It is not a wonder that you have to face problems like clogged sinks, leaky pipes, clogged-up toilets, and dripping faucets when living in a house for long. Indeed, there is no way to get rid of them. Also, it is impractical to call a plumber for each and every time you get a repair. Of course, it is expensive and time-consuming. Thus, the best thing in most cases is trying to fix these problems yourself before calling for a plumber. For this task, you need to have a set of essential plumbing tools with you.
The number of times I have been called to help friends who have got stuck with plumbing problems is simply uncountable. Also, the worst thing I saw was their essential plumbing tools kit consisted of a butter knife, a roll of duct tape, and a straightened wire clothes hanger. That is surely an unfortunate situation. Therefore, it is important that anyone gets to know about the essential plumbing tools.
However, it is happy to say that these essential plumbing tools that you need to fix your home’s day to day plumbing issues are relatively affordable. Another good fact is that you need not buy them all at once. You can buy the essential plumbing tools we bring to you through this article at first, and then add more as you need them. Although I have not mentioned here, you will also need some standard home-repair tools that normally include in a carpentry toolbox. Some of them are a hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, drill driver, safety goggles, work gloves, utility knives, and also other common tools. Yet, for the moment let’s focus on the essential plumbing tools that you need to know!
What is Plumbing?
Plumbing is the combined system of pipes, valves, drain fittings, and also other related devices. Normally these are installed in a building for the distribution of water for purposes like drinking, washing, heating, and removing many kinds of waste materials.
Also, plumbing and plumber are closely related. A plumber is a person who installs and repairs the plumbing system. Moreover, he is responsible for purposes like plumbing fixtures and equipment like water heaters and backflow preventers. At present, plumbing has become a basic and substantial part of us due to the need for clean water, waste transportation, and sanitary collection.
The Basics of Plumbing
Most people have very little knowledge of the plumbing system in their homes. When they turn on the spigot, water comes out. When they turn on the washing machine, water comes out and gets filled. That is the only knowledge they have regarding a plumbing system.
However, the amazing thing is that plumbing allows the basic laws of nature. They are nothing other than gravity, pressure and water seeking its own level.
Another thing you have to know about is that there are two separate subsystems in the plumbing system of your home. One brings fresh water into your home while another system takes wastewater out from your home.
Essential Plumbing Tools for your Toolbox
Maintaining your toolbox with the essential plumbing tools will surely enhance your talent in fixing and upgrading your plumbing system. Other than the essential plumbing tools, if you are able to add a few more specialized implements it will be easy for you to solve the problems that arise with your pipe fixtures or water supply. However, through this read, you can go through the list of the best essential plumbing tools that you should have in your toolbox. First, let us get to know what they are. Later, let us move on to a brief about each!
Wrenches
Wrenches come in different types in order to complete different tasks. Some of them are as follows.
1. Pipe wrench
2. Adjustable wrench
3. Basin wrench
4. Faucet key
Pipe Work
At present, plumbers use different kinds of tools and techniques to install and repair pipe works. Few of them are listed below.
5. Hacksaw
6. Pliers
7. Plumber’s torch
8. Tube and plastic pipe cutters
9. Press fitting systems
10. Thread sealing tape
Clearing Clogs
In this section we have listed a set of tools designed to clear clogs and keep a homeowner’s plumbing uncongested and running smoothly.
11. Plungers
12. Hand Auger
13. Snake Machine
Safety First
Here we have listed essential plumbing tools that are vital to protect plumbing professionals and lower the chances of an accident little by little.
14. Goggles
15. Heat shields/pads
16. Gloves
Other Essentials
Here we have listed some tools that have come up with the emerging technologies that are changing the face of the plumbing industry.
17. PEX pipe expander & fittings
18. Stubby screwdriver
19. Crimpers
20. Borescope
Now let’s have a deep look into each tool and understand why they belong in your essential plumbing toolbox.
The Wrenches
Wrenches are the most associated tool related to plumbing. The best thing about the wrench is that no plumbing tools list is completed without it. Wrenches come in different types to complete different tasks. We cannot still find a single all-purpose wrench yet.
1. Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is the largest wrench in a plumber’s essential plumbing toolbox. Further, the main purpose of this heavy tool is to tighten and loosen nuts and any other fittings on pipework. Normally they use two of these wrenches together. One wrench is to hold the pipe and another wrench is to fit in the needed direction by rotating the nut. At present pipe wrenches come in different lengths in order to make the work easy and effective.
2. Adjustable Wrench
Plumbers use the adjustable wrench to tighten and loosen hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipes. Adjustable Wrenches come in different sizes. But plumbers use 6 inch and 10-inch versions most often.
3. Basin Wrench
This is a T-shape tool. Plumbers use the basin wrench to work on faucets. You can see a clamp-like mechanism on one end of a basin wrench. However, through this mechanism plumber can easily reach into narrow spaces and loosen or tighten the nuts. This keeps our faucets working without leaking. Therefore basin wrench should definitely be added to your essential plumbing tools list.
4. Faucet Key
Actually, the faucet key is not a traditional wrench. But it plays a critical role in any plumbing tools list. A faucet key is an X-shaped tool and it is small in size. You can use it to open and close spigots and sillcocks. The best thing about faucet keys is that you can easily find versatile models on the market in order to deal with different stem fittings like 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, and many others.
Pipe Work
If you are a plumber, pipes take a prominent place in your essential plumbing tools list. Also at present, plumbers use different kinds of tools and techniques to install and repair pipe works. Few of them are listed below.
5. Hacksaw
We all know that a hacksaw is a tool that is more related to carpentry than plumbing. The amazing thing is that plumbers include a hacksaw in their toolbox to cut through a variety of hardware including pipes, screws, bolts, and nuts. However, as this is tough work, plumbers should focus on the protection of their blades. Also, it is better to have a spare blade with you in your truck as this is somewhat risky.
6. Pliers
Pliers also play a vital job in plumbing. Plumbers need them daily, the same as the wrenches. However, pliers are a kind of smaller tool and they help to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts which are too small for a wrench to grip. Moreover, the best thing about pliers is that they fit easily in a plumber’s hand to squeeze into tight spaces. Obviously, this work is difficult to be completed by wrenches. So, pliers are the best for it.
7. Plumber’s Torch
The way of sealing copper pipes by plumbers is none other than soldering it. Heat is compulsory in the soldering process. Accordingly, these plumber’s torches allow plumbers to apply intense heat in precise areas. This helps to seal and solder new piping for installing and repairing processes. The plumber’s torch is small and easy to handle. Therefore this should be definitely put into your essential plumbing tools list.
8. Tube and Plastic Pipe Cutters
If you are a person who works with copper or plastic piping regularly, you will definitely need the assistance of tube and plastic pipe cutters. Also, you will need tube and plastic pipe cutters more often for the processes like removing, replacing, and resizing them. However, these tools come in different sizes and models, and you can choose which models work best for you.
9. Press Fitting Systems
In order to achieve success in any plumbing project, connecting pipes securely is a critical thing. Through these press fitting systems we can physically press a connection onto a pipe. Finally, this produces an impermeable connection in between.
10. Thread Sealing Tape
This is also known as “plumber’s tape”. The main purpose of thread sealing tape is to prevent possible leaks that occur at threaded joint connections in piping. Also, if you are able to use a high-quality sealing tape it will be definitely resistant to high and low temperatures.
Clearing Clogs
In some instances you will find that the problem isn’t the pipe. But it is what is inside the pipe. If you are a good plumber you have the knowledge of choosing which tools will match to control this problem. In this section we have listed a set of tools designed to clear clogs and keep a homeowner’s plumbing uncongested and running smoothly.
11. Plungers
This a tool we can find more commonly in each and every home. But, if you are a plumber you should come equipped with plungers too. The plungers come in two different models as heavy-duty flange and cup plungers. These plungers produce more suction than the average consumer plunger that we find at our homes.
12. Hand Auger
This is a circular and handheld device. By using the hand auger, plumbers have the ability to drive a cable deep down a drain. The purpose is nothing other than to break apart and clear clogs. The technology inside the auger goes back to years. At present augurs have come to the market with various models and capabilities. So we can clearly see that hand auger is a compulsory tool that should be there in your essential plumbing tools set.
13. Snake Machine
Amazing thing about the snake machine is that this is a larger and motorized version of the hand auger. If you find the clogs are deep or difficult to displace, a snake machine is the best remedy to overcome such situations.
Safety First
We have a myth in our minds that plumbing is not usually associated with danger. But when we get into the field we can clearly understand that there are many ways to get hurt on this plumbing job. Simply, this means that we need to get to know about the hazards in plumbing. The good thing is that, at present you can easily find many different tools that help to protect plumbing professionals from many different accidents in the field. Here we have listed essential plumbing tools that are vital to protect plumbing professionals and lower the chances of an accident little by little.
14. Goggles
A plumber will definitely have to do close examinations during leaks, soldering, and any other incidents that will be potentially dangerous to a plumber’s eye. Further, a good plumber is a person who follows safety guidelines properly. So, he should definitely start his work with suitable eyewear.
15. Heat Shields/Pads
If you have to process soldering as a daily process, you should definitely use safety equipment to protect yourself and homeowners. In this case using reliable heat shields and pads is really a good thing. Heat shields and pads help to protect the plumber and his working environment from inappropriate heat damage or fire.
16. Gloves
If you are a plumber or willing to become a plumber you will have to expose to a lot of things that no one wants to touch with their bare hands. To overcome this, you can find many types of heavy-duty gloves on the market. Using these gloves will definitely protect the hands of plumbers. Another good thing about using gloves is that you can grip slippery items more easily.
Other Essentials
Since the last century, the plumbing industry has improved in many different ways. Here we have listed some tools that have come up with the emerging technologies that are changing the face of the plumbing industry.
17. PEX Pipe Expander & Fittings
PEX piping is one of the latest and remarkable innovations of the plumbing industry. The reason for the convenience and reliability nature in it is because of the resilient and flexible plastic piping. A PEX expander is like a drill. It helps to widen the mouth of the pipes, so that you can easily put a metal fitting in it.
18. Crimpers
We use crimpers to join multiple pieces of metal or other material. This is done by deforming one or both of them to hold the other
19. Stubby Screwdriver
When we hear the word “Stubby screwdriver”, we feel a basic sound compared to other tools. But the amazing thing is that stubby screwdriver is a tool that should definitely be in your essential plumbing tools list if you are a plumber. Plumbers use a stubby screwdriver when they need to tighten or loosen a screw that is located in a place where it is hard to reach. Normally, stubby screwdrivers perform tasks that are inaccessible to a normal or electric screwdriver.
20. Borescope
In the beginning, the borescope was not much familiar among the plumbers as it came up with really good new technology. But now, most of the plumbers are having one of them. Borescopes contain small cameras that are tethered by a long, flexible cable. Moreover, they are inserted far down into drains and sewer lines. Accordingly, this allows the professionals to have a better look at the condition of the piping and identify what is obstructing it.
Why is Plumbing Important?
At present most people focus on their own household repairs more than ever before. It is happy to say that it has become a trend at the moment and it is growing fast.
Actually, plumbing is very much important to your housing or commercial complex as oxygen is to the body. Also, plumbing services are responsible for the proper in and out of the water at your house or a commercial complex. Although we think that plumbing only associates with water-related services, that is not a true fact. Because plumbing includes installation and maintenance of heating systems, washing machines, furnaces, water boilers, and many more sectors.
Unfortunately, if we get a faulty pipe or leakage in our drainage system it produces excess moisture inside the house and directly leads mold and fungus to grow. Another thing is that a clogged toilet or sink in the morning can ruin all your daily routine tasks.
So, it is very much important to maintain a good plumbing system at your housing or commercial complex and it is better to get them checked every few months.
Tips You Should Follow for Calling a Plumber
If your housing or commercial complex needs some severe repair, you need to get the assistance of a professional plumber immediately. It is really good if he is equipped with the above mentioned essential plumbing tools. It is better if you can keep the following tips in your mind when calling.
