Invest in some of these plumbing tools for ease and convenience
Regardless of your personal plumbing experience, having handy tools at home is always necessary. Fortunately, most residential plumbing issues do not happen daily. Yet, once a plumbing problem arises, you should take immediate action. Otherwise, it could lead to property damage and potential health risks.
There is no need to purchase all plumbing tools available, however. It is better to leave that to the professionals, such as Green Planet Plumbing, but every household should have the basic tools and equipment needed in case plumbing issues suddenly appear. Read along to know more about the tools needed to fill the starter plumbing kit.
Essential plumbing tools for every household
Getting plumbing tools does not need to be a one-time-big-time thing. Instead of purchasing all essential tools at once, you can build up your plumbing kit little by little until you have all the necessary tools for your home. A basic wrench is necessary in a plumbing toolkit. Otherwise, fixing taps would be challenging and time-consuming. To get started on your plumbing toolbox, here is checklist of the most important plumbing tools:
Wrenches
Wrenches are one of the most common tools you would need for plumbing. Wrenches are instrumental in removing or tightening nuts and bolts in different areas of the plumbing system.
Various types of wrenches are available nowadays, all with their specialty uses. They vary in shapes and sizes to fit different types of nuts and bolts. To ensure that every plumbing job is done right, it is better to get familiar with the types of wrenches available.
Depending on the budget, some people may get away with using just a couple of wrench types. Some standard wrenches include:
- Pipe Wrench
- Adjustable Wrench
- Basin Wrench
- Tap Key
- Shower Valve Socket Wrench
- Garbage Disposal Wrench
- Strainer Locknut Wrench.
Pipe wrench
The pipe wrench is one of the most common tools in any DIY project, including occasional plumbing projects. This type of wrench is used to loosen and tighten the nuts that hold the pipes together. If the plumbing-related issue is related to pipes, the pipe wrench is vital.
The pipe wrench is available in different lengths. Usually, plumbers have a whole set, but for occasional users, having an average-sized pipe wrench would be acceptable.
Adjustable wrench
This type of wrench is used for various tasks within and outside the field of plumbing. What’s good about this wrench is it is adjustable. Should any of the other wrenches cannot to do the job, this will likely be the one that would work. Adjustable wrenches work best for pipes with hexagonal nuts.
Depending on the size of the pipe, the size of the adjustable wrench will vary as well. Therefore, it is better to have a small wrench and an average-sized wrench handy.
Basin wrench
The basin wrench is designed for taps. Given its T-shape structure and clamp mechanism, this wrench will be able to reach tight and narrow spaces where some nuts and bolts may be hidden. In tap plumbing, finding and reaching note nuts and bolts do take time and effort. However, having a basin wrench makes the job easier and more effective.
Shower valve socket wrench
This type of wrench is mainly used to install or remove shower valves, nuts, and tub fittings. You will probably face shower valve plumbing issues one way or another and, without this type of wrench, working on existing shower valve systems would be extremely challenging.
Garbage disposal wrench
This wrench can turn the shredder and help clear clogs in the disposal system. The garbage disposal wrench is a relatively inexpensive tool.
Strainer locknut wrench
This type of wrench is designed specifically for strainer locknuts. It is practically impossible to remove these locknuts without the help of this type of wrench. While this is not something as basic as other types of wrenches, having this tool handy will be helpful when the time comes.
Tap key
While the tap key is technically not a wrench, its primary function is essentially the same. This is a vital part of a plumber’s toolkit since tap keys can help open and close sillcocks and spigots. Depending on the stem fittings, there are different tools to use. It is better to invest in a set of tap keys just to be sure that the basic toolkit is well-equipped and ready to use.
Pipe work tools
When fixing plumbing issues, it is only natural to spend time working on pipes. Apart from wrenches, specialised tools are created just to make this process easier. The main functions of these tools are to cut pipes evenly and seal them when necessary. Here are the top items to consider, to complete your plumbing kit:
- Hacksaw
- Pipe cutters
- Pliers
- Plumber’s torch
- Thread sealing tape
- Press fitting system
- Reaming tools
- Plumbing brushes.
Hacksaw
Hacksaws are helpful not just in cutting the actual pipes, but also in cutting smaller and tighter items like nuts and bolts. It is important to note that when it comes to using hacksaws, precision and knowing exactly where to cut is necessary. Having multiple blades is likewise advisable, just in case the existing one breaks. That way, there will be a guarantee that the pipes will not break in the middle of the cutting process.
