Leaks, clogs, & draining issues–we’ve all been there. Your first reaction might be to call a plumber, but did you know that you might actually be able to fix some plumbing issues yourself? Having the right tools on hand might be the best way to save time and money. Below, we’ve listed some common plumbing tools to have in your house for you to DIY those minor plumbing issues.
It’s always best to consult with a plumbing professional if you think you may be in over your head. For plumbing emergencies, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester!
Must-Have Plumbing Tools
Plungers
Having a plunger on hand is one of the most efficient ways to dislodge a clogged toilet or tub. There are two types of plungers: Cup Plungers and Flange Plungers. Cup plungers are designed for sink and shower drains, while a flange plunger is designed specifically for toilets. Both are great to have on hand!
Wrenches
Wrenches are versatile tools that help with multiple plumbing (and non-plumbing) fixes. An adjustable wrenchcan be used to tighten or loosen nuts and fittings on pipes. Pipe wrenches can tighten or loosen circular piping, while basin wrenches have the specific purpose of tightening and loosening nuts that hold a sink faucet in place. Most are inexpensive and can be found at virtually any hardware store.
Augers
There are two types of augers that you should have on hand. Closet augers are designed for dislodging toilet clogs when a flange plunger doesn’t do the trick. On the other hand, a hand auger, AKA a drain snake, works on shower and sink drains that don’t react to a cup plunger.
Caulk Gun & Caulk
After a repair, you should always seal the area to prevent water damage. Apply caulk with a caulk gun around faucets, ceiling fixtures, water pipes, drains, bathtubs, and other plumbing fixtures to get a permanent seal. You can get caulk in most colors to match your bathroom or kitchen color scheme.
Pliers
Use long-nosed pliers for those small or hard-to-reach areas. They also work well to pull hair clogs out of drains. You should also have a set of tongue-and-groove pliers for gripping irregularly shaped objects. Tongue-and-groove pliers are easily adjustable and allow you to pull, twist, tighten, and loosen.
Plumber’s Tape
Not just for plumbers! Teflon Tape, commonly known as Plumber’s Tape, is a must-have for when you need to make plumbing connections. The tape molds to the thread of pipes and fixtures, stopping water leaks and providing lubrication. While a leak may look contained, a plumber's tape is not a permanent solution.
If All Else Fails, Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester
A twenty-dollar tool purchased at a hardware store can save you an expensive visit from a plumber, but only if used correctly. Brush up on some easy plumbing fixes before attempting to go at it alone, and always get the proper tools. It’s also important to keep in mind that residential and commercial plumbing systems are vastly different and require different methods of approach.
If you’re experiencing a major plumbing issue, locate your water shut-off and call a plumbing professional. If you are in the Rochester area, choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing for emergency and non-emergency plumbing repair!
