As a savvy homeowner, you know it pays to be prepared. You may not be able to replicate the knowledge and expertise of a licensed plumber without years of experience, but you can resolve some basic plumbing woes if you have the proper tools on hand. Here’s what every homeowner should have in their plumbing tool kit.
- Toilet plunger: If you purchase nothing else, at least make sure you have a flange plunger in each bathroom. This tool is the best way to clear the occasional toilet clog and could prevent you from having to call a plumber.
- Sink plunger: Don’t use that dirty toilet plunger to unclog your sink or bathtub! Instead, keep a second one on hand, this time with a flat, cup-shaped head.
- Plumbing auger: Also known as a drain snake, this is the tool you should grab if a plunger doesn’t do the trick. Plumbing augers feature a long, flexible cable with a hooked claw on one end and a crank on the other. It removes stubborn blockages from deep inside the drain.
- Plumber’s tape: You might have heard it called thread seal tape, PTFE tape, or Teflon tape. No matter what you call it, this basic plumbing tool certainly belongs in your kit. The tape creates a water-tight seal around the threads of any pipe, making it useful for fixing leaky showerheads, faucets, and more.
- Wrenches: To ensure you can work with pipes of all shapes, sizes, and locations, stock your plumbing tool kit with an adjustable wrench, basin wrench, pipe wrench, and strap wrench.
- Slip-joint pliers: If you just dropped your wedding ring down the sink, slip-joint pliers can save the day. This tool provides functional bending and gripping capabilities in tight spaces. Aside from retrieving lost rings, slip-joint pliers can also snag nails, bolts, and other objects that would otherwise be out of reach.
- Hacksaw and pipe cutter: If you’re an avid DIYer, you’ll need a hacksaw to cut through PVC pipe. If you’re working with copper other metal pipes, consider getting a pipe cutter to help you make clean cuts through this material.
- Heavy-duty rubber gloves: Protective clothing is often overlooked, but you’ll be grateful you have thick rubber gloves when the time comes to dig through a messy shower drain full of hair, soap scum, and other unpleasant waste.
- Tape measure: The final item in your plumbing tool kit allows you to take exact measurements, helpful in completing precise repairs, cutting pipes, or selecting replacement parts at the hardware store.
While it’s wise to keep these plumbing tools on hand, sometimes you still need a professional plumber for the job. At Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating, we can handle everything from cleaning drains and sewer pipes to replacing water heaters to fixing leaky water lines. We also provide emergency plumbing services when you need us most. Contact us today at (206) 350-0079 to request plumbing services in Seattle, WA and surrounding counties.