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Use a timer when simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food and check the kitchen regularly.
Always turn the oven and burners off when finished cooking.
Stay alert and avoid cooking when under the influence of medications or alcohol.
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Keep all combustibles including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, pot holders and curtains away from hot surfaces.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many kitchen appliances and ensure electrical cords are not frayed, cracked or damaged.
Be sure to test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Keep a class ABC general purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen or pantry for emergency use, and inspect it monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Purposes & Locations for Fire Extinguishers
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To extinguish or contain a fire from the time it is discovered until the arrival of fire department personnel.
Farm buildings and farm equipment should also be equipped with fire extinguishers. The farm shop is a particularly fire prone area due to the types of
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Ensure that all electrical installations and wiring are inspected and approved by the hydro authority.
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Stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out.
Keep water and a shovel ready in case your fire should attempt to spread.
Burn household trash only in a burn barrel or other trash container equipped with a screen or metal grid to keep burning material contained.
Never attempt to burn aerosol cans as heated cans will explode. Flying metal may cause injuries and the explosion may scatter burning material into nearby vegetation and cause a wildfire.
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Avoid burning trash, leaves and brush on dry, windy days.
Check to see if weather changes are expected. Postpone outdoor burning if shifts in wind direction, high winds or wind gusts are forecast.
Before doing any burning, establish wide control lines down to bare soil at least five feet wide around any burn barrels and even wider around brush piles and other piled debris to be burned. The larger the debris pile, the wider the control line that is needed to ensure that burning materials won’t be blown or roll off the pile into vegetation outside the line.
Stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out.
Keep water and a shovel ready in case your fire should attempt to spread.
Burn household trash only in a burn barrel or other trash container equipped with a screen or metal grid to keep burning material contained.
Never attempt to burn aerosol cans as heated cans will explode. Flying metal may cause injuries and the explosion may scatter burning material into nearby vegetation and cause a wildfire.
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Machinery
Youngsters can fall from tractors operated by an adult, often when an operator starts a machine without knowing the child is in the area. Never let children ride on farm tractors.
Flowing Grain
It takes only two or three seconds to become helplessly trapped in flowing grain. Crushed or bridged grain can suddenly collapse. Flowing grain in bins and wagons can drag an unsuspecting victim down like quicksand. Make grain bins and work areas off-limits to children.
Livestock
Even good-tempered animals can become dangerous. Cattle can knock down and trample a toddler without noticing the child is even there. A calm animal can become dangerous if it or its offspring feel threatened. Keep children away from animals, especially in livestock-handling areas.
Pesticides and Other Chemicals
Keep children away from farm chemicals. Store the chemicals in a cabinet, room or building that can be locked, in their original containers, properly labeled. Never throw chemical containers or small leftover amounts in the garbage or other areas where children may go.
Teach small children the rudiments of safety, such as which areas are off-limits. As they grow older, explain why certain things are dangerous. When they start helping with the work, make sure they are properly trained, keeping their limited strength and experience in mind. The safe way to do things is not always obvious to a child, so always explain and enforce the safety aspects of the job. Children imitate what they see. Above all, farmers and their workers must set a good example, both for their own safety and as a role model for children."
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Pesticides and Other Chemicals
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string(6928) "Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious safety hazards may be taken for granted.
Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly, maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards and removing of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the workplace, aisle marking, proper storage facilities and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention.
What is the purpose of workplace housekeeping?
Poor housekeeping can be a cause of accidents such as trips and falls, injury from falling objects and injury from projecting materials that have been improperly stored or stacked. To avoid these hazards, a workplace must maintain order throughout a workday. Although this effort requires management and planning, the benefits are many.
How do I plan a good housekeeping program?
A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and movement of materials and ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas. Cleaning and organization must be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift. A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns responsibilities for day-to-day and shift cleanup, waste disposal and inspection. Don’t forget out-of-the-way places such as shelves, basements, sheds and boiler rooms that would otherwise be overlooked. The orderly arrangement of operations, tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of a good housekeeping program.
