A variety of plumbing issues can arise in and around the home that are rather simple to resolve if you have the appropriate tools. Hiring a skilled plumber can be prohibitively expensive.
Please keep in mind that whether or not you can solve plumbing problems on your own depends on the nature of the problem. Some challenges necessitate the use of extensive knowledge and experience, as well as specialized tools and machinery.
Remember that if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could cause more harm than good. Consult a plumbing professional if you’re unsure.
Every homeowner’s toolbox ought to be stocked with at least a few essential plumbing tools. Whether you’re planning a big DIY project or just want to be ready for everyday wear and tear or emergency plumbing problems, these tools should be there for you. The more important plumbing tools you have in your home, the less worried you will be about having a plumbing disaster in your hands. If your pipe leaks or your sink doesn’t drain properly, you’ll need to call in a plumbing expert to fix it. With a little preparation, you can do it on your own.
You should always have these essential plumbing tools in hand in case the emergency arises.
1. Plunger
3. Gloves
4. Plumbers torch
5. Hand auger
6. Drain snake
7. Flash lights
8. Pliers
9. Hacksaw
10. Tapes
11. Tape measure
12. Heat shields or pads
13. Plumbers putty
14. Caulk gun and caulk
15. Emergency toilet paper
16. Pipe and Tube benders
17. Hole saw kit
18. Tubing cutter
19. A water pressure gauge
20. Goggles
1. Plungers
- Cup plunger
- Flange plunger
Because you will, unfortunately, have to deal with a clogged toilet at some point in your life, these are essential plumbing tools that every homeowner should have. Plungers aren’t just for toilets; they can also help wth a clogged shower drain, so keep a couple of these on hand because they can help you fix minor plumbing issues and are very inexpensive.
In order to be successful, you must have two types of plungers in hand: a toilet plunger and a cup plunger are both useful tools for unclogging clogged drains and toilet bowls.
Cup Plunger: You can find these plungers all over. They are called Cup Plunger (Sink and Tub Plunger) Each one has a rubber cup-like shape on one end, which is connected to a long wooden handle. They are often good at clearing clogs in sinks, tubs, and showers, but they aren’t meant to clear toilets.
Flange plunger: These plungers are designed to clear obstructions from toilets. When using a flange plunger, which is identical in construction to a normal plunger, there is an enlarged rubber flap beneath the cup of the plunger head to help seal the toilet bowl.
2. Wrenches
- Pipe Wrench
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Strap wrench
- Torque wrench
- Faucet key
- Pipe wrench
Pipe wrenches are employed to tighten and loosen threaded pipes, fittings, and nuts, as well as to grasp and hold. These are the largest wrenches used in a plumber’s toolbox; they are often used in tandem, with one grasping the pipe and the other rotating the nut or fitting.
They are available in a variety of sizes. If you frequently work with pipes, you should invest in a complete set.
- Basin wrench
A basin wrench is a type of T-shaped tool. It’s for tightening and loosening the sink faucet nut.
Nothing else can do the same job, as this instrument is designed to work in areas where your hand and normal wrenches can’t reach. The large shaft and clamp of a basin wrench make it excellent for tightening and releasing faucet bolts beneath the sink.
- Adjustable wrench
This is exactly how it sounds! An adjustable wrench allows you to adjust how far the teeth open to accommodate pieces of varying sizes. With this tool, you can tighten or loosen most bolts, nuts, and fittings as needed.
Adjustable wrenches are typically available in 6 or 10-inch lengths, referring to the length of the handle. It’s a good idea to have both on hand. Compression fittings, supply lines, and other plumbing parts respond well to the adjustable wrench’s hard jaws. With a hexagon-shaped head, you can be confident that this wrench will not slip while you work.
- Strap wrench
For operations that do not involve working with high-pressure water, a strap wrench is an excellent alternative to a pipe wrench because it does not damage the pipe’s surface. When you’re done securing it, twist the strap!
- Torque wrench
A nut or bolt torque wrench is a tool that is used to impart a precise amount of torque to a nut or bolt.
- Faucet key
A plumber’s X-shaped tool that is used to open and close spigots and sillcocks on the job.
