In order to avoid disasters, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when you are working on plumbing. You can learn from someone who has a lot of experience in the field, you can use a couple of handy tips that will help you to be more safe and you can always contact your local plumbing services. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of plumbing:
Avoid opening a drain without prior thought
One of the most challenging tasks in the esoteric art of home maintenance is keeping your toilets flush and your pipes from freezing up in the colder months of the year. The best way to avoid this nightmare scenario is to keep your plumbing system in tip top shape. While you’re at it, make sure to keep your hoses and toilets free from hair and other debris that could cause the dreaded pipe clog. By doing this, you will be saving yourself a world of headaches. Keeping your pipes in pristine condition will also make your home more pleasant to live in.
Taking the time to do a little bit of research before you engage in the aforementioned black arts will pay off big dividends. For example, if you take the time to do a bit of reading up on your local water and sewer authority, you should be able to save yourself the schlep to the dry cleaners. Of course, if you’re really into the nitty gritty, you can always call in the pros.
Wear safety glasses
Plumbing is a job that requires a lot of attention to safety. A wide range of hazards can be encountered in this field. These include flying debris, hot and cold water, and caustic materials. Wearing safety glasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from these hazards.
Safety glasses come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. Some features to consider are the lens material and tint. Also, the impact resistance of the glasses.
Polycarbonate is a popular material for safety glasses. They are lightweight, have excellent impact resistance, and are scratch resistant. However, they are softer than glass. Because of their softness, they are more prone to scratching.
Glass is another popular material for safety glasses. They have less impact resistance than polycarbonate, but they are lightweight and are abrasion resistant.
Know where the shutoff valve is
There are a number of different plumbing valves. They are located in various locations around your home. Whether you are in the market for a new home or want to do some remodeling, knowing where to find your shut off valve can save you from a costly catastrophe.
Generally, the main water shut off is located near the water meter, and it’s important to have it in the proper location. This is particularly true during the winter months, when a leaky pipe can cause massive damage.
For the most part, the main water shut off will be buried in a cement box, protected by an iron lid. Depending on the location of the box, you may need a screwdriver to open the lid.
Prevent leaks
If you want to avoid leaks in plumbing, you need to pay close attention to your home. Not only is it important to know what the problem is, but also how to fix it. It can be a stressful experience, so being prepared for leaks can help you avoid any surprise disasters.
If you see signs of water damage in your walls, you should contact a professional. They can detect leaks in your pipes and repair them quickly.
Leaking pipes are caused by many different reasons. A common one is corrosion in your plumbing system. This occurs when a high concentration of minerals is present in the water. Another reason is a clog in the sewer line.
Besides making sure that your appliances are working properly, it is also important to make sure that your drains are free from clogs. Clogs can lead to overflowing appliances and leaking pipes.
Learn by partnering with someone experienced
A cursory study of the plumbing trades shows that the job is not for the faint of heart. That said, there are numerous opportunities for those with the gumption to get their hands dirty, or on the job. One of the best ways to go about this is to sign on with a local firm. While the salary may be less than your average carpenter, the benefits are more than worth the cost of entry. Some perks include a work area and access to a host of tools and equipment. Having a partner makes the commute a little less painful. It also means that you’re not on your own in the trenches!
The real challenge is in selecting a partner with the right credentials. Fortunately, the job market is ripe for the pickings. With that in mind, it’s time to put your best foot forward.
