The Top 20 Must-Have Plumbing Tools Every Home Should Have
Even if you have a plumbing contractor you use to take care of plumbing problems around your home, there are must-have plumbing tools every home still needs. You never know when something can go wrong. Having access to these tools can make a world of difference, from a flooded room to keeping things under control until help can arrive.
1. Plungers
Plungers can help you remove clogs and resolve problems with slow draining drains. There are two general types of plungers you should have.
The first is a toilet plunger with a flanged head that sticks out and inserts into the toilet drain. The second is a toilet plunger with a cup head that is perfect for use on sinks, bathtubs, and showers where the flanged head won’t fit into the drain.
2. Plumber’s Wrench
This type of wrench is adjustable and has a long handle with a swivel-like adjustable clamping head. It is a good tool to use to tighten up loose nuts on drainpipes when they are leaking, to slow or stop the leak until your plumber can come out to inspect the problem.
3. Adjustable Pliers
You should have two different sizes of adjustable pliers. They are great for holding things in place while you tighten them. They also work well if you need to grab, twist, or pull on something.
4. Needle Nose Pliers
This style of pliers has narrow but long tips that are perfect for reaching into tight places. They work just like other pliers and can make accessing small openings and gaps much easier.
5. Drain Snakes
These are short auger-type tools that are perfect for removing hair and other debris from clogged drains. They are meant to be used to remove clogs in the first few feet of the drainpipe.
6. Pipe Augers
There are two general types of pipe augers. There is a special one just for toilets and the other is for your other drains. Pipe augers are turned by hand and can help remove clogs from clogged drains and clogged toilets when a plunger doesn’t do the trick.
7. Adjustable Wrench
You should have a few different sizes of adjustable wrenches since pipe fittings and nuts come in a wide range of sizes. These are lighter than plumber’s wrenches and may fit into spaces where a plumber’s wrench will not.
8. Plumber’s Tape
You should have a least one spool of plumber’s tape in your toolbox. This plastic “tape” is made from Teflon. It is wrapped over pipe threads and helps create a good seal between pipe fittings.
9. Hacksaw/Pipe Cutter
Having a hacksaw on hand is great if you are an avid DIYer. With a hacksaw, you can cut PVC pipes to size. You can even swap out the plastic cutting blade from one that will cut through copper.
An alternative tool you may also want to have is a pipe cutter. This tool is perfect for cutting PVC and plastic pipes. You just put it on the pipe where you want to cut it and move it around the pipe until it cuts the pipe.
10. Strap Wrench
This special type of wrench easily wraps around areas that are difficult to access and adjusts to the necessary size. They are also great to use on any plumbing fixtures that you don’t want to scratch, as well as pipes like small copper tubing that can’t handle high pressure.
11. Duct Tape
Besides sealing air leaks in ductwork, duct tape is a must-have for any home. This versatile tape can be used to seal small pipe leaks and slow them down until your plumber technician can come out and replace the pipe.
12. A New Set of Washer Hoses
Washer hoses should be replaced every three to five years. The rubber/plastic gradually wears out and could burst unexpectedly. Having a new set on hand will make swapping them out quick and easy should one burst. Better yet, keep a spare set on hand and set a reminder to change them before the other ones wear out and burst.
13. Caulk Gun and Caulk
Stock your toolbox with a caulk gun and several different types of caulk. There are specific silicone-based and bathroom-type caulks that are designed for different purposes. Just read the outside of the caulk tube to find out what type of sealing it offers.
14. A Bucket
You should have a bucket for placing under the sink in case of leaks. A bucket also works well if you need to clean out the “U” pipe section under the sink. It will collect any water left in the pipe.
15. A Set of Rags
You want to have a set of rags available for plumbing repairs. They make cleaning up quick and easy. Afterward, you can just toss them in the washer to clean them and reuse them again. The rags also work great to place over the pipe when using pliers or wrenches, to help prevent scratches to metal finishes.
16. A Secret Stash of Toilet Paper
You should have a secret stash of toilet paper hidden away in case you run out and forgot you were running low. It is never any fun to discover you are out when you need it the most. Just remember, if you use your secret stash of toilet paper, to restock it.
17. Purple Primer
This purple liquid is used to prime PVC and other types of plastic pipes and fitters. It should not be used on ABS pipes.
18. All-Purpose Pipe Cement
This type of glue is for use on PVC and other types of plastic pipes and fittings where you need to “glue” sections together or ensure they have a good seal.
19. Different Sizes/Types of Pipe Washers
You can get a kit that features an assortment of pipe washers that are used in different types of plumbing fixtures. For example, there are small rubber washers in faucet aerators. If you discover a leak around where the aerator screws onto the faucet, chances are the rubber washer needs to be replaced.
20. Your Plumber’s Phone Number
No matter what plumbing tools you stock in your toolbox, you should have your plumber’s phone number stored in your smartphone, as well as on the refrigerator and in your toolbox. This way, you won’t have to spend time searching for it when you have a plumbing emergency you cannot fix.
Most of the time, you won’t need these tools that often. However, should a situation arise where you do need them, you will be happy you have them stocked in your toolbox. As an added bonus, many of these tools also are great to have around for other DIY-type projects and repairs.
For plumbing repairs, clogged toilets, clogged drains, and plumbing services, including plumbing inspections, leak detection, drain cleaning, water treatment, sewer repair, water heater repair and installation, bathroom plumbing, kitchen plumbing, and more, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 today!
We service the Greater Houston Area, including Katy, Cypress, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Spring communities. We can also take care of your air conditioning and heating repairs, maintenance, tune-ups, and new system installations. Be sure to ask about our current specials and offers as well!
The post The Top 20 Must-Have Plumbing Tools Every Home Should Have appeared first on Met Plumbing.