Pipe cutters
Many pipes nowadays are made out of plastic. Thus, having a plastic pipe cutter in the toolbox would be helpful to cut those pipes effectively. This is an affordable and effective tool anyone with basic experience can use for plumbing issues.
Pliers
A pair of pliers is among the most essential tools in plumbing. This will be used when working on tight spaces, so choosing a slimmer version is advised. Pliers are shaped in different ways, some are used just in case there are nuts and bolts that wrenches cannot reach, others are used for cutting wire.
Plumber’s torch
This item is used just in case there is a need to solder copper pipes together. This handheld tool has an elongated and slim head so you can also solder copper pipes in tight spaces. Having a thinner and narrower head also allows a person to solder the pipes more accurately.
Thread sealing tape
Thread sealing tape, or Teflon tape, can keep small leaks from occurring. It can also be used to avoid possible leaks when applied preventively. If pipes are connected through threaded joint connections, this sealing tape can help make the bond stronger and prevent future leaks.
When choosing one for your plumbing toolbox, you might get enticed by cheaper variations, however, when it comes to sealing tapes, quality is vital. A good quality tape can stretch and won’t die out easily. Additionally, it is also resistant to changes in temperature, lasting longer compared to cheaper tapes.
Press fitting system
This tool is used to connect pipes together. Two pipes are pressed together to create a leakproof seal that is effective and cost-efficient in the long run. When buying press fitting systems, there may be a bit of an upfront cost to consider. However, this will pay off in the end, especially when it comes to the actual fittings and connections of household pipes.
Reaming tools
Reaming tools enlarge the holes and openings of pipes. Not many plumbing projects will need this item, but there will be times when this is necessary. Reaming tools are not expensive, but since it is not a highly necessary tool, buying this item can wait if there is a need to buy more essential items like wrenches and pliers.
Plumbing brushes
Plumbing brushes clean the insides of the pipes. These are mostly small, slim, and long brushes with metal bristles. Cleaning pipes is essential in pipe maintenance.
Clog clearing
Clog clearing or blocked drain clearing is another essential part of plumbing. This is also one of the most recurring plumbing issues in residential properties, but before reading up on clog clearing, it is also vital for you to know the most essential tools for clearing clogs. Here are some handy tools to note:
- Plunger
- Hand Auger.
Plunger
Having a plunger in a house should be a given. Every homeowner should know how to use one. Plungers are able to get rid of clogs in a plumbing system effectively. This is usually the first step people do when clearing any sort of clogs. Only when plungers do not work should one switch to other more heavy-duty tools. The trick is to use some water to close the seal between the plunger and the clogged item.
Hand auger
This tool allows people to drive cables through pipes. This helps in clearing up clogs together with other tools. Nowadays, there are even hand augers that can clear clogs by themselves. While this is not an essential tool, it would still be something nice to have just in case.
Miscellaneous tools
Here are some of the other tools that would be handy for people who want to learn more about plumbing:
- Caulk Gun
- Putty Knife
- Buckets.
Caulk Gun
This tool is helpful when it comes to fixing seals around tubs and sinks. A Caulk Gun is an affordable, but not an incredibly essential tool.
Putty Knife
This tool is used to apply and remove toilet wax-residue and caulk from surfaces. This is a cheap tool anyone could add to their toolbox.
Buckets
Buckets are one of the most important materials anyone should have in their home. Buckets can be used to drain water or collect it from leaks. It would be helpful to dedicate a bucket or two just for plumbing issues in the future.
Wrenches, pipe works tools, and anti-clogging tools are just some of the basic tools to have when planning to learn about plumbing. Remember that when it comes to plumbing, knowing what tools to use in specific situations is crucial. Wearing safety gears for protection purposes is likewise critical.
Let Green Planet Plumbing handle your complex plumbing issues
Every householder would benefit sooner or later from the use of the above-listed tools, bit, for those of you who have no prior experience or the time and energy to address the issue, it’s best to hire a qualified plumber. Contact the friendly team at Green Planet Plumbing and let us take care of it for you.
Not only do we have years of experience in the industry; we are also learned and equipped with the proper tools and technology to fix any plumbing problem. If you are residing or doing business in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and the Hunter Valley, Green Planet Plumbing can help you get started. For more questions or for emergency plumbing concerns, you may reach us on (02)49119402 or email hello@greenplanetplumbing.com.au today.