In an effort to save money, many people try to fix plumbing problems around the home themselves. Although it’s admirable that you want to be independent, plumbing problems are deceptive and can be worse than you expect. Should you decide to tackle a plumbing problem anyway, Priority Plumbing has laid out some basic safety precautions:
- Get Informed. Find out what you’re allowed to do according to local building and plumbing codes. If you’re planning on starting a plumbing project, it’s best to call in a professional. But if you choose to do it yourself, make sure you’ve acquired the right permits.
- Shut Off the Water. Every problem that’s related to plumbing involves water, so turn it off before you do anything. This way, you will prevent a bigger problem and mess. For instance, when your family members are aware of a clog in the bathroom sink, and you’ve called a professional, you should still turn off the water. We all have our routines, and family members can easily forget about not using the sink until it’s too late.
- Think First. Plan out your course of action before you open up the drain. Remember that water will probably come back up, so make sure to have a bucket ready to catch it. Consider that a clogged drain may also have pressure that is building up. Should you release the trapped elements, there may be an enormous amount of backlash from your successful unclogging.
- Protect Yourself. Purchase safety goggles, work gloves, and a face mask. With these three tools alone, you will protect yourself against contaminants and injuries. You never know what may splash back up into the tub or what may be sticking out when you’re lying under the sink. A best practice would be to wear latex gloves under work gloves to protect your skin from germs.
- Read the label. If you resort to using a chemical for your clog or other plumbing problem, which is not always the best solution, read the label carefully. Follow the instructions to the letter and know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Have Someone Help You. It would be best to have a professional present, but having a mature family member with you will provide a safe alternative. They can tell you what’s happened at the other end of a drain or hand you the tools you need.
- Acknowledge Gas Leaks. If you have the slightest suspicion of a gas leak, stop what you’re doing immediately. Don’t search for the leak’s source. Call your gas company right away. This is one problem the average homeowner should not handle alone.
Know When to Call a Professional
Plumbing problems occur in hard-to-see and hard-to-reach places, so most of the time, you’re guessing the nature of the problem. When you take on a plumbing problem, it’s important to recognize when the situation is too complicated or too large for you to handle. Calling in a professional is not a sign of weakness or defeat—it’s a sign of good judgment. Priority Plumbing raised the bar for competent plumbing standards, so call our trusted Toronto professionals at 416-762-8662 today! We serve many locations and provide emergency services.