Owning a home comes with its set of challenges, and plumbing issues are high on the list of common household problems. While hiring a professional plumber is always an option, having the right plumbing tools at hand can save homeowners time, money, and frustration. This guide will walk you through the essential plumbing tools every homeowner should have, empowering you to handle minor repairs and emergencies confidently.
Basic Plumbing Tools – A Guide to Why They Are Necessary
Plumbing issues, which may include minor leaks or clogged drains, can be fixed easily and without the need to call a professional. With the right tools, you can resolve the problem immediately, preventing its transformation into a more costly one. Better being prepared can also shield you from being ripped off by a plumber for the jobs you could have easily done on your own, like re-tightening the pipe or cleaning the drain.
1. Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is one of the most popular pieces of plumbing equipment. It is the fundamental tool that can move and twist pipes. You will have to use any of these pipe wrenches-pipe wrenches- one small and one large to tackle various pipe sizes. The provision of the adjustable jaw provides a solid grip on objects with a round surface, such as pipes and nuts. It comes in handy in the case of malfunctioning plumbing fixtures or the pipes becoming wobbly and loose over time.
2. Plunger
This nonsophisticated device is mandatory for any house owner. A plunger is employed in the drainage piping system to release blockages by the use of pressure. The first thing you need is a flange plunger for toilets, then a cup plunger is the perfect choice for sinks and tubs. You are also recommended to have both types because they give different approaches to fix and all are needed to cover all your plumbing necessities.
3. Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape)
Plumber’s tape, also called Teflon tape, is a non-adhesive, stretchy tape which is used to create a watertight seal when connecting the threaded pipes.
Teflon tape serves the function of closing the gaps by wrapping them with water so no leakage occurs. Just wrap the tape around the threads before screwing the pipes together. It is an inexpensive but necessary means of preventing leaks in pipes and fittings (Plumbing).
4. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a special tool specially designed for tightening and loosening nuts in tight or out-of-reach locations, usually underneath sinks. The long handle and swiveling jaw enable this wrench to access fasteners that are not accessible with other wrenches. In the case you wish to replace or repair your faucet you’d better have this tool with you.
5. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench, which is the A-list versatile tool in plumbing, is used to do various tasks like twisting or untwisting nuts and bolts for plumbing. It’s adjustable to different sizes, making it a convenient tool for working on pipes, faucets, and other fixtures.
6. Plumber’s Snake (Drain Auger)
A plumber’s snake is a long, cylindrical, flexible, and coiled tool used for dug-in blockages that a plunger cannot handle. A plumber’s snake will come to the rescue in situations where a plunger cannot fix the clog effectively. It is mainly designed for unclogging the problematic sinks, tubs, and even toilets. This snake has a long and pliable design that allows it to access clogs that are further down the drain line, thus, you have more power to be fid of the obstruction hands-on.
7. Hacksaw
A hacksaw is helpful while cutting metal or plastic pipes, bolts, and nuts. Always keep some extra blades, especially when you are dealing with metal since cutting can sharpen the blade. Regardless of whether you’re replacing a rusted pipe or nipping the new one to fit, the tool you cannot do without is a hacksaw in a DIY plumbing project.
8. Pipe Cutter
A pipe cutter is more accurate than a hacksaw and it is exclusively created for cutting pipes. They have various sizes, get one that is appropriate for the different kinds of pipes in your house. It promises a smooth cut and a lessening of the probability of water damage and leaks. This tool is the best when dealing with copper or plastic pipes.
9. Plumbing Tape Measure
Plumbing work that involves measuring the pipes, fittings, and spaces correctly is the recipe for success. A tape measure will make your shopping for the right size of pipes and fixtures, very easy. Measuring always twice ensures that you will not need to buy the pipes that are expensive.
10. Caulking Gun
The caulk gun is an indispensable tool used to seal the joints around the sinks, tubs, and toilets to stop the leakage of water and dampness. Caulk is the foundational material applied by the caulk gun, which is a flexible waterproof material that helps to close the gaps and prevent any moisture from adding into the non-treated areas. They are the used in the construction of such boxes.
11. Bucket
While having a bucket with you may seem straightforward, it is an essential component of any plumbing work. Regardless of whether you are cleaning out a toilet or collecting water from a leaking pipe, a bucket can prevent a wet mess. Make sure you have one close by every time before you start working on a plumbing issue.
12. Gloves
Plumbing can be messy, for this reason, gloves are simple but essential tools for the hands to be protected from dirt, chemicals, and sharp objects. Go for durable, waterproof gloves that offer both flexibility and a good grip while doing plumbing jobs.
DIY vs Professional Plumbing
While having these tools on hand can save you in many situations, it’s important to know your limits. There’s a fine line between DIY and professional plumbing work. Some of the basic things for example, unclogging a drain or tightening a loose pipe can be done by most homeowners, but for more elaborate ones like pipe installation or severe leaks, they need to communicate with a plumber. Being smart when you need professionals will save you a lot of hazards and big expenses in the future.
Conclusion
Having the right plumbing tools handy will definitely help you repair minor plumbing issues in your house with a lot of convenience. When you are incapable you are the slightest stubborn and calling a professional when necessary is your first goal, the following tools are the necessary equipment you are able to use to deal with most of the problems that come up. These tools will get you through any potential plumbing emergencies and you can easily fix the simple issues thus saving on unnecessary repair costs.
