Before you call a plumber, ask yourself: Do you have the right tools to handle it yourself? Splurging on a DIY plumbing kit today can save you money over time.
When water is cascading out of your sewer pipe on a Sunday night, you need fast results. By investing in the right plumbing tools for homeowners, you can handle any problem that comes your way and prevent catastrophic damage.
The 17 Most Important Plumbing Tools for Homeowners
1. Cup and Flange Plungers
Do you know which plunger you need for a clogged drain or toilet? A cup plumber is a great bathtub, drain, or sink plunger because it’s designed for flat surfaces. Flange plungers have a similar design, but they also contain flaps that make them ideal for toilet plungers.
2. Adjustable Wrench
If you’re looking for the best wrench for plumbing, an adjustable wrench is a good choice. You can use an adjustable wrench for plumbing supply lines, shutoff valves, and faucets.
3. Pipe Wrench
You’ll also need a wrench for metal pipes. With two wrenches, you can get extra leverage and work at awkward angles. You simply need to interlock the box ends of the two wrenches together before using them like normal.
4. Basin Wrench
Tight spaces are one of the best options for basin wrench use, making this tool an excellent faucet wrench.
5. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
Fort Myers homeowners can use channel lock pliers for plumbing purposes that require pinching or grabbing. Plus, these grippy, versatile pliers are available in multiple sizes.
6. Plumber’s Tape (Teflon or PTFE Tape)
Your emergency kit should be stocked with thread seal tape in case of a problem. When you use Teflon tape for plumbing, remember to always thread it in a clockwise direction.
7. Plumber’s Putty
The main plumber’s putty use is for watertight seals around plumbing fixtures. For example, you can seal sink drains, faucets, or strainers. However, don’t use it with PVC threads, leaky toilets, or pressurized connections.
8. Handheld Drain Snake (Auger)
A drain snake is an indispensable tool to have on hand whenever you need a clog remover. They’ll remove hair clogs from your shower drain and tub. However, they aren’t intended for deep blockages. If you notice your tub is draining slower, it may be worthwhile to try snaking it.
9. Toilet Auger
A toilet auger is an important toilet clog tool. For porcelain toilets, it’s the best option.
10. Hacksaw
When cutting PVC pipe, you need a hacksaw. You can use a hