7 Plumbing Tools You Need in Your Toolbox

Whether you’re a weekend warrior that can tackle the smaller plumbing jobs or a brand new homeowner that has yet to even unclog the toilet, you should always have the right tools available. Inside of your toolbox that you keep in the garage should be a handful of tools that can help you make temporary repairs while you wait for the plumber to arrive.

1. Flange & Cup Plungers – Toilets, sinks, and shower/bathtub drains can all easily clog at any moment. It’s important to have not one, but two plungers on hand so you and unblock the obstruction. Flange plungers are recommended to unclog toilets while cup plungers should be used for clearing blockages in sinks and shower/bathtub drains.
2. Hand Auger – When a clog is more serious and can’t be broken up with a plunger, it’s time to break out the secret weapon. The hand auger will allow you to feed a metal wire into sink and shower/bathtub drains. Once the wire pierces the blockage, you’ll be able to break it up or pull it out by cranking the wire back. Do not use a hand auger on toilets, instead, get yourself a toilet auger.
3. Adjustable Wrench – Many plumbing pieces are fitted with hexagonal-shaped nuts, fittings, and supply lines of all sizes. Therefore, having an adjustable wrench will allow you to tighten or loosen any size of fittings with a firm grip. Six- and 10-inch adjustable wrenches are available and both should be owned.
4. Pipe Wrench – This wrench is the big brother to the adjustable wrench. The pipe wrench is meant to tighten or loosen the actual plumbing pipes. Having two will make life easier as you can use one to grip the pipe while you use the second one to tighten or loosen the fitting.
5. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers – These curved pliers are perfect for getting a grip of something. You’ll be able to grab, pull, twist, or hold something of most sizes thanks to its slip-joint that can be adjusted to different sizes.
6. Metal File – When repairing pipes, you will sometimes need to smooth out the affected area with a metal file. This will make the application of plumber’s tape and fittings easier, especially if the pipe was recently cut.
7. Plumber’s Tape – Many fittings on plumbing pipes and joint connections are threaded, which are prone to leaking when damaged. If there’s a slight leak on any shower heads, water lines, or threaded pipe connections, apply plumber’s tape to temporarily stop the leak. Now you’ll be able to calmly make an appointment with your local plumber without worrying about water damage.

Not all plumbing repairs should be made by the homeowner, however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for a smaller or temporary repair. When you’re in need of a reliable plumber to make any plumbing repairs and installations, contact Len The Plumber. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619.