Many small plumbing projects around the home can be completed by the home owner without the need for outside help. However, it is essential to have the right home plumbing tools to complete the task. We’ll go through some of the tools every home owner should have and how to use them.
TRADITIONAL PLUNGER – FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
The plunger is your first line of defense for a plugged drain. They are available in different sizes for sinks and toilets. Simply place the plunger over the plugged drain and push, the air pressure can force the plug further in to the pipe where it would drain freely through the sewer system. If the plug persists, it’s time for the next solution. Plungers at Home Depot
TOILET HAND AUGER – THE INTERROGATOR
The hand auger is designed to grab on to the plug when inserted into the drain. To operate, insert the auger line while spinning the line clockwise. Then, attempt to pull the plug out with the auger line. If the plug can’t be removed by way of hand auger contact a licensed plumber for help. Hand augers on amazon
In addition to clogs the home DIY plumber may have to tighten compression fittings, pipe threads, or valve connections. These tools will be necessary to complete such a task.
PIPE WRENCH – PLUMBERS ONLY TOOL(NOT!)
Pipe wrenches are designed to grip on to round surfaces like pipes. Any threaded pipe would have to be tightened with this wrench. Therefore, it is indispensable to the DIY plumber as well as any professional. Pipe wrenches at Home Depot
ADJUSTABLE WRENCH – FIX IT ALL
These wrenches are used wherever nuts or bolts need to be tightened. It’s especially important with polished items as adjustable wrenches are less likely to leave scratches. Adjustable wrenches can replace the need for fixed end wrenches making your toolbox much lighter. Adjustable wrenches at Home Depot
CHANNEL LOCKS – VERSITILE LEVERAGE
The most used tool by any licensed plumber are channel locks. often kept on their person, these tools can tackle many problems alone. They can adjust to handle many sizes of bolt or nut eliminating the need for multiple sized tools. Channel locks adjust very quickly and can speed up your work time significantly. Channel locks at home depot
PLUMBERS TAPE – THREAD SAVER
Plumbers tape is a thread sealer and should be used wherever a thread does not have compression seals, most often pipe threads. Once a pipe thread has been tightened once, then loosened, it can become deformed. Plumbers tape will fill the gaps in the threads making them water tight. always apply plumbers tape in the direction of the threads. Plumbers tape at Home Depot
Having the right home plumbing tools for your DIY project will allow you to safely and expediently correct your plumbing issues. If your plumbing problem persists, contact a licensed expert. As always, RFG Plumbing is here to help!