What are the elements of an effective housekeeping program?
Dust and Dirt Removal
In some jobs, enclosures and exhaust ventilation systems may fail to collect dust and dirt adequately. Vacuum cleaners are suitable for removing light dust and dirt. Industrial models have special fittings for cleaning walls, ceilings, ledges, machinery and other hard-to-reach places where dust and dirt may accumulate. Dampening (wetting) floors or using sweeping compounds before sweeping reduces the amount of airborne dust. The dust and grime that collect in places like shelves, piping, conduits, light fixtures, reflectors, windows, cupboards and lockers may require manual cleaning. Compressed air should not be used for removing dust, dirt or chips from equipment or work surfaces.
Surfaces
Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of accidents so cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids at once is important. Allowing chips, shavings and dust to accumulate can also cause accidents. Trapping dust and debris before they reach the floor or cleaning them up regularly can prevent accumulation. Areas that cannot be cleaned continuously, such as entrance ways, should have anti-slip flooring. Keeping floors in good order also means replacing any worn, ripped, or damaged flooring that poses a tripping hazard.
Aisles and Stairways
Aisles should be wide enough to accommodate people and vehicles comfortably and safely. Aisle space allows for the movement of people, products and materials. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight-lines in blind corners. Arranging aisles properly encourages people to use them so that they do not take shortcuts through hazardous areas. Keeping aisles and stairways clear is important. They should not be used for temporary overflow or bottleneck storage. Stairways and aisles also require adequate lighting.
Tools and Equipment
Tool housekeeping is very important, whether in the tool room, on the rack, in the yard or on the bench. Tools require suitable fixtures with marked locations to provide orderly arrangement, both in the tool room and near the work bench. Returning them promptly after use reduces the chance of being misplaced or lost. Workers should regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged or worn tools out of service.
Maintenance
The maintenance of buildings and equipment may be the most important element of good housekeeping. Maintenance involves keeping buildings, equipment and machinery in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. This includes maintaining sanitary facilities and regularly painting and cleaning walls. Broken windows, damaged doors, defective plumbing and broken floor surfaces can make a workplace look neglected; these conditions can cause accidents and affect work practices. So it is important to replace or fix broken or damaged items as quickly as possible.
Waste Disposal
The regular collection, grading and sorting of scrap contribute to good housekeeping practices. It also makes it possible to separate materials that can be recycled from those going to waste disposal facilities. Allowing material to build up on the floor wastes time and energy since additional time is required for cleaning it up. Placing scrap containers near where the waste is produced encourages orderly waste disposal and makes collection easier. All waste receptacles should be clearly labelled (e.g., recyclable glass, plastic, scrap metal, etc.).
Storage
Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. There will also be fewer strain injuries if the amount of handling is reduced, especially if less manual materials handling is required. The location of the stockpiles should not interfere with work but they should still be readily available when required. Stored materials should allow at least one metre (or about
three feet) of clear space under sprinkler heads. Stored materials should not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers or first aid stations. All storage areas should be clearly marked. Flammable, combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials should be stored in approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards that they pose. Storage of materials should meet all requirements specified in the fire codes and the regulations of environmental and occupational health and safety agencies in your jurisdiction.
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Saf"
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Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly, maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards and removing of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the workplace, aisle marking, proper storage facilities and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic part of accident and fire prevention.
What is the purpose of workplace housekeeping?
Poor housekeeping can be a cause of accidents such as trips and falls, injury from falling objects and injury from projecting materials that have been improperly stored or stacked. To avoid these hazards, a workplace must maintain order throughout a workday. Although this effort requires management and planning, the benefits are many.
How do I plan a good housekeeping program?
