If the sewage backs up in your basement or if you notice a serious clog in a drain, then you know it is time to hire a plumber, however, what about those times you only have a minor plumbing issue that needs to be handled? While you may still opt to call the professionals, you can also take the do-it-yourself approach.
There are quite a few plumbing projects that are pretty straightforward and with a little patience and the right tools, they are completely manageable for any DIYer. Even if you do not like the idea of DIY plumbing, there are a few plumbing tools all homeowners should have on-hand. Learn about the tools you need to keep nearby, here:
- A Plunger
While plungers are more than a safety net than a real tool, you need to have at least one (more if possible) in your home at all times. There are two types of plungers every homeowner needs to have:
- The cup plunger
- The flange plunger
The cup plunger works for cleaning out a drain clog in a sink, tub or anywhere the drain lies on a flat surface. A flange plunger is the best option for toilets, because it has more soft rubber coming from the cup. This additional component, which is called the flange, helps to create a seal on a curved surface, such as the one on your toilet bowl.
- Duct Tape
When it comes to emergency quick fixes, duct tape is the go-to tool. This is capable of creating a seal in or around a leak that blocks off water that is trying to get out.
It is also water resistant and has a hearty design. This makes it the perfect stop-gap solution between locating a leak and a permanent fix.
- A Pipe Wrench
The actual purpose of the pipe wrench is to easily loosen or tighten things that are hard to grip with other types of tools. These have a metal handle, as well as two serrated, jaw-like arms that can be adjusted to fit snugly on a connection.
A pipe wrench is perfectly designed to tighten, loosen, remove, or replace pipes. This makes them the best home plumbing tool to keep in hand — just in case.
- A Snake and Auger
These two tools are put together, because they usually work in tandem. A snake and auger are for clogs in your drain that the average plunger is not effective against. Augers are usually reserved for use on your toilet.
They have a unique design that lets them move through the drain and hook on to a clog, pulling it out. The snake is a little more versatile. It can be used on other appliances, such as sinks, showers and tubs.
- An Adjustable Wrench
This is the typical wrench that you likely think of when you picture a wrench. These are considered multi-use, multi-functional, and can tighten and loosen all types of nuts and bolts. If you plan on doing any type of plumbing work in your home, then you need to make sure you have an adjustable wrench in your arsenal of tools.
By having the right tools on-hand, there are some plumbing issues you will be able to fix on your own. However, if the problem is too complex or too big for you to handle alone, then the best course of action is to hire the professionals. They can ensure that any plumbing problem is resolved in a fast and efficient manner.
