding injuries and completing all the projects successfully. Here are some of the basic things which you should keep in mind.
Acquire all information
There are local plumbing codes and building regulations in every area. Before you start any project, you should go through these and ascertain that you will be able to do the involved work by yourself. Figure out the difficulty levels right now and decide if you should hire the pros or stick with DIY.
One more thing to note: in some cases, you may also require a permit; be sure to get this beforehand from the concerned authorities.
Wear protective eyewear and gloves
Wear glasses before you start with any plumbing tasks. Apparently, you may find no need to do so but the simplest of tasks expose your eyes to risk. Hammering, snaking a drain or using any equipment all exhibit safety hazards and you must protect your eyes. There are instances when a small object may fall down or fly into your eye, but glasses will prevent injuries and keep you safe.
Same is the case with your hands. You should wear gloves so that you can keep them safe. While working, your hands will come in contact with different chemicals and materials, and gloves will keep them safe. If you are using a drain machine, you should wear latex gloves and then wear leather gloves over them so that you can protect your hand from the germs, which are present in drains.
Wear a face mask
A face mask protects your lungs from dust particles if you are sanding or sawing. Wearing one will prevent them from entering into your body and your health will not suffer.
Go through the owner’s manual
Plumbing equipment always comes with an owner’s manual, containing detailed information about usage, safety and warnings. Thoroughly go through these documents and only then start using them, if you have any doubts, you should take help rather than proceeding with the task.
Should you use any equipment in an improper manner, you will just end up hurting yourself.
Read the labels
Just like the instructions manual, you should also read the labels given on chemicals and machines. Be sure you are following the recommendations properly. Also note down additional instructions should an emergency strike.
Be wary of a gaseous smell
There are times when plumbing fixtures result in the leakage of natural glass. If this happens, you should stop work immediately and turn of the gas. In case, you do not know how to do this, you should just let the pros take care of the situation. Never try to fix the repair by yourself no matter how good you are.