Your Body Almanac

Plumber

Under sinks, in trenches, on your knees, twisting into tight spaces.

Plumbing work happens in the least comfortable places in a building. Kneeling, lying on your back under fixtures and lifting heavy pipe and water heaters wear on the knees, back and shoulders, while sewage, chemicals and old building materials bring their own exposures.

01

Knee pain from kneeling

Working under sinks and on floor drains puts your body weight on your knees for long periods. Plumbers and other floor-level trades have high rates of knee bursitis and knee pain.

SourcesBursitis (NHS)Knee injuries and disorders (MedlinePlus)
Wear knee pads for kneeling workAs neededCushion your knees whenever a job puts you on the floor, so the small fluid sacs in front of the kneecap don't get irritated. Stretch your quadsDailyA standing stretch for the front of your thighs. Stretch your hamstringsDailyA lying hamstring stretch for the backs of your thighs, which tighten with sitting and running.
02

Back strain from twisting and lifting

Lifting water heaters, toilets and lengths of pipe, often while twisted into a cramped space, loads the lower back in its weakest positions.

SourcesLow back pain (OrthoInfo, AAOS)Ergonomics (OSHA)
Lift with your legsAs neededPlan the lift, keep the load close and bend at the knees, not the waist. Strength-train twice a weekWeeklyWork all your major muscle groups on at least two days a week. Do cat-cowDailySlowly round and arch your back on hands and knees to move your whole spine. Rest in child's poseDailyA kneeling forward fold that gently stretches your back, hips and shoulders.
03

Skin contact with sewage and chemicals

Drain cleaners, solvents, pipe cement and wastewater can irritate or burn skin and carry germs. Cuts on your hands give them an easy way in. Wear chemical-resistant gloves rated for the product, and waterproof gloves for sewage work.

SourcesDermal exposure (OSHA)Contact dermatitis (NHS)
Moisturize and glove your handsDailyMoisturize after every hand wash and wear gloves for wet work, chores and cold weather. Wear eye protectionAs neededPut on safety glasses, goggles or a face shield for work, chores and hobbies that throw debris, chemicals or sparks.
04

Dust and old building materials

Renovation work can disturb asbestos pipe insulation in older buildings, and cutting or soldering creates dust and fumes. Asbestos fibers are linked to lung disease that shows up decades later. Don't cut or disturb old pipe insulation that might contain asbestos; stop and have it tested.

SourcesAsbestos (OSHA)
Wear a respirator for dust, fumes and smokeAs neededUse a properly fitted N95 or better respirator for dusty work and heavy wildfire smoke, and a cartridge respirator for gases and vapors.
05

Confined spaces and trenches

Crawl spaces, vaults, tanks and trenches can hold low oxygen or toxic gases, and trenches can collapse. A dust mask or respirator does not protect you in a confined space. Only enter after the air is tested, with a permit, ventilation and a standby attendant. Leave at once if you feel dizzy, short of breath or confused. Never go in after someone who has collapsed; call 911. Tested air does not stop a cave-in: never enter a trench 5 feet deep or more unless it is shored, sloped or protected by a trench box.

SourcesTrenching and excavation safety fact sheet (OSHA)Confined spaces (OSHA)Trenching and excavation (OSHA)

No daily practice fixes this one. Follow the steps described here.

When to see a professional

See a doctor for a swollen, red or hot knee, especially with fever, back pain with leg numbness or weakness, or a skin rash or wound that is spreading. Call 911 if anyone collapses in a confined space or trench, and don't go in after them.