Be Prepared for Every Plumbing Emergency these Essential Tools

10/07/22

At some time or another, you might need to fix a plumbing problem in your home. Even if you have a plumber come and do the work for you, it is usually easier if you have the right tools for the job. Here are some tools every homeowner should have on hand when there’s a plumbing emergency.

Plungers

Let’s face it. When thinking about basic DIY plumbing tools, few are as important as a plunger. If you’ve ever had a clogged toilet or drain, a plunger is one of the first things you’ll reach for to help clear the blockage.

Cup plunger

The cup-shaped end of the plunger is placed over the drain hole in your sink or toilet and then pressed down, creating a seal. This seal creates suction, pulling any water from under the clog and into the pipe.

Flange plunger

Shaped like a bell, with a round head and flange that fits over the drain opening, this plunger fits over a drain opening. The flange seals off the drainpipe from the bowl.

Pipe Wrench

Pipe wrenches are used in plumbing applications to tighten or loosen threaded joints on pipes, valves, and fittings. They can also be used as levers, applying significant pressure when squeezed together.

Some types of pipe wrenches have two handles on opposite sides of the head, allowing you to simultaneously apply pressure to both sides. This type of wrench is called a double-ended pipe wrench because it can be used in either direction.

Basin Wrench

A basin wrench is a tool used to turn water faucets and valves. The device is usually shaped like a small wrench, with a long handle with a curved head at the end. The curved head or “claw” of the wrench fits over the knob of the faucet or valve, helping you turn it more easily.

You can find basin wrenches in hardware stores, home improvement stores, and plumbing supply shops. They come in various sizes to fit different types of faucets and valves.

Basin wrenches are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They’re also durable and will last for years if properly cared for.

Caulk Gun and Caulk

In the plumbing industry, caulk is the most commonly used substance for sealing and waterproofing joints. Therefore, a good caulking gun is fundamental in any plumbing maintenance toolkit.

Most caulking guns come with an adjustable nozzle tip that allows you to dispense the right amount of caulk at once rather than squeeze out too much and waste material unnecessarily. As a result, they make sealing bathtubs, sinks, and showers much easier.

Long-Nosed Pliers

If you’re a DIY plumber, you must have long-nosed pliers in your plumbing maintenance toolkit. They’re used for removing and installing pipe fittings, but they can also be used for tightening nuts and bolts, bending wire, and even cutting wires.

Long-nosed pliers come in two different designs: locking and slip joint. Both types of pliers have a spring inside that locks the jaws closed when you squeeze them together. This makes them useful for gripping objects with more force than your fingers alone can provide.

Hand Auger

A hand auger is a plumbing tool used to unclog drains and pipes. It’s like a snake threaded with cable that runs through a pipe. When the cable is turned, it pulls the plug up the pipe and out of the drain.

The main advantage of using an auger is that it can reach further into drain lines than other types of plungers or rods. This makes it possible to get rid of more serious clogs, such as roots or hair, which might cause damage to your home.

Plumber’s Tape

Thread seal tape is a synthetic tape made from Teflon and other materials. It’s designed to be used on threaded pipe ends to prevent leakage.

Thread seal tape can be used with various types of pipes, and it’s color-coded to associate with the liquid or gas the pipe carries. It’s available in different widths, thicknesses, and lengths. Some styles are reinforced with fiberglass or Kevlar fibers for added strength and durability.

The tape’s applied around the threads of a pipe end to prevent fluid from leaking when the pipe is tightened down. It gives you peace of mind that your systems are leak-proof and secure.

Heavy Duty Rubber Gloves

Wearing gloves will protect your skin from any bacteria or viruses. What’s more, they’ll ensure you don’t get burnt by hot water (or steam) or come into contact with nasty chemicals. Gloves are one of the essential plumbing tools that should feature in every DIY kit.

Struggling with household plumbing jobs? Give the Cincinnati plumbing experts a call and let them do the hard work for you. Get in touch with HELP today for more information about plumbing repairs and maintenance.

Posted in: Plumbing