Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to take care of the problem before it gets worse. Sure, you can call your local plumber, but you can’t always expect them to arrive on time, especially during the peak season. Learning to fix basic plumbing problems can help you prevent serious water and plumbing accidents at home. To be able to do that, you will be needing these 4 essential plumbing tools.
Plunger
Plungers can come in handy during plumbing emergencies like slow or clogged drains or toilets. However, the tool alone will not solve the plumbing problem. You need to learn how to properly use a plunger to fix a clogged drain and prevent water from overflowing in the sink. Drain cleaning can be a messy job, so make sure to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles.
There are three types of plungers: common sink plunger or flat plunger, accordion plunger, and toilet flange plunger. The flat plunger is commonly used for sinks in bathrooms and kitchens, while both the accordion and toilet flange plunger are specially designed for fixing clogged toilets.
Plumber’s tape
Plumber’s tape, also known as Teflon tape, can help you achieve a watertight seal on threaded plumbing connections. Experts recommend that you keep a roll of a plumber’s tape in your home to tackle quick plumbing fixes. Other applications of a plumber’s tape include shower arms, showerheads, tub spouts, pipe-to-coupling connections, and pipe-to-valve connections.
When applying a plumber’s tape to create a watertight joint, wrap it at the end of the fitting in a clockwise direction. Remember to clean the thread before applying the tape, so it sticks to the material.
Wrench set
Whether you are into DIY plumbing or not, it is important to include a wrench set in your toolbox. A wrench set consists of a basin wrench, pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, and strap wrench. These wrenches are very useful in locking or tightening pipe fittings, which helps avoid water leaks. Most of these tools come in multiple sizes to fit into the different plumbing projects you may have at home. Learn how to use these plumbing tools by watching a tutorial video on Youtube.
Caulking gun
To easily seal up gaps or joints around the house, make sure you have a ready-to-use caulking gun. This will help you fix plumbing leaks immediately and prevent mold and mildew growth in your home. When buying a caulking gun, you will have to consider the type of caulk you will be applying and the overall scope of your DIY project.
Ask the help of a plumbing company
After applying first aid to a leaky pipe, make it a point to call in plumbing professionals right after. Minor plumbing issues can turn into expensive plumbing repairs unless fixed by a pro. 24/7 plumbing services are now available today to cater to your emergency needs at home. Don’t let your home’s plumbing system fall into despair. Schedule a plumbing inspection and repair today via phone call or a personal visit to a trusted plumbing company in your area.