Plumbing Tools You Should Have In Your Toolbox
If you are like many people who may not know much about plumbing, you might think a pipe wrench is the only plumbing tool found in a plumbing toolbox. While it’s part of the equation, the fact is there are many other tools, all of which are crucial to keeping drains clear, fixing leaky pipes, and installing sinks, dishwashers, and much more.
If you are in the process of putting together your supply of plumbing tools, our Boss Plumbing experts have some suggestions as to what should always be in your toolkit.
Plumbing Tools for Your Toolbox
Here is the plumbing equipment you will need to handle simple and possibly more complex repairs, be it for pipes, drains, and more:
Plumbing Tools For Pipes
1. Pipe Wrench
Used to tighten and loosen nuts and fittings on pipes. Two are often used in tandem, one to hold the pipe in place and the other to rotate the fitting or nut.
2. Tube and Plastic Pipe Cutters
Used to remove, replace, and resize copper and plastic piping.
3. Hacksaw
A tool used to cut through pipes, screws, nuts, bolts, and other plumbing components when necessary.
4. Pliers
Loosen or tighten bolts or nuts that are too small to be gripped by a wrench. Also used for tight spaces where a larger wrench won’t easily fit.
5. Thread Sealing Tape
Called “plumber’s tape” because it is used to patch threaded joint connections on piping so that leaks don’t occur.
Plumbing Tools For Drains
6. Plungers
Used to clear clogs in toilets or drains. Heavy-duty flange and cup plungers work best, since they produce much more suction than a standard plunger found in most homes.
7. Hand Auger
A circular, handheld device, the hand auger cranks a cable far down into a drain, where it can clear a clog by breaking it apart.
8. Snake Machine
Large, motorized version of hand auger, used to break up extremely difficult clogs deep within drains.
Plumbing Tools For Safety
9. Goggles
Essential for protecting eyes from flying debris when sawing through pipes.
10. Gloves
Allows for easier gripping of pipes or other plumbing system components. Protects hands from suffering cuts or other injuries.
11. Heat Shields
Used when soldering, heat shields are plumbing tools that protect the plumber and the surrounding area from excessive heat that could result in a fire or other types of heat damage.
Complete Beginner? Five Essential Tools to Have In Your Toolkit
If you are a complete beginner to DIY plumbing repairs, it’s essential you not get involved in a job, only to find out you don’t have the tools you need to complete it. Rather than face this problem, there are five essential tools your plumbing toolbox should not be without.
These are pipe wrenches, of which you should always have two, since one will be used to stabilize the pipe while the other actually turns the fittings or nuts. Also plan on having an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, such as slip-joint pliers that can be adjusted if needed, a roll of plumber’s tape to help seal pipe joints and prevent leaking, and a plunger, since this will be your first plan of attack against a clogged drain.
Always Call On Us
Even though you can take care of some plumbing problems on your own, others will arise that will require the expertise of a professional plumber. Whether it’s a stubborn clog or a leaky faucet, always make your first call to us here at Boss Plumbing. Once you do, we’ll soon have your plumbing problems solved.