- Gloves
It’s advisable not to use your bare hands when working with plumbing because it can get nasty. A pair of heavy-duty rubber gloves will assist you in keeping your hands, wrists, and forearms clean while also protecting them from potentially harmful objects such as sharp objects. Gloves are an item that is frequently disregarded or forgotten, yet they are a crucial tool while dealing with plumbing difficulties in the home.
4. Plumbers torch
An electric plumber’s torch is a hand-held equipment that applies high-temperature heat to a specific section of piping, allowing you to seal new piping during installation or replacement.
5. Hand auger
When you have a clog in your sink or shower that is too difficult to clear with a standard plunger, a hand auger comes in handy. It works by turning a hand crank to force a long, coiled wire through your drain and out the other side.
6. Drain snake
There are times when your plunger can’t get the job done. A drain snake can help. A drain snake is a long, coiled piece of metal wire that is connected to a hand crank. It can be used to clean drains. As soon as you’re done, pull out the wire with the crank. Unwinding the wire pushes through the drain, clearing away clogs as it goes, so the drain is clear. Use this to get rid of things like hair and other things that build up in your pipes without causing them to burst.
7. Flash lights
Plumbers frequently work in dimly lit areas, such as basements, so keeping a flashlight on hand is always a smart idea.
8. Pliers
Slipknot pliers include tongue-and-groove pliers, also called water pump pliers. To hold nuts and bolts, grip irregular-shaped objects, and hold pipes in position. Besides plumbing, needle-nose pliers are great for removing small clumps of hair or dirt out of the shower or tub drain without using larger equipment like a hand auger. A plumber is needed to unclog severely clogged sink or toilet drains.
9. Hacksaw
You can use a hacksaw to cut through metal or plastic pipe. It can also cut nuts and bolts, screws, and other types of hardware. You’ll need one of these at some point.
You’ll also want to stock up on spare blades, as some plumbing fixtures and pipes are fragile and can easily be broken.
10. Tapes
- Thread tape
Thread seal tape can also be referred to as PTFE tape, plumber’s tape, or Teflon tape. Pipe threads and other plumbing leaks can be sealed with this tape.If you have a leaking pipe, use thread seal tape to temporarily seal the leak and prevent further water damage.
- Duct tape
Duct tape is a must-have for any person who likes to do DIY projects. When you need to keep things together, a good roll can really help. Keep a leak from becoming a flood until you can get things fixed properly.
11. Tape measure
A basic tape measure completes the plumbing equipment. Plumbing requires precise measurements to ensure proper repairs in small places. A tape measure will help you prevent costly mistakes in house repairs.
12. Heat shields or pads
During the soldering process, it protects plumbers and the surrounding environment from any heat damage or fire.
13. Plumbers putty
Using plumber’s putty instead of duct tape is an easy and fast fix when the situation is low-stress. Applying a water-resistant seal using your fingertips is the easiest way to get the job done.
14. Caulk gun and caulk
A caulk gun loaded with caulk or silicone can be your best friend for more durable watertight solutions. Wrapping a piece of duct tape around the cut tip can help keep the contents ready to use later.
15. Emergency toilet paper
Drain cleaner is one of the most essential tools in every home, yet it can run out at the most inconvenient times. Prevent anxiety by storing an extra supply of toilet paper in a secure location.
16. Pipe and Tube benders
Instead of making a fitting, this tool is used to bend a wide range of pipes and tubing instead.
17. Hole saw kit
In order to cut perfectly round holes in a variety of materials, a hole saw is employed.
18. Tubing cutter
Plumbers use this instrument to cut through plastic tubing, each has its particular cutting range.
19. A water pressure gauge
This is a device that aids in the monitoring of various performance parameters. Because the water or air that passes through them is pressured, water systems and tanks are able to function. A pressure gauge will measure the force of the pressure in the water or air, allowing you to identify whether there are any problems in your tank or systems by using the information.
20. Goggles
It is important to wear goggles when you are working on a plumbing project because they protect your eyes from any dangerous materials that you might come into contact with.
Conclusion
While you are unlikely to utilise these tools on a daily basis, you will be relieved to have them! Additionally, avoid becoming overwhelmed if a plumbing problem does occur. If you’re having difficulty resolving a problem, you can always contact a team of skilled and committed plumbers to serve you.