A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and movement of materials and ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas. Cleaning and organization must be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift. A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns responsibilities for day-to-day and shift cleanup, waste disposal and inspection. Don’t forget out-of-the-way places such as shelves, basements, sheds and boiler rooms that would otherwise be overlooked. The orderly arrangement of operations, tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of a good housekeeping program.
What are the elements of an effective housekeeping program?
Dust and Dirt Removal
In some jobs, enclosures and exhaust ventilation systems may fail to collect dust and dirt adequately. Vacuum cleaners are suitable for removing light dust and dirt. Industrial models have special fittings for cleaning walls, ceilings, ledges, machinery and other hard-to-reach places where dust and dirt may accumulate. Dampening (wetting) floors or using sweeping compounds before sweeping reduces the amount of airborne dust. The dust and grime that collect in places like shelves, piping, conduits, light fixtures, reflectors, windows, cupboards and lockers may require manual cleaning. Compressed air should not be used for removing dust, dirt or chips from equipment or work surfaces.
Surfaces
Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of accidents so cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids at once is important. Allowing chips, shavings and dust to accumulate can also cause accidents. Trapping dust and debris before they reach the floor or cleaning them up regularly can prevent accumulation. Areas that cannot be cleaned continuously, such as entrance ways, should have anti-slip flooring. Keeping floors in good order also means replacing any worn, ripped, or damaged flooring that poses a tripping hazard.
Aisles and Stairways
Aisles should be wide enough to accommodate people and vehicles comfortably and safely. Aisle space allows for the movement of people, products and materials. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight-lines in blind corners. Arranging aisles properly encourages people to use them so that they do not take shortcuts through hazardous areas. Keeping aisles and stairways clear is important. They should not be used for temporary overflow or bottleneck storage. Stairways and aisles also require adequate lighting.
Tools and Equipment
Tool housekeeping is very important, whether in the tool room, on the rack, in the yard or on the bench. Tools require suitable fixtures with marked locations to provide orderly arrangement, both in the tool room and near the work bench. Returning them promptly after use reduces the chance of being misplaced or lost. Workers should regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged or worn tools out of service.
Maintenance
The maintenance of buildings and equipment may be the most important element of good housekeeping. Maintenance involves keeping buildings, equipment and machinery in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. This includes maintaining sanitary facilities and regularly painting and cleaning walls. Broken windows, damaged doors, defective plumbing and broken floor surfaces can make a workplace look neglected; these conditions can cause accidents and affect work practices. So it is important to replace or fix broken or damaged items as quickly as possible.
Waste Disposal
The regular collection, grading and sorting of scrap contribute to good housekeeping practices. It also makes it possible to separate materials that can be recycled from those going to waste disposal facilities. Allowing material to build up on the floor wastes time and energy since additional time is required for cleaning it up. Placing scrap containers near where the waste is produced encourages orderly waste disposal and makes collection easier. All waste receptacles should be clearly labelled (e.g., recyclable glass, plastic, scrap metal, etc.).
Storage
Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. There will also be fewer strain injuries if the amount of handling is reduced, especially if less manual materials handling is required. The location of the stockpiles should not interfere with work but they should still be readily available when required. Stored materials should allow at least one metre (or about
three feet) of clear space under sprinkler heads. Stored materials should not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers or first aid stations. All storage areas should be clearly marked. Flammable, combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials should be stored in approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards that they pose. Storage of materials should meet all requirements specified in the fire codes and the regulations of environmental and occupational health and safety agencies in your jurisdiction.
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Saf"
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Cleaning, Maintenance, and Repairs
Solid fuel burning appliances and their venting systems operate under severe conditions and need regular maintenance if they are to function well. All the materials and finishes are stressed by high temperatures as well as heating and cooling cycles. Steel and cast iron parts are subject to corrosion from condensation and creosote acids. Creosote deposits that build up in the venting system need to be removed regularly to prevent chimney fires. Some fire codes require that chimneys and flue pipes be inspected annually and cleaned when necessary. All components need regular attention so that gradual deterioration does not compromise the safety of the system and put your home and family at risk.