- Choose a well-recognized and reputable plumber who is a local.
- Call the plumber immediately in order to avoid delays for your plumbing repairs.
- Always try to call a well-certified plumber who is having specialist knowledge in the field for major issues.
- You have to be prepared well to explain the issue to the plumber.
What are the Most Common Plumbing Problems You Can Solve Using Essential Plumbing Tools?
Indeed, there is a number of plumbing problems, that are common in households these days. Still, not all of them can be repaired with the help of essential plumbing tools. So, for a better overview, let us get to know what are the most common plumbing problems that can be solved using these essential plumbing tools.
- Clogged Drains and Toilets
- Water Heater Issues
- Leaky Faucets and Pipes
- Low Water Pressure
Let us now get to know them in detail, and discuss how to overcome these issues using essential plumbing tools.
1. Clogged Drains and Toilets
You can easily spot clogged drains when water comes back when you take a shower or empty a sink. The reason for clogging is that something blocks the drain partially or completely. Mostly, it is hair that becomes the culprit of the blockings that occur in sinks and showers. In toilets, the reason is something other than a dissolvable waste entering the plumbing system. Whatever it is, you can use a plunger to get help to remove the clog. Also, pliers and snake machines become useful in these instances.
2. Water Heater Issues
These are normally easy to spot. The most common reason for water heater issues are leaks and not having enough hot water. Mineral deposits are also a reason. We can fix this issue by checking the pilot light if the water heater runs on gas.
3. Leaky Faucets and Pipes
This is a common plumbing issue we have to face in apartments and houses. If you are not able to catch the problem immediately, it will harm you a lot. A dripping faucet normally occurs when the seal on the tap gets damaged. Nevertheless, you can easily fix the problem by replacing the washer that is responsible for the leak.
4. Low Water Pressure
This is a common plumbing problem found in old houses. The reason for this issue may be some leaking in pipes within your home and a water main break. You can use aerators or showerheads in order to recognize the problem. Further, installing a filtration system to keep minerals out from pipes can reduce future problems.
Advantages of Proper Plumbing Maintenance using Essential Plumbing Tools
In order to have a much easier life, definitely you should have regular maintenance on your plumbing. Besides, it would be the essential plumbing tools that would help you with these maintenance tasks. Therefore, let us have a look at the advantages of proper plumbing maintenance using essential plumbing tools!
- Better Water Pressure
- Healthier Family
- Less Chance of Emergency Repair
- Save Money on Utilities
- Improve Value
Willing to know more about them? Check the below sections for a brief about each.
1. Better Water Pressure
Good water pressure is a really good thing to enjoy. But the problem is will you notice the value of it only when you have lost pressure and things become really bad. Regular maintenance using essential plumbing tools will surely help you to have a relaxing shower after work.
2. Healthier Family
Normally, many health issues arise due to mold and mildew. So maintaining your plumbing system regularly using essential plumbing tools, will help you avoid these unwanted substances entering your home.
3. Less Chance of Emergency Repair
Plumbing emergencies will definitely need emergency repairs. Most probably they can cost high. Also, it is stressful. If you regularly maintain your plumbing system with the help of essential plumbing tools, no emergency repairs will come in the future.
4. Save Money on Utilities
If you are able to maintain your plumbing system well, it will definitely create less amount of waste. Also this will save a big amount of money that you spend on your water bill.
5. Improve Value
Taking care of the plumbing system of your home means obviously caring for your home. This case will be definitely reflected in the selling price of your home.
The Bottom Line
Hope this article provided you a good overview of the essential plumbing tools. And why not? In order to make any project a success, you should definitely have the right tools with you. This essential plumbing tools list is a great resource to get an idea about tools that are needed for any plumbing project. Other good news is that if you want to become a plumber you can attend the vocational training programs for plumbing that are established throughout the world. With them, you can get a good knowledge of education, training, licenses, certifications, registrations, and also about these tools and brands in deep.
So, after all, let us remind you again, never forget to add these essential plumbing tools to your toolbox. You will feel their worth, once you require their services in an emergency. Have a great time with plumbing!
