Plumbers put their hands where nobody else wants to: blocked drains, sewer lines, grease traps and tight, sharp spaces behind fittings. This guide to the best gloves for plumbers matches common plumbing tasks to a glove that suits them.

What plumbers’ hands are exposed to

• Sewage and contaminated water. Plumbers, sewerage workers and drain layers are among the occupations at risk of leptospirosis, which enters through cuts and grazes or through the mouth, nose and eyes (SafeWork NSW: leptospirosis). Leptospirosis is also a known risk in Malaysia.
• Drain cleaners and descalers. Strong acids and alkalis burn skin on contact.
• Solvent cement, primer and flux. These strip the skin’s natural oils and can cause dermatitis.
• Cut pipe, sheet metal and broken ceramic. Sharp edges cut hands and tear thin gloves.
• Wet work. Long periods with wet hands soften the skin and let bacteria in more easily.

What the research says

Findings from safety regulators and published studies, mostly from Australia, the UK and the US.

• Australian drinking water guidelines put raw sewage at about 100 million E. coli per litre, along with thousands of Campylobacter, adenovirus and Cryptosporidium per litre (NHMRC).
• Sewage germs enter through broken skin and through the eyes, nose and mouth (WorkSafe Queensland). One study found people touch their face about 23 times an hour (Kwok and others, 2015), which is why a dirty glove should come off before anything else is touched.
• Australian guidance recommends hepatitis A vaccination for plumbers, and hepatitis B and tetanus cover for regular contact with raw sewage (Australian Immunisation Handbook). Ask your doctor what applies to you.
• PVC primer and solvent cement are mostly strong solvents such as MEK, THF and cyclohexanone. One primer’s safety data sheet rates nitrile, latex, neoprene and PVC gloves as poor for anything beyond short contact, with butyl the best option (example SDS). Treat disposable nitrile as splash protection only for glue-up, and change it as soon as primer lands on it.
• Never wash skin with solvents such as MEK or thinners (CCOHS: dermal exposure).

Which glove for which plumbing task

Beflex and ChemTough gloves are SIRIM registered.

Beflex coated work gloves are not liquid-proof. For sewage and chemical work, wear disposable nitrile, and for immersion use a glove longer than the depth of the water.

Always check the label and safety data sheet (SDS) of the chemical you are using for the glove it recommends.

Six glove habits for plumbers

1. Cover every cut and graze with a waterproof dressing before starting work.
2. Change gloves immediately if they split or leak.
3. Keep contaminated gloves away from your face, phone and vehicle. Take them off before touching anything clean.
4. Wash hands with soap and clean water after removing gloves, and before eating, drinking or smoking.
5. Never use solvent or primer to clean hands.
6. Use cut-resistant gloves for cutting and demolition. Disposable gloves give no cut protection.

Getting the size right

A glove that is too tight tears and tires the hand; one that is too loose snags and loses grip. Measure across the palm just below the knuckles. Standard palm widths for nitrile examination gloves (ASTM D6319) are S 80 mm, M 95 mm, L 110 mm and XL 120 mm (each ±10 mm). When buying for a team, ask each person for their size.

Buying for a plumbing business or trade counter

In Malaysia, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the USECHH Regulations 2000 require employers to assess chemical exposure and provide suitable protective equipment. Bergamot is a Malaysian glove supplier, supplying nitrile and work gloves wholesale by the carton to plumbing contractors, facility maintenance teams and hardware distributors, with private-label packing for importers.

Contact us, email info@bergamot.com.my or WhatsApp +6012 714 4186 for samples, specifications and bulk pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What gloves do plumbers use for sewage work?

A heavy-duty disposable nitrile glove such as Grip-X, which stays intact for the job and is thrown away afterwards. For deep or prolonged immersion, use a longer reusable waterproof glove.

Are nitrile gloves waterproof?

Yes, an intact nitrile glove is a waterproof barrier. Water can still enter at the cuff, so choose a glove long enough for the task and change it if it splits.

Can nitrile gloves handle drain cleaner?

It depends on the product and its strength. Use a chemical-rated glove such as ChemTough for splash protection, check the SDS, and change the glove as soon as it is splashed.

Do plumbers need cut-resistant gloves?

Yes, for cutting pipe, removing old fittings and handling broken ceramic or sheet metal. Beflex Tungsten is rated ANSI cut level A8.

More glove guides by trade

• Gloves for mechanics
• Gloves for panel beaters and spray painters
• Gloves for car detailers
• Gloves for concreters and tilers
• Gloves for carpenters and builders
• Gloves for painters and decorators
• Gloves for kitchens and food handling
• Gloves for cleaning and pest control

General information only. Follow the safety data sheet and label of the products you use and your local workplace safety regulations.