When something goes wrong with your plumbing system, the last thing you want is to make matters worse by attempting to repair it without safety precautions in place. Unfortunately, this is a common response among home owners who have been presented with an unexpected plumbing emergency. It may seem like the easiest thing to do in this situation is to try to fix the problem yourself, but doing so without the proper safety gear could put you and anyone working with you at risk of serious injury. If you have no experience working with plumbing and are not sure what kinds of safety precautions are required when dealing with this type of work, it’s best to find a professional contractor who can help solve the problem for you. However, if you’ve tried everything else and are left with no other choice, there are some basic precautions you can take to minimize the risk of injury while repairing your plumbing system at home.

Wear proper protection

The first thing you should do when repairing your plumbing system is to wear proper protection. This will ensure that you do not come into contact with any harmful substances that may be present in your pipes, such as lead or asbestos. If you attempt to repair your plumbing without wearing protection, you could be exposed to these substances and suffer serious health consequences as a result.One of the best ways to protect yourself from these substances is to wear a pair of rubber gloves. You can also purchase specialized plumbing gloves that are designed to make it easier for you to access pipes and other components of your plumbing system. Another option is to wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from debris and other substances that may be flying around during the repair process.

Don’t use chemicals

Another important safety precaution when repairing your plumbing system is to avoid the use of chemicals. Many people assume that they can use chemicals to clean their pipes, but this is not the case. When you clean your pipes with chemicals, you could be exposing yourself and anyone else who is around you to toxic fumes that can cause long-term health problems.If you do decide to clean your pipes with chemicals, it is important to use them in a well-ventilated space and to follow the instructions on the label to ensure that you are not exposed to dangerous levels of fumes.If you attempt to clean your pipes without using chemicals, you will need to rely on a mixture of hot water and a few other ingredients to remove any buildup. You can also try using a pipe cleaning brush to remove small buildup items.

Don’t work alone

Another important safety precaution when repairing your plumbing system is to not work alone. This will help ensure that you can call for help if you encounter any problems during the repair process. It is also a good idea to have a friend or family member nearby to help you stay safe and make sure you do not get hurt.If you attempt to repair your plumbing system without assistance, you will be forced to work in a very cramped space and can be more susceptible to injury. This is especially true if you are working on a sewer line, which is often very long and difficult to navigate. If you attempt to repair your plumbing system without assistance, you should also consider bringing a friend along to help you lift heavy objects and assist with any tasks that require two people to perform them correctly.

Utilize the right tools

Another important safety precaution when repairing your plumbing system is to utilize the right tools. This will help ensure that you are able to complete the repair correctly and safely. You may not think that certain tools are necessary to complete a repair, but you should always err on the side of caution when working with plumbing.One of the tools that you should absolutely have on hand when repairing your plumbing system is a pipe wrench. This tool is designed to fit around a pipe and help you turn it to ensure it is secured properly. You should also have a pipe cutter on hand to make it easier to cut pipes and remove any items that may be blocking them.

Conclusion

There are many important safety precautions that you should take when repairing your plumbing system. The best way to ensure that you do not get hurt during the repair process is to hire a professional contractor to help you. However, if you have tried everything else and are left with no other choice, there are some basic precautions you can take to minimize the risk of injury while repairing your plumbing system at home. Wear proper protection, don’t use chemicals, don’t work alone, and utilize the right tools.

Frequently Asked Question

Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45. A plumber's hourly rate covers their wages, insurance premiums, union dues, overhead, equipment, vehicle maintenance, and tools.
The national average cost to repair pipes is $150-$205, but prices range anywhere from $50- $733. Hourly plumber rates range from $55-$195 per hour for pipe repairs.
Rough-in plumbing for new construction costs $8,000 to $12,000, or about or about $4.50 per square foot for an average 2,000 square foot home with 2 or 3 bathrooms. Repiping an existing home the same size runs $3,100 to $5,500, or $0.40 to $2.00 per linear foot.
Water pipes – Leaking water pipes cost an average of $150 to $350 to repair. Finding the leak may cost an additional $100. Drywall repair costs an additional $250 to $750, depending on the hole's size and location. If a pipe froze and burst, you might be looking at paying $1,000 to $4,000 in water damage and cleanup.