We recommend that homeowners implement an annual chimney cleaning schedule, with all work done by a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (W.E.T.T.) certified sweep. If repairs or replacement of wood heating components is required, all work should be completed by a W.E.T.T. certified installer to ensure the safety and efficiency of the system and that the installation meets all building code requirements and safety standards."
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Cleaning, Maintenance, and Repairs
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string(5254) "Most farms operate with multiple pieces of expensive agricultural equipment. Unfortunately many of these machines are damaged or
destroyed by fire each year. Most, if not all, of these farm equipment fires are preventable.
Machinery Fires – Checking for Hazards
Checking for fire hazards before starting work each day will reduce the chance of costly fire to expensive equipment. All farm
machinery needs to be checked for:
Buildup of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts
and chains
Damaged exhaust system components
Worn or badly frayed drive belts
Odor of burning electrical wiring
Worn or misaligned moving parts can indicate a lack of lubricant
Signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel
Combines and balers can present other types of problems unique to their operation. Operators of these specialized machines should
check for:
Buildup of combustible crop residue around the engine and exhaust system
Concealed drive belts and pulleys can contribute to the accumulation of crop residue which can overheat
Electrical wiring can become worn or frayed resulting in sparks, which can ignite grain dust or fuel vapors
Fire Extinguishers
Fires on farm equipment are not uncommon, so all machinery should contain an approved fire extinguisher of adequate size. The cost of a fire extinguisher is minimal when compared to the replacement cost of a tractor or combine. Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible and installed in the operator area. Pick-ups and trucks should have a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the driver. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand when using torches and welders.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection & Maintenance
Check your extinguishers every 30 days for the following:
The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment or objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.
The pressure is at the recommended level. The needle on the gauge should be in the green zone.
The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits or other signs of wear. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil or dust that may have deposited on the extinguisher.
Shake or use a rubber mallet to tamp the extinguisher once a month to prevent the powder from settling.
Fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by a certified service company and pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after 12 years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing. If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replace it immediately!
Preventive Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing many of the fires which occur on farm machinery. Good preventive maintenance not
only prolongs equipment life but also reduces fire hazards. Here is what you can do to prevent equipment fires:
Keep all bearings and gears well lubricated to prevent heat buildup.
Remove crop residue from areas prone to generating heat.
Replace worn and broken belts as soon as discovered.
Keep lubricants at proper levels. - Repair any leaks in fuel systems.
Repair or replace damaged or worn out exhaust systems and install a spark arrester to catch burning particles.
Repair damaged electrical wiring.
Keep oily rags in covered metal containers.
Monitor static electricity, especially if large amounts of grain dust are present.
Safe Fueling
Too often during the busy planting or harvesting seasons, safe fueling practices are ignored in an effort to save a little time. The few seconds saved are insignificant when compared to the loss of expensive farm equipment due to carelessness. Follow these safety practices:
Never refuel equipment with the engine running. Always shut engine off.
Allow hot engines to cool 15 minutes before refueling.
Extinguish all open flames and smoking materials before refueling.
If fuel spills on an engine, wipe away any excess and allow the fumes to dissipate.
Never put flammable liquids in glass or non-approved plastic containers.
Vehicles
Don’t forget about the safety of vehicles used around the farm. Faulty exhaust systems and catalytic converters can cause a wildfire in areas with tall vegetation.
Manifolds and exhaust pipes can easily reach temperatures of 250°C to 500°C. Dry grass will ignite within minutes at temperatures as low as 200°C.
Catalytic converters reach temperatures of 600°C and can ignite dry vegetation such as tall grass, weeds or stubble, instantly.
Vehicles with low ground clearance are especially prone to causing wildfire. Keep all vehicles in good repair.
