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Tips on plumbing safety


Plumbing safety was something I gave little thought to when I was younger. I used to read about how plumbers were injured or killed by this or that. And really, it didn't mean much until it happened to someone close to me.

Suddenly all those plumbing accidents I'd read about, seemed to highlight the risks I was taking every day.

I've listed just a few danger areas. Areas, where I've had my share of close calls.

My aim is to not to lecture you but give some food for thought for the next time you put yourself into the danger zone.

The danger zone



It was stinking hot and I was cursing at having to dig up a blocked drain in the mid day sun.I was about 2ft down into the trench and going hard (smacking that shovel down, just like my anger management tutor told me to)Suddenly a huge bang erupted from the end of my shovel, showering me with a fireworks display of sparks.

I stood dazed, my first thought being, (bugger, that's going to cost me a fortune to get repaired.)

Let me tell you, I was plain lucky. Hundreds of tradesmen suffer electrical burns and death every year from chopping through underground cables.

The solution is easy. Get cable location. Your local power company will come out and spray paint where your cable lies underground.

Pass the cost on to the customer or if it's your own place think of it as life insurance.


Don't rely on having signs show where your power lines run.Also, get your gas company to locate your gas lines and telecomunications for phone lines.

Air gap seperation.



Poisoning your family or even your neighbours while doing your own plumbing is a real threat.
Click hear to see how air gap seperation is the ultimate plumbing safety tip

Cutting metal plumbing pipes can kill you.



This little known plumbing safety secret, is the reason behind many handyman shocking experiences (pardon the pun).

Your metal plumbing pipes can also serve as an earthing system for your electrical system.Here is a common lead up to the danger.Unbeknown to you, you have an electrical fault in your appliance and it's earthing through your pipes.

You decide to do a plumbing addition and cut into your pipe.Now you are the earth and guess what?240 volts earthing through you can kill!!!

The solution.



A earthing connector wire.

This is made from two alligator clips and an earth wire.

Now before you cut that pipe, place the clip on either side of the area your working on.

If there is a fault the electricity will flow through this earth wire and not through you.

Always think plumbing safety.

I've listed some more obvious dangers below. Feel free to come back any time before you take on that plumbing job as a safety refresher.

Digging: Any digging deeper than 3 feet should be shored (support placed on sides of hole to prevent cave in.

Roof work: Invest in a harness and learn to use properly. I've come off three roofs in my life time and it's not going to happen again.

Welding: Get your gas bottles checked regularly and alway have a fire extinuisher on hand.

Sewer drain work: Wear gloves to protect agains infections through small cuts and nicks.

Using power tools: use safety glasses, earmuffs and dust mask if needed.

Solvent and Glues: Try to use only in well vented rooms and if possible get a high quality air filter mask.

Now that I've got you to my site I don't want to lose you so stay safe. Join me from plumbing safety to plumbing-troubleshooter.com for plumbing tips