As a homeowner, you are going to face common plumbing problems once in a while. Maybe every day! Though some problems are more complex than others and will require the skills of a licensed plumber, other issues, like leaky faucets, clogged toilets, and dripping can be solved if you have the proper tools. The best defense, after all, is preparedness. Here are the top 5 essential plumbing tools to have in your toolbox:
- Adjustable Wrench
The adjustable wrench is useful when handling compression fittings and hexagonal shaped nuts. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten and loosen the nuts on sink faucets when trying to fix leaks and replace hardware. These wrenches also have firm settings so they don’t slip while you’re working.
Get yourself two different sized wrenches to make tasks easier.
- Plunger
Though technically not a “tool,” plungers are a highly valued safety net. You will want 2 variations: a flange plunger and a cup plunger. Flange plungers are great for toilets, because there’s a soft rubber piece that extends from the cup and helps create better suction on curved surfaces, like a toilet bowl. Cup plungers, on the other hand, work best with sinks, tubs, and showers, because of the flat surface.
- Duct Tape
An essential for all homeowner emergencies, duct tape can seal stuff in or block out water from seeping through. Since duct tape is water resistant and resilient, it’s the ideal barrier to sealing leaks until you can apply a more permanent fix.
- Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is the big brother of the adjustable wrench and works similarly. You will notice the key difference is the metal handle and the dual serrated protuberances that are adjustable. However, this are for when you need an extra strong hold or more torque for removing, loosening, and replacing pipes.
- Auger and Snake Combo
When plungers fail, you need an auger and snake combo. Hand augers push a metal wire through tub and shower drains, or even sinks, to get rid of clogs that are farther down in the pipe. Augers hook onto potential clogs in complex tools to pull them out. Snakes are a bit more versatile, but these are usually used together.
- Hacksaw
Sometimes, you will need to cut through metal, piping, screws, nuts and bolts when doing repairs or replacements. Hacksaws do that job like nothing else. The tension of the blade can also be adjusted to help you handle more difficult tasks.
Now what you know is essential, you should have no problem handling your next plumbing project. Small issues like clogged drains and leaky pipes happen every day throughout Canada, but you don’t have to be unprepared. A well stocked plumbing toolkit is all you need to keep things under control.