Plumbing

You might be able to fix a leaky sink or broken shower without calling a plumber. But if you don’t have the right equipment, it just can’t be done well, if at all. So, here are the most essential plumbing tools every homeowner’s toolbox should have.

Plungers

This is a must-have DIY plumbing tool for every homeowner. It’s the most basic of all plumbing tools, but you’ll find yourself using it often to clear sinks and tubs. The two plungers commonly found in household toolkits are the cup plunger and the flat plunger.

Cup plunger

To use a cup plunger, place it over a drain opening and push down on the handle until it seals the drain. Then pull up on the handle, creating suction in the pipe and causing water pressure from above to push debris out of the drain.

Flange plunger

A flange plunger is designed to be used with your toilet tank lid because it has an extended flange at its base that allows it to fit around the rim of your toilet bowl without falling in.

Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is a specialized wrench used for turning pipes and other plumbing fixtures. The tool’s design allows it to grip and turn a pipe with its teeth rather than the user’s hand. This provides a helpful mechanical advantage when tightening or loosening something in cramped areas.

You might use a pipe wrench when connecting or disconnecting pipes in your home’s plumbing system.

Basin Wrench

Like all tools, a basin wrench has a specific purpose – it helps you remove and tighten the nuts that hold your faucets in place. It is made up of two metal bars that are connected by two handles. The bar on one side has teeth that will fit into the grooves of your faucet nut, while the other has a T-shaped handle that you can use as a lever.

Caulk Gun and Caulk

Caulk is a great way to fill gaps between tiles or other surfaces that may let water through. Unfortunately, caulking can become worn down or damaged over time, causing leaks in your home. Replacing old caulking is an easy task that can prevent costly damage to your home.

You can also use caulk to seal around sinks and tubs to stop water leaks. Wherever there’s an opening that water can get through (even just small gaps between tiles), caulking seals those areas shut.

Long-Nosed Pliers

Long-nosed pliers are another tool that you can’t do without in your plumbing maintenance toolkit. These pliers are similar to the regular ones but have a longer nose, allowing you to reach further into tight spaces. You’ll be able to grab the nuts and bolts that are difficult to reach with regular pliers.

You can use long-nosed pliers for many different tasks:
  • Removing old pipes from walls and floors
  • Prying out nails and other objects that may be stuck in your plumbing system
  • Removing small pieces of debris from your sewer line or drain lines

Hand Auger

A plumbing auger is a device used to unclog drains. It consists of a metal cable wound on a drum attached to a handle. The cable is inserted into the drain and rotated, which pushes out whatever is clogging the drain.

There are two types of plumbing augers – manual and electric. Manual augers are cheaper, but electric ones are easier for large jobs. They have rotating heads with multiple cable coils that unwind as you pull on the handle to remove clogs from drains or toilets.

Plumber’s Tape

Thread seal tape is a thin, rubberized material used to seal threaded fittings and joints. It can be purchased in many different sizes and colors. It comes in a roll and is applied to the joint using a brush or applicator gun.

The purpose of thread seal tape is to form a watertight seal when two threaded objects are joined together. This prevents leakage and helps prevent corrosion over time.

To use your tape, start by cleaning the area where the threads will be installed. Next, wrap a strip of thread seal tape around one end of each bolt or nut that needs sealing before installing them onto their respective parts. Make sure that there are no gaps between each layer of tape so that all surfaces are entirely covered with adhesive from both sides.

Heavy Duty Rubber Gloves

If you’re doing any plumbing maintenance work, you should always wear heavy-duty gloves. This is because the water in your plumbing system can be very hot and cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin. Gloves also protect from bacteria.

Don’t struggle with household plumbing chores. Contact the experts at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air and let the professionals take care of your Los Angeles plumbing maintenance.

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