Every homeowner will face minor plumbing issues from time to time, whether it’s a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a running toilet. While major plumbing problems require the expertise of a professional, there are many minor fixes you can handle yourself—if you have the right tools. In this blog, we’ll cover the essential plumbing tools every homeowner should have in their toolkit to tackle common plumbing repairs.
1. Plunger
A plunger is one of the most basic and essential plumbing tools you should have in your home. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or a slow-draining sink, a good plunger can often solve the problem quickly and efficiently.
• What It’s For: Clearing clogs in toilets, sinks, and shower drains.
• Tip: Keep both a standard cup plunger (for sinks) and a flange plunger (for toilets) on hand.
2. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is a versatile tool that allows you to tighten or loosen various nuts, bolts, and fittings. This tool is especially useful for fixing leaky faucets, installing new fixtures, and working with plumbing connections.
• What It’s For: Tightening or loosening plumbing fittings, nuts, and bolts.
• Tip: Make sure to have both small and medium adjustable wrenches for different tasks around the house.
3. Pipe Wrench
When it comes to working with pipes, a pipe wrench is a must-have. Its strong grip is designed to handle threaded pipes and large fittings, making it ideal for plumbing repairs involving water supply lines and other large pipework.
• What It’s For: Gripping and turning pipes, especially when dealing with stubborn fittings.
• Tip: Keep two pipe wrenches handy—one to grip the pipe and another to turn the fitting.
4. Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape)
Plumber’s tape, also known as Teflon tape, is a thin white tape that is wrapped around the threads of pipes and fittings to create a watertight seal. It’s an essential tool for preventing leaks when installing or repairing threaded plumbing connections.
• What It’s For: Sealing threaded pipe connections to prevent leaks.
• Tip: Wrap the tape around the threads in a clockwise direction for a proper seal.
5. Plumber’s Snake (Drain Auger)
For clogs that are too stubborn for a plunger, a plumber’s snake is your go-to tool. This flexible, coiled tool can be fed into drains to break up and remove clogs deeper in the pipes.
• What It’s For: Clearing clogs in sinks, toilets, and shower drains.
• Tip: Choose a hand-crank drain auger for home use—it’s easy to use and effective for most common clogs.
6. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a specialized tool designed for tightening or loosening nuts in tight spaces, particularly under sinks. Its long handle and swiveling jaw make it perfect for reaching into hard-to-access areas, such as under a faucet.
• What It’s For: Reaching and tightening nuts in hard-to-reach places, especially under sinks.
• Tip: A basin wrench is especially handy when installing or removing kitchen and bathroom faucets.
7. Toilet Auger
While a regular plumber’s snake can handle most clogs, a toilet auger is specifically designed to clear stubborn blockages in toilets. It has a long cable with a crank handle and is easy to maneuver down the toilet’s drain.
• What It’s For: Removing clogs from toilets that a plunger can’t fix.
• Tip: Toilet augers are safe to use on toilet bowls without scratching the porcelain.
8. Plumber’s Putty
Plumber’s putty is a soft, moldable substance used to create watertight seals around faucets, drains, and other plumbing fixtures. It’s useful for preventing leaks during installations and repairs.
• What It’s For: Sealing plumbing fixtures to prevent leaks.
• Tip: Apply plumber’s putty around drains and faucets before tightening the fixtures to create a leak-proof seal.
9. Caulking Gun
A caulking gun is essential for sealing gaps and joints around plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs, and showers. It helps prevent water from seeping into unwanted areas, protecting your home from water damage.
• What It’s For: Applying caulk to seal joints and prevent water leaks.
• Tip: Use silicone-based caulk for plumbing areas, as it is waterproof and mold-resistant.
10. Bucket and Towels
While these aren’t “tools” in the traditional sense, having a bucket and towels on hand is essential for any plumbing repair. A bucket can catch water when you’re working on pipes, and towels can help clean up any spills quickly.
• What It’s For: Catching water and cleaning up messes during plumbing repairs.
• Tip: Keep a sturdy bucket and a few old towels in your plumbing kit—you’ll thank yourself when the next leak happens.
Conclusion
Having the right tools in your home can make tackling minor plumbing repairs a breeze, saving you time and money on professional services for small jobs. With a plunger, wrenches, plumber’s snake, and a few other basic tools, you’ll be well-prepared to handle common plumbing issues that arise.
Of course, for more complex problems or if you’re unsure about a repair, it’s always best to call in the pros. Advocate Plumbing is here to help with everything from routine maintenance to emergency plumbing repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or ask for advice on any plumbing issue you’re facing!
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