Plumbing jobs are best left to the experts. That said, every homeowner must have some useful plumbing tools that they can use to perform emergency and minor repairs. So, what are some of the most useful plumbing tools you need in your home? Let’s take a look!
Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is designed to tighten and loosen pipes and fittings. Every pipe wrench has serrated teeth that help it maintain a firm grasp on the fixture. Avoid using the tool for hardened steel hex nuts, as they may damage the head. When using a wrench, wrap a cloth around its jaws to prevent damage to the fixture’s finish.
Tongue-and-Groove Plier
Pliers are usually used to hold, tighten, pull, loosen, and twist plumbing fixtures. A tongue-and-groove plier has serrated jaws usually 45-60 degrees from the handle. The tool features an adjustable lower jaw that can be moved to different positions by sliding along a tracking section.
When you adjust the pliers to different sizes, the handle doesn’t grow wider, helping avoid gripping issues.
Tubing Cutter
A tubing cutter resembles a C-clamp. The tool is designed to help save time and effort when cutting copper pipes. Plumbers usually use both standard-sized tuber cutters and close-quarter mini cutters. Ideal for tight spaces, a mini cutter will help you cut pipes cleanly without leaving any jagged edges.
Plunger
Plungers are one of the most commonly used plumbing tools. A plunger is designed to dislodge clogs from sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, and drains. When using a plunger to unclog your drain, push it down firmly to create a tight seal around the drain and quickly pull up to create a vacuum effect.
Hacksaw
Hacksaws are used to cut through piping, nuts, bolts, screws, and hardware. Keep a spare blade handy, especially if you have sturdy plumbing hardware that can damage (or even break) hacksaw blades. When dealing with a tight spot, wrap an end of a loose blade in a cloth to create a handle.
Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake or hand auger is usually 25feet long. Its flexibility allows it to access difficult-to-reach areas. Plumbers use the tool to unclog tubs, drain lines, toilets, showers, and sinks. A plumber’s snake is usually used after the plunger fails to clear a clog.
Basin Wrench
Basin wrenches are used to tighten nuts that hold different parts of sink faucets in place. This one-of-a-kind tool has a lengthy shaft and swivel jaw that allows it to reach the narrow space behind the sink.
Holman Plumbing is a one-stop-shop for your plumbing needs. We use advanced equipment and tools for leak detection in Santa Rosa. We are committed to delivering value to our customers. To talk to one of our experts, call us at 707-495-5002.