If you have ever had a burst pipe, you’ll know how inconvenient it can be. At these times, you’ll be thankful you have your trusty little toolkit close by. But why wait for an emergency to gather the few tools necessary for fixing a plumbing problem? Here are some plumbing tools that are handy to have in your toolbox.
Plungers
A plunger is one of the most important tools in any DIY plumbing tool kit. Plungers can be used to clear sinks, showers, and tubs when they’re clogged by hair and other debris.
Cup plunger
A cup plunger works by creating a vacuum seal against the surface of your sink or toilet bowl. The air pressure inside the cup helps push waste out of the drain while blocking foreign objects from entering it.
Flat plunger
A flat plunger is a simple device that is used to unclog drains. It’s the same thing as a toilet plunger, but instead of being round, it’s flat on one side.
Pipe Wrench
Pipe wrenches come in different sizes depending on how large or small their heads are. Pipe wrenches are used in plumbing jobs to tighten fittings such as valves, joints, and faucets onto pipes. The head is designed to fit around the circumference of a pipe. The teeth on the inside grip the pipe when force is applied by twisting.
Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a tool to tighten or loosen the nuts and bolts on your faucet. It’s a straightforward tool to use. All you need to do is fit the basin wrench onto the nut or bolt, then use a little bit of force to turn it.
Caulk Gun and Caulk
A caulk gun is a tool that you can use to apply sealant. It’s a hollow tube with a plunger on the end that you press down to dispense the caulking material. Caulk is a sealant that you apply around the joints in your plumbing system.
- Caulking helps prevent leaks.
- It makes your home look nicer by hiding pipes or drains.
- You can ensure no water or air escapes from your plumbing system.
Long-Nosed Pliers
Long-nosed pliers are a type of plumbing tool similar to regular pliers, but they have a longer nose to help you reach deep into tight spaces. They’re used for various plumbing jobs, including tightening and loosening pipe fittings, removing stuck pipes and faucet washers, and bending copper pipe.
The advantages of long-nosed pliers are –
- Multipurpose. Useful for many jobs, from fixing a leaky faucet to installing new pipes. This makes them an essential tool for any DIYer who wants to tackle plumbing projects independently instead of hiring someone else.
- Reach hard-to-access places. If your sink or tub drain is clogged with hair or other debris, long-nosed pliers allow you to reach further down the drain.
Hand Auger
A hand auger is an essential plumbing tool. It’s a type of drain snake that’s used to clear clogs and blockages in pipes. It’s not as effective as electric drain snakes, but it’s much more portable and easier to use.
Hand augers are also great for cleaning out your septic system or cesspool.
Plumber’s Tape
Thread seal tape is made from rubber-based materials that will not break down under high temperatures, chemicals, or oils. It’s designed to protect threads from corrosion while providing a tight fit between parts. This prevents leaks and keeps lubricants from seeping out between parts that are supposed to be contained.
Before applying the sealer, remove any dirt or grease from the threads. This will help ensure that the tape adheres properly and that no grit gets trapped between the tape and the screw or hole.
Heavy Duty Rubber Gloves
If you’re doing any type of plumbing work, you should be using heavy duty gloves. Not only will they protect your hands from cuts and scrapes, but they’ll also prevent you from picking up bacteria on your hands.
Want to hand your plumbing dilemmas over to an expert? Give the ASI pros a call for all your plumbing needs.
