Not every plumbing problem requires calling out a professional. Some problems can be fixed quickly and simply with just a little basic DIY knowledge. All you really need to deal with a plethora of plumbing problems is a basic kit.
Here are a few simple tools that can help you deal with anything from a leaky faucet fix to a sink that’s backing up.
Why Every Homeowner Should Have Plumbing Tools
Every homeowner should have a range of tools at hand for dealing with the issues that will inevitably arise. They needn’t be complex, expensive tools either- a simple adjustable wrench and a set of screwdrivers can work miracles.
Plumbing problems are a fact of life. Faucets will leak, drains will clog and an almost infinite range of minor problems will crop up from time to time. Of course, a professional licensed plumber will be happy to come and fix your issues but, let’s be honest, this can be an expensive business.
There are some jobs which will be beyond the scope of the average DIYer, but clearing a clog generally isn’t one of them. Save yourself the service fee and all the waiting around with the water off and invest in some basic tools instead.
The Top Basic Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Needs
There are a few items that should be in every homeowner’s tool box. Most of them are general tools that you’ll find multiple uses for and all of them are simple and straightforward.
We’re not suggesting running out to the hardware store and emptying the shelves, but having a collection of reliable tools handy could save you a considerable amount of time, money and stress.
Here are a few things everyone should invest in:
Plungers
Probably the single most common plumbing issue is a blocked or clogged drain. Bits of food, hair, soap, grease and general ick build up, blocking off the flow of water when you pull out the plug. This leaves you with a sink that’s unusable and generally unpleasant to have in the kitchen. Likewise, toilet clogs can and will happen.
Luckily, these can generally be fixed with an appropriate plunger. There are two types that every homeowner should have: a cup plunger for dealing with sinks, basins and tubs and a flange plunger for toilets.
They’re simple to use: simply place the plunger over the drain in question and push and pull away. This forces water down the drain, the sucks it back up. The process breaks up the blockage and pushes it out of the way. With a task so simple, there’s no need for a plumber.
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches are possibly the single most versatile tool any homeowner could have. Because they can be expanded to fit a wide range of nuts and bolts, you’ll find yourself reaching for it in all kinds of situations.
In the case of plumbing repairs, they’re great for tightening and loosening fittings on pipes and faucets. Get two of them as you’ll often want to hold one end of a fitting still while you tighten the other.
Pipe Wrench
Just like an adjustable wrench, pipe wrenches are invaluable tools when working on your own plumbing. They allow you to keep a firm grip on your pipes, twisting or holding them as necessary, making working on your pipework much easier.
They’re particularly useful when dealing with threaded pipes that might be found around larger fixtures.
Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape, also known as Teflon tape, helps prevent leaks in threaded connections. These are particularly common on brass joints but could also be found around the back of washing machines, dishwashers, faucets and various other places in the home.
The tape is wound around the fitting in the opposite direction of the thread. After a few loops, the nut can be tightened over it. The result is that the gaps between the threads of each part are now filled with tape, creating a water tight seal.
It’s not always necessary, but it rarely hurts and with such a cheap, effective product, there’s no excuse to not have a roll in your toolbox.
Drain Snake
Sometimes a plunger isn’t the right tool for clearing a clogged drain. In these cases, a snake is probably the thing you need. They consist of a coil (usually metal) which can be unspooled down the drain in question and rotated. This, depending on the type and clog in question, allows you to either break up or fish out a clog.
They’re particularly useful for sinks and bathroom drains where hair likely forms a lot of the blockages.
Basin Wrench
It’s an unfortunate fact that a lot of our home plumbing systems are tucked away in awkward places. This keeps things looking neat and tidy but presents a serious problem when something goes wrong. This is where having a basin wrench in your arsenal comes in handy.
Rather than contorting yourself at all kinds of awkward angles to try and twist an adjustable wrench into position, try a basin wrench. These tools allow you a much more comfortable way to deal with nuts and fixtures in hard to reach places like under basins or behind baths.
They’re a little trickier to use than other wrenches, but their ergonomic design make them well worth mastering.
Buckets and Towels
Unsurprisingly, plumbing work often gets rather wet. Having something to catch the drips and clean up after yourself is always a good idea.
Buckets can be placed under joints you’re planning on opening and towels can save your flooring. If you have downstairs neighbors, they’ll thank you.
Screwdrivers
Another basic tool that you’ll find unending uses for. A good set of screwdrivers with both Philips and flathead bits can be used to open and close isolation valves, undo or attach clips and fittings and a thousand other household tasks.
Utility Knife
Another multipurpose tool that you’ll often find yourself wanting- a good utility knife. Whether you’re opening packaging, cutting tape or, in a pinch, cutting a tube or pipe most DIY tasks will involve hacking your way through something.
Tips for Organizing and Storing Plumbing Tools
Now that you’ve built up your collection, it’s important to know where they are when you need them. Invest in a toolbox or bag and make sure that you replace your tools after use. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to tear the house apart trying to find a screwdriver when you really need it.
It’s also worth separating your tools out by type, meaning you can reach for the right wrench without having to rummage. This makes simple repairs even easier- everything you need is right there when you need it.
It’s also worth looking after your tools. Even cheap implements can last a long time when regularly cleaned and maintained. Anything with moving parts should be occasionally oiled and everything wiped off after use. Rust is the enemy!
When to Call A Professional
While being able to deal with issues yourself is great, it’s just as important to know when it’s a job for the pros. Anything overly complex, involving a sewer line or trickier access is probably best left to a licensed plumber. The risks of making things worse are simply too great.
That being said, having the right tools at hand could still make things easier. If a twist of a wrench is all that’s needed, you can save time by simply handing one to your plumber and saving them the walk to the van.