Plumbing leaks are often caused by old, rotted out piping. While it may be easy to locate a leaky pipe, fixing it is a whole different issue. If you’ve never done this type of work before, be very cautious as to not cause more damage than necessary. Here are some tips on staying safe when making the repairs yourself:
1. If you think the repair lies beyond your level of expertise, call a professional. Search online for do-it-yourself plumbing sites that offer sound advice on leaky pipe repairs. If you are at all hesitant about the repair, call a professional plumbing service and ask them some questions. If you already have an established relationship with a local plumber, they may be willing to give you free advice. Calling your local Chamber of Commerce may be a good idea, as they can recommend a friendly plumbing service that can give you some advice.
2. Wear protective eyewear and clothing. You never know when a pipe is going to burst open and shoot hot water into your eyes. OK, this is a dramatization, but it’s not like it’s never happened before. Wearing protective gear will prevent injury in an event of an unexpected plumbing accident. If you are not a licensed plumber, it is likely that you are not aware of all the possible plumbing issues that can come up during the repair. Always expect more things to go wrong than initially thought.
3. Never assume that electricity is off. Water has strong capabilities for transmitting electricity, so it’s best to disconnect all electricity in the surrounding walls to make sure that you have a safe working environment. If you are not sure about some of the electric devices, consult a professional plumber. Wearing shoes with rubber soles, and avoiding direct contact with metal surfaces are a good practice when working around electricity.
4. Avoid sharp edges of broken pipes. Pipes run through the walls and into the ground, so be sure to have a flashlight on you to have proper lighting at all times. Use caution when reaching into the walls, cabinets, and other hard-to-reach areas so as to avoid hand and arm injury. The pipe may be damaged in more than one area, and sometimes breaks occur in the unseen places.
5. Be aware of the law when making your own repairs. Minor plumbing jobs can be easily taken care of, while others are best left up to a professional. Repairs made by unlicensed individuals, whether they own or rent their property, have to comply with the same laws and regulations that a licensed plumber would have to abide by. You don’t want to find out that you are in violation of sanitary requirements, or interfering with public health and safety standards. When in doubt, call a professional plumbing service in Medford, Oregon.