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Buildup of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts
and chains
Damaged exhaust system components
Worn or badly frayed drive belts
Odor of burning electrical wiring
Worn or misaligned moving parts can indicate a lack of lubricant
Signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel
Combines and balers can present other types of problems unique to their operation. Operators of these specialized machines should
check for:
Buildup of combustible crop residue around the engine and exhaust system
Concealed drive belts and pulleys can contribute to the accumulation of crop residue which can overheat
Electrical wiring can become worn or frayed resulting in sparks, which can ignite grain dust or fuel vapors
Fire Extinguishers
Fires on farm equipment are not uncommon, so all machinery should contain an approved fire extinguisher of adequate size. The cost of a fire extinguisher is minimal when compared to the replacement cost of a tractor or combine. Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible and installed in the operator area. Pick-ups and trucks should have a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the driver. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand when using torches and welders.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection & Maintenance
Check your extinguishers every 30 days for the following:
The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment or objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.
The pressure is at the recommended level. The needle on the gauge should be in the green zone.
The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits or other signs of wear. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil or dust that may have deposited on the extinguisher.
Shake or use a rubber mallet to tamp the extinguisher once a month to prevent the powder from settling.
Fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by a certified service company and pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after 12 years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing. If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replace it immediately!
Preventive Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing many of the fires which occur on farm machinery. Good preventive maintenance not
only prolongs equipment life but also reduces fire hazards. Here is what you can do to prevent equipment fires:
Keep all bearings and gears well lubricated to prevent heat buildup.
Remove crop residue from areas prone to generating heat.
Replace worn and broken belts as soon as discovered.
Keep lubricants at proper levels. - Repair any leaks in fuel systems.
Repair or replace damaged or worn out exhaust systems and install a spark arrester to catch burning particles.
Repair damaged electrical wiring.
Keep oily rags in covered metal containers.
Monitor static electricity, especially if large amounts of grain dust are present.
Safe Fueling
Too often during the busy planting or harvesting seasons, safe fueling practices are ignored in an effort to save a little time. The few seconds saved are insignificant when compared to the loss of expensive farm equipment due to carelessness. Follow these safety practices:
Never refuel equipment with the engine running. Always shut engine off.
Allow hot engines to cool 15 minutes before refueling.
Extinguish all open flames and smoking materials before refueling.
If fuel spills on an engine, wipe away any excess and allow the fumes to dissipate.
Never put flammable liquids in glass or non-approved plastic containers.
Vehicles
Don’t forget about the safety of vehicles used around the farm. Faulty exhaust systems and catalytic converters can cause a wildfire in areas with tall vegetation.
Manifolds and exhaust pipes can easily reach temperatures of 250°C to 500°C. Dry grass will ignite within minutes at temperatures as low as 200°C.
Catalytic converters reach temperatures of 600°C and can ignite dry vegetation such as tall grass, weeds or stubble, instantly.
Vehicles with low ground clearance are especially prone to causing wildfire. Keep all vehicles in good repair.
Plastic: Plastic pipe comes as either ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or PVC (polyvinyl-chloride). Most homes since mid-1970 have plastic pipes and fittings because it’s inexpensive and easy to use. Simply glue the joints using a primer and liquid cement.
ABS: This black pipe was the first plastic pipe to be used in residential plumbing. Today, many areas don’t allow ABS in new construction because joints can come loose. Check with your local plumbing inspector if you want to use ABS.
PVC: This white or cream-colored pipe is the most commonly used pipe for drain lines. It’s strong, untouchable by chemicals, and seems to last forever! The rating and diameter is stamped right on the pipe.
Schedule 40 PVC is strong enough for residential drain lines, but check with your plumbing
inspector first. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe has the strength of PVC but is
heat-resistant, which makes it acceptable in many regions for use on interior supply lines.
Schedule 80 PVC is sometimes used for cold-water supply lines, but it isn’t allowed in some
regions because it isn’t suitable for hot water.
