At some point, everyone experiences a plumbing issue. It can be a backed-up toilet, a clogged drain, or a bathroom remodel. Bringing in a professional will get the job done quickly and done right.
The average homeowner has a plunger in the garage somewhere. If that fixes the problem there is no need for a plumber. If not, call in a pro that has the right plumbing tools to address the issue.
Are you a DIY person and want to repair problems on your own? Home improvement stores have rental centers with professional tools for plumbing repairs.
Keep reading for nine essential tools every plumber needs to have.
1. A Plumbing Snake Tops the List of Plumbing Tools
Plumbing snakes is a plumber’s tool that consists of a cable used to go into the drainage pipes under the home. They can also be used in the sewer lines.
Professional plumbing snakes are much longer than the ones for standard household use. They are powered by electricity and have blades on the end.
It is not recommended that an untrained individual try to operate a professional plumbing snake. Serious injuries can occur, and you can damage your drain lines.
2. Plumbing Jetter
A plumbing jetter is another powerful tool that should be left to the professionals. It has the same purpose as a plumbing snake. However, instead of the snakehead used to cut through the blockage, the plumbing jetter uses high-power water jets.
Plumbing jetters are perfect for large jobs because they hold 1500 gallons of water. It is also safer for pipes and sewers.
This plumber’s tool is also used by companies that specialize in drain cleaning.
3. Multiple Wrenches
When people think of plumbers they associate them with a plumber’s wrench. Wrenches are a valuable tool when it comes to working with pipes and installing sinks and bathtubs.
In the world of plumbing tools, there are multiple types of wrenches to get the job done. Let’s cover them.
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches can be used for many jobs other than plumbing. As the name suggests, the wrench head is adjustable.
Wrenches, in general, are used for tightening nuts. When it comes to plumbing, there are different types of nuts and gaskets.
When plumbers are working on pipes, they find themselves in awkward positions. With an adjustable wrench, you avoid the need to keep getting up to find the right size wrench.
Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a plumber’s tool that comes with a long slender handle with a turn bar on the end. The Wrench comes in various sizes ranging from 8mm to 38mm, and possibly larger. It is used to reach awkward spaces under cabinets or in hidden spaces.
There is another plumber’s tool called a Box spanner basin wrench.
Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is a heavy-duty wrench that comes with a ridged surface used to get a firm grip on whatever you are trying to tighten or unscrew. It is the right tool to disconnect nuts that are wound too tight. They are also used when the nuts have been glued or cemented in place.
It is not recommended to use a pipe wrench on decorative fixtures because it can damage the finish. If you have no other option, cover the teeth of the wrench with a sturdy piece of cloth.
Strap Wrench
A strap wrench is a unique tool that consists of a handle and a strap. The strap can be made of rubber or a metal chain. Place the strap over the item you want to tighten and squeeze the grip to apply tension.
4. Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a tool used by plumbers to cut pipes. It is used on both PVC and metal pipes. Hacksaws come in different sizes and have a removable fine-toothed blade.
They are the best plumbing tools when installing drainage pipes. The handheld saw comes in handy when you need custom size pipes.
5. Sewer Camera
Sewer cameras are a plumbing tool that goes into the drainage system and sends back an image of the lines. They are used to locate blockages and detect leaks. Plumbers receive still images and videos on a smart device.
6. Shovel
You may be asking why a plumber needs a shovel. Sometimes the plumbing issue isn’t in the drains running from the sink or tub. There will be times when a plumber has to go into the yard and dig a hole to find the pipes.
It is common when tree roots have penetrated the pipes. Once the plumber has access to the lines, they can open the pipes to remove the blockage.
7. Hand-held Auger
A hand-held auger is a miniature version of the plumbing snake. A metal coil is housed in a casing. It is unwound and placed into the sink or toilet. You control the auger by turning a handle that extends the head of the coil into the drain.
Augers are for blockages in toilets and the pipes running from the sink. They are a few feet in length.
8. Caulking Gun
To prevent leakages when refitting pipes, you’ll need some silicone sealant. The caulking gun is a common household tool. It holds the tube of sealant and has a component that when the handle is squeezed it forces the caulking out.
9. Drill
Plumbers need a drill among their plumbing tools. Drills are mainly used during new installations.
Drills are used to drill holes into the wall to run piping that connects to the drainage system. Another use is running a water line from the refrigerator to the kitchen sink. The drill is needed to create an opening through the cabinet base.
Now That You’re Equipped with This List of Plumbing Tools…
Hopefully, you won’t need a plumber anytime soon. When you do, make sure he arrives equipped with all the plumbing tools needed for the job.
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