Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a new homeowner, having the right tools on hand is critical for preventing plumbing disasters. Here are a few plumbing tools every homeowner should have at their disposal.
Plunger
It may seem obvious, but this is a tool you don’t want to forget. Plungers are essential plumbing tools for every single homeowner. Whether you have a clogged toilet or clogged shower drain, a plunger is an inexpensive tool that can help you out.
We suggest you keep two different plungers on hand. A cup plunger, the kind you probably think of when you hear the word “plunger,” should be used for sinks, tubs, or showers. They’re best used in places with a flat surface so you can create a vacuum to dislodge a clog. And a flange plunger should be used for toilet clogs. This has a fold-out flap, which fits snugly over a curved toilet drain and gets toilet clogs out easily and quickly.
Heavy-Duty Rubber Gloves
Rubber gloves are often an overlooked but essential tool. Plumbing problems can include a lot of mess, water, or both. Rubber gloves will help you grip pipes and plumbing and keep you clean and dry. They can also keep your hands, wrists, and forearms protected from sharp objects when dealing with plumbing issues.
Drain Snake
Drain snakes may be intimidating, but they’re straightforward to operate and a great tool to have on hand. This tool is pretty versatile and can tackle tougher clogs in a wide array of places including bathtubs, sinks, and showers. Just snake the flexible cord down the drain and slowly pull out the small clog. While they tend to be the most expensive tool on this list, they can arguably be the best investment.
Keep in mind if you have a large-scale or tougher clog in your bathroom or kitchen, rely on a professional from City Plumbing Services to help you out.
Quality Roll of Duct Tape
A simple but effective plumbing tool to help prevent plumbing disasters. A durable roll of duct tape is essential because it’s water-resistant. You can use duct tape to fix small plumbing leaks before they grow into an unmanageable problem. The tape creates a waterproof, airtight seal and is the perfect band-aid solution for any tiny repairs. But remember – duct tape is not a permanent solution to any of your plumbing problems. After patching your problem with duct tape, be sure to contact a plumber for repairs.
Pipe Wrench
One of the more common wrench types, a pipe wrench, is a must-have in your plumbing tool kit. These wrenches help tighten, loosen, remove, or replace pipes. Its jaws can be set to accommodate almost any size pipe and are designed to grip round objects firmly. It’s always great to have in a plumbing pinch!
Pliers
Water pump pliers and needle-nose pliers are two types you want to have on hand for plumbing issues. Water pump pliers, or tongue-and-grove pliers, are a subset of slip knot pliers. These pliers are typically used to hold nuts and bolts, grip irregularly-shaped objects, and hold pipes in place. Needle-nose pliers are perfect for reaching in cramped and tiny spaces to help with lots of tasks, including clearing small clumps of hair out of the shower drain.
No matter what plumbing problem you run into, City Plumbing Services is here to assist you!
City Plumbing Services is Here to Help
You may not need to use these plumbing tools every day, but when you do need them, you’ll be very happy you have them. If you run into muddy waters or think an issue is beyond your knowledge and plumbing toolkit, contact City Plumbing Services. We’re here to provide reliable and professional plumbing services you can trust. We’re located in Cave Creek, but are ready to help those in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Surprise, and most of the East Valley of Arizona.
