Fancy yourself a big DIY person? It’s a great way to save yourself hundreds each year. So, you don’t mind investing in a few tools to get the job done. Here are the 5 plumbing tools you’ll need to take on most plumbing jobs you can handle yourself without needing to call a professional.
- Toilet/Flange Plunger You might have a plunger already, but is it a flange/bell shaped plunger? The bell shape makes it fit singly into the bottom of the toilet bowl to get better suction to loosen the clog.
- Mini Sink/Cup Plunger Never use the same plunger you use for your toilet to unclog a sink drain. Get a smaller cup plunger that’s not as cumbersome to use and easily seals around the sink’s drain.
- Toilet Auger Sometimes known as drain snake, the toilet auger is the tool you use when the toilet plunger doesn't cut it. It feeds into your toilet’s opening and unclogs the toilet when you pull it out. It costs more than a plunger, but when a clog is several feet down in your pipes, the auger is your best friend. However, if the clog is in your main sewer line, you need a professional plumber.
- Pipe Wrench The thicker pipe wrench is designed to tighten and loosen pipe connections--like the ones up under your sink. Pipe wrenches come in several sizes, typically 8-18 inches.
- Basin Wrench Also known as a sink wrench, a basin wrench turns fasteners in confined spaces (like those that secure faucets to its supply lines your sink) that are hard to turn easily with other wrenches (like the pipe wrench). Here’s a brief 4 minute video showing how to use the basin wrench.
Call us when you need to
Now that you’ve got some basic plumbing tools in your toolbox, you can handle many of the day-to-day plumbing issues you have (like an occasional toilet clog). Of course, we’ll be here when you need us, whether for more severe problems or if you just don’t feel like getting your hands dirty. You can contact us online.
