Plumbers repair, install and maintain pipes that transport water, sewage, gas, and waste. They must have strong problem-solving skills and stamina for physical labor. Plumbers also need to be licensed and familiar with local codes and regulations. A career as a plumber can be rewarding. It’s a stable job, and it pays well.
Providing clean, safe water is a major part of plumbers’ work. Plumbers Aurora CO help to ensure that the water in your home is free from harmful contaminants, such as lead, nitrates, and toxins. This ensures that you and your family are healthy and protected.
In fact, about 780 million people around the world don’t have access to clean drinking water. Drinking unsafe, dirty water can lead to serious illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea. It can also cause severe cramping, vomiting, and dehydration.
Plumbers can help you to make sure that your water is safe by testing for lead in the pipes, and by installing filters to remove any impurities. They can also advise you on how to reduce your water waste, such as by running the faucets sparingly.
Using clean, fresh water can also help to extend the life of your appliances and household items. For example, using pure water in your washing machine and dishwasher helps to prevent the build-up of hard water deposits, which can cause them to break down faster than they should. This can save you money in the long run, as well as reducing the amount of detergent and electricity that you need to use to run these appliances.
As plumbers work on water, sewer and drainage systems, they must be careful not to introduce bacteria or viruses into the clean environments they serve. Good hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of disease, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from separating your clean water from harmful impurities, plumbing systems also dispose of wastewater safely. This is important, as untreated sewage can cause major health problems for your family or employees. Plumbers must be sure that all drain lines, sewer lines and other sewage-related equipment are properly installed to minimize risk.
Although many plumbers are far from squeamish, they must leave their germ-a-phobic tendencies at the door when reaching into waste traps and drains. Likewise, plumbing professionals who service medical, dental and laboratory facilities are at risk of exposure to infectious materials without proper protective equipment. The increased awareness of viral and bloodborne pathogens, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Hepatitis B and C, have helped raise societal consciousness about occupational exposure and prevention. However, Murray notes that the construction industry, and especially plumbers, have not kept pace in terms of protective gear.
As plumbers are often hunched over pipes and cramped in tight spaces, they need to be in peak physical condition. They must also be comfortable working at heights and using power tools. Plumbers often work with chemicals and other hazardous materials, so they need to be careful not to expose themselves to these substances.
One way plumbers reduce waste is by recycling materials. This includes reusing old parts and giving back any packaging that comes with new parts. This helps the environment, and it can save plumbing companies money as they do not need to throw away excess packaging.
Another way plumbers reduce waste is by using alternative methods of sewage disposal. This includes septic tanks and cesspools. Septic tanks are large concrete or fiberglass tanks that hold wastewater, which is then pumped into the ground and filtered by soil. This is a more environmentally friendly option than sending waste to a sewer treatment plant.
However, it is important to note that septic systems are not always suitable for every household. These systems can be expensive to maintain, and they may not be able to handle large amounts of waste. In these cases, it may be best to use a sewer system.
In many countries, municipal liquid waste is funneled into sewage systems and then treated before being sent to rivers, lakes, estuaries, and oceans. This process removes most or all of the organic material and inorganic matter from wastewater, which is called sewage. In industrialized countries, most sewage is treated by mechanical means. This usually involves aeration, a series of chemical treatments, and dewatering.
Garbage disposals are helpful appliances for homeowners, but they can also cause problems. If a garbage disposal is making a loud buzzing noise, does not grind food properly, or leaks, it may be time to call a plumber. A plumber can help identify the problem and fix it quickly and easily. They can even replace the disposal if it is beyond repair.
Plumbing is dangerous work and requires the correct safety equipment to prevent injuries. This includes protective clothing, eye protection and ear plugs to avoid hearing loss from buzzing electronic equipment and pounding tools. It is also important to wear non-slip shoes and gloves to prevent injury when working with chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Plumbers must carefully read the product instructions and warnings before using any machinery or chemicals. They should also follow all recommendations for use to ensure their own and their clients’ safety. Additionally, plumbers should always wear a face mask when handling dangerous gases or sewage waste. If a plumber isn’t sure whether something is safe to touch, they should ask their boss or a more experienced colleague.
Some of the most common hazards faced by plumbers include slips, trips and falls in wet environments, as well as working at heights on ladders or scaffolding. They may also be exposed to toxic fumes, bacteria and sewage-related diseases, such as Psittacosis and Histoplasmosis. In addition, slipping on wet surfaces can cause serious injury to the muscles and tendons.
Before beginning a plumbing job, plumbers should thoroughly check the area to see if there are any hazardous materials present. This includes checking for asbestos, lead paint and mold. It’s also important to know if the plumbing worksite is on a gas line, so plumbers can avoid leaks and explosions.
In addition to sanitizing their own hands, plumbers should make sure that their tools and equipment are properly cleaned before and after each job. This includes cleaning and disinfecting all parts of the tools, as well as washing their company vehicle. Some companies even reward their technicians for keeping their vehicles and tools clean by giving them bonus compensation.
Creating a safe working environment is one of the most important things that plumbers can do to ensure their own and their clients’ safety. By following the above tips, plumbers can reduce the risk of accidents and illnesses and provide a better service for their customers. So, what are you waiting for? Start taking steps to protect yourself today!