PEX: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the newest pipe for residential use. Approved in many regions of the country, PEX is easy to install because it cuts easily, is flexible, and uses compression fittings. However, more permanent connections require a special crimping tool. PEX is three to four times more expensive than copper or plastic.
Steel: Galvanized steel pipe is common in older homes. Galvanized pipe is strong, but lasts only about 50 years. Before repairing, consider replacing instead. Call a professional to deal with it.
Copper: Copper pipe is resists corrosion, so it’s commonly used pipe in water supply lines. It costs more than plastic but it lasts! There are two common types of copper pipe:
Rigid copper, which comes in three thicknesses. Type M is the thinnest but is strong enough for most homes. Types L and Type K are thicker and used in outdoor and drain applications. To cut rigid copper, you’ll need a wheel cutter, tube cutter, or a hacksaw. Pipes are usually connected with soldered (sweat) fittings and compression fittings can connect the pipe to shut-off valves.
Flexible copper, which is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers, and other appliances that need a water supply. It’s easy to bend, but if it kinks, you must cut the piece off and replace it. Sections of flexible copper pipe are joined using either soldered or compression fittings
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string(3379) "The most common pipes used today are copper, PVC or ABS. However, when dealing with older homes, you might encounter a number of other piping materials. For example, homes built before 1960 used galvanized steel or cast iron DWV (drain/waste/vent) pipe systems.
Here’s a quick look at types of pipes commonly used in homes:
Cast Iron: Commonly used before 1960 for the vertical drain, vent stacks and sometimes the horizontal drain lines. Cast iron is durable, but can rust
over time. Call a professional plumber to replace rusted sections with plastic (PVC or ABS) and the correct transition fittings.
Plastic: Plastic pipe comes as either ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or PVC (polyvinyl-chloride). Most homes since mid-1970 have plastic pipes and fittings because it’s inexpensive and easy to use. Simply glue the joints using a primer and liquid cement.
ABS: This black pipe was the first plastic pipe to be used in residential plumbing. Today, many areas don’t allow ABS in new construction because joints can come loose. Check with your local plumbing inspector if you want to use ABS.
PVC: This white or cream-colored pipe is the most commonly used pipe for drain lines. It’s strong, untouchable by chemicals, and seems to last forever! The rating and diameter is stamped right on the pipe.
Schedule 40 PVC is strong enough for residential drain lines, but check with your plumbing
inspector first. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe has the strength of PVC but is
heat-resistant, which makes it acceptable in many regions for use on interior supply lines.
Schedule 80 PVC is sometimes used for cold-water supply lines, but it isn’t allowed in some
regions because it isn’t suitable for hot water.
PEX: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the newest pipe for residential use. Approved in many regions of the country, PEX is easy to install because it cuts easily, is flexible, and uses compression fittings. However, more permanent connections require a special crimping tool. PEX is three to four times more expensive than copper or plastic.
Steel: Galvanized steel pipe is common in older homes. Galvanized pipe is strong, but lasts only about 50 years. Before repairing, consider replacing instead. Call a professional to deal with it.
Copper: Copper pipe is resists corrosion, so it’s commonly used pipe in water supply lines. It costs more than plastic but it lasts! There are two common types of copper pipe:
Rigid copper, which comes in three thicknesses. Type M is the thinnest but is strong enough for most homes. Types L and Type K are thicker and used in outdoor and drain applications. To cut rigid copper, you’ll need a wheel cutter, tube cutter, or a hacksaw. Pipes are usually connected with soldered (sweat) fittings and compression fittings can connect the pipe to shut-off valves.
Flexible copper, which is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers, and other appliances that need a water supply. It’s easy to bend, but if it kinks, you must cut the piece off and replace it. Sections of flexible copper pipe are joined using either soldered or compression fittings
Advice and information contained in this publication is presented for general educational purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal or expert advice, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate professionals. Red River Mutual disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, injury or risk which is incurred as a direct or indirect result of the use of any of the material in this publication.
