Having basic plumbing tools at home can save you from having to call an expert plumber all the time. A toilet plunger will quickly clear a clogged drain, and having a second plunger on hand with a flat head can help with more serious clogs.
A pipe wrench is another tool that should be kept on hand to tighten or loosen pipes. A basin wrench is a specialized tool designed for tight spaces under sinks.
Plunger
There is a good chance you already have a plunger in your home, as it is one of the most popular plumbing tools available. There are different types of plungers designed for sink and bathtub drains, as well as toilets. Be sure to understand the differences and have the correct type of plunger on hand before a drain clog or other plumbing emergency strikes.
If a plunger fails to do the trick, a drain auger might be in order. These are flexible tools that can be pushed and navigated through pipes to clear tougher clogs. They are often cheaper than professional plumbers, but more complicated to use.
A pair of slip-joint pliers can be a lifesaver in tight plumbing situations. They offer the ability to bend and grip, so you can get into small areas or grab bulkier items like nuts and bolts. This tool is also useful for cutting small lengths of pipe.
Drain Snake
Drain clogs are an unpleasant and fairly common issue that many homeowners will deal with on at least a semi-regular basis. While simple hair clogs and toilet blockages can often be resolved with a plunger or by cleaning out the trap, more stubborn clogs call for a tool like a drain snake or auger.
Typically made of a metal cable that is spring uncoiled, resembles a corkscrew, and has a handle on one end, these tools feature a tip that hooks onto possible clogs in your drain or pipe to pull them out. They are available in a range of sizes, with the most commonly used being a medium drain snake with an 18-inch flexible cable that can bend around curves in pipes.
Before you can use a drain snake, prepare the area by either taking out the p-trap or accessing it from an opening under the sink where the head of the snake can be inserted. Avoid running water while using this tool as it could damage your pipes or create more obstructions.
Hacksaw
Plumbing problems can seem overwhelming, but most can be taken care of with a little elbow grease and the right tools. While an emergency plumber in Sandy Springs carries truckloads of specialty equipment, most homeowners can tackle minor issues with a handful of simple tools and a bit of know-how.
A hacksaw is a handheld saw that cuts metal and plastic pipes. It can cut through stubborn pipe materials such as copper, CPVC, and PEX with clean, precise slices. It comes in both adjustable frames and fixed frame varieties with a variety of blade lengths.
A pipe wrench is designed for tightening and loosening pipes. Its jaws are sized to grip round objects firmly and have serrations that provide additional leverage. An adjustable wrench is another tool every homeowner should keep on hand. It can tighten or loosen hexagonal nuts and fittings found on most pipe installations. This is also a handy way to open and close faucets with small, X-shaped pliers called a faucet key.
Thread Seal Tape
If you have a leaky pipe in your home, you’ll want to know how to fix it quickly. Keeping thread seal tape on hand is an easy way to temporarily fix the problem and prevent water damage. The tape, which is also known as PTFE tape or plumber’s tape, wraps around the pipe threads to seal them.
The pliable, bendy material also prevents corrosion and keeps the threads from sticking together. It is also able to hold up to high temperatures.
Another essential plumbing tool is a drain snake or plumber’s snake. This tool is used for clogs that are too stubborn to clear with a plunger. A drain auger has a flexible shaft that can snake into sink and tub drains to dislodge the clog. This tool is not for toilets, which call for a toilet auger instead.
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