What is the best PPE for plumbers?

Getting the right PPE for plumbers is essential. Especially when you consider the different types of plumbers out there and the range of plumbing hazards they face on a regular basis.

For example, as a plumber, you could encounter:

• Extreme heat
• Boiling water
• Cold temperatures
• Some biohazards
• Unpleasant splashes

And that’s not mentioning the potential of sparks when welding pipes and debris from materials.

Because of these potential hazards, plumbing PPE is essential. You need to protect yourself.

Join us as we run through the best PPE for plumbers, and find out how you can get an exclusive discount on your essential safety gear.

Getting the right head PPE for plumbers

The head protection you need will depend on the job you’re doing.

If you’re on a large, active plumbing site, there may be more hazards.

• If you’re on a large job, you might need a safety helmet to protection from objects like bricks or loose tiles
• If you’re expecting to climb into attics or under floorboards to access plumbing, then a safety helmet is also a good idea
• If you’re doing standard plumbing work in a home, a bump cap should be sufficient to protect your head from potential to scrapes and bumps
• If you’re likely to be cutting pipes or working in loud environments, noise protection might also be needed

The Yoko Hi-Vis Safety Bump Cap is a great option, conforming to EN812 regulations with a polycarbonate inner shell.

What about eye protection for plumbers?

You’ll also need eye protection. Splashing liquids, biohazards and debris from tiles and power tools are all potential hazards, so eye protection is absolutely essential.

You’ll often be working with chemicals that need eye protection in order to be used safely. So whether you’re snaking a drain or cutting a pipe, play it safe and don eye protection.

• For smaller jobs, safety spectacles that meet the safety standard for EN166 impact resistance
• If you’re working with power tools or in dangerous environments, then safety goggles might be more suitable
• If there’s a risk of splashing liquid or biohazards, then sealed safety goggles are designed to fit close to your face
• If you’re using safety goggles, make sure they have anti-fog features so you can always safely see what you’re doing

Looking for eye protection for your next plumbing job? Checkatrade members can make fantastic savings on their workwear. Log into our Member’s Area to check the latest offers and discounts!

Looking for respiratory PPE for plumbing?

As a plumber, you could be exposed to toxic fumes, splashes, or dust. If you’re only anticipating dust as a hazard, then a reusable or disposable mask should be sufficient.

You might find yourself on jobs where there could be fumes, gases (or, let’s face it, unpleasant odours).

In these situations, a dedicated half-face mask with a filtration system will be better for your safety and comfort. Check out Selco’s range of PPE for plenty of respirator and mask options.

Checkatrade members can make great savings at Selco – so check the Offers and Discounts section of our Member’s Area (and app) to see what you could save!

The importance of plumber hand protection

Those previously mentioned chemicals can also damage your hands and exposed skin, so a good set of gloves is an essential piece of plumbing PPE.

While joining pipes or working with hot water, you could be exposed to high temperatures, so heat-insulating gloves are a good pick.

If you’re working with drains and potential biohazards, you’ll need waterproof gloves. Consider latex gloves under your other gloves to protect your hands as much as possible.

How to choose the right gloves for plumbers

There are different requirements for gloves depending on the type of work you’re doing. There are five factors for deciding which gloves you should choose:

Identify the substances you’ll be handling

• If you’ll be in sustained contact with water, then you’re doing ‘wet work’ and you’ll need waterproof gloves
• Hazardous substances can be in products like detergents and cleaners
• Work processes or ‘natural’ substances may also occur, such as soldering fumes or waste products
• You’ll need to choose a glove type that’s suitable to protect you against anything you’re likely to come into contact with

Identify other hazards for hands

Are you likely to be at risk of cuts, punctures, burns from high temperature or other hazards for your hands? Then you might need gloves that are rated to protect against mechanical or thermal hazards.

Consider the type and duration of contact

If you’re wearing the gloves for a long time, comfort is important to make sure you have plenty of dexterity.

If you’ll only be wearing them briefly to protect from splashes, then thinner gloves might be fine.

Consider the user – size and comfort

Gloves should always fit the wearer – tight gloves can cause you to loose your grip, while loose gloves can be dangerous.

You should also take breaks from wearing gloves if your hands are getting hot and sweaty.

Consider the task at hand

Gloves shouldn’t make the task more difficult – so if you’re handling slippery or greasy objects, your gloves should have grip and not make anything more slippy.

Choosing other work clothes – things to consider

As you’re likely to be working in wet environments, waterproof clothing is obviously important for plumbing PPE. Tops, jackets and work clothes should be breathable and flexible, to allow a full range of movement. 

You might also be working on sites that can be cold and wet or at high heat, so having a range of work clothes is sensible. You might want

• A waterproof jacket for wet conditions
• A fleece for cold temperatures
• A breathable jacket to regulate warm temperatures and protect your skin
• A high-vis jacket whenever you’ll be working on a construction site

The Result Work-Guard Heavy Duty Combo Coat is a good option for plumbers. It’s showerproof and windproof, and features reflective piping, plenty of pockets, and adjustable hem and cuffs.

Kneepads

As a plumber, you’ll often find yourself working in awkward spaces, kneeling to access pipes and plumbing. Because of this, your back and knees can be at risk.

Protect yourself from strain by using kneepads or a kneeling pad to support your joints. Look for plumbing PPE that meets EN 14404, the EU standard for kneepads that best protect the user’s knees.

Picking protective footwear for plumbers

As a plumber, you’re likely to be working in wet and slippery conditions. It’s important to have safety shoes that offer balance, stability, and mobility.

Because you also might be carrying heavy pipes or ceramics, you’ll need protection from potential crushing hazards or punctures.

We’d recommend professional work boots, with a protective toe cap and a non-skid sole. You’ll also want your boots to be fully waterproof to keep your feet clean and dry.

Safety shoes for plumbers must also comply with international standard EN ISO 20345.

Our recommendation would be the Regatta Safety Footwear Waterproof S3 Dealer Boots.

Save money on plumbing PPE with Checkatrade

Investing in the best plumber PPE can be expensive – but it’s not worth going for cheaper equipment and compromising on safety.

That’s why our members get access to exclusive discounts on PPE for plumbing in the UK. So, if you’re already a member, what are you waiting for? Save money when shopping from big brands like Wickes, Selco, and Caterpillar.

Of course, there are plenty of other benefits to joining Checkatrade as a plumber!

• Get more leads – Over 2 million people searched for plumbers in 2023 on the Checkatrade website*
• Increase your local visibility with an optimised Checkatrade webpage – so people looking for plumbers in your area find you first
• Enjoy specialist discounts on plumbing supplies through places such as Selco and Wickes
• You can also enjoy exclusive discounts on essentials such as public liability insurance

Our fixed term membership plans give you an easier way to help manage marketing spend for a set volume of leads. When you sign up, you can build a plan that suits both you and the needs of your business, giving you a set number of leads throughout the year.

* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade website in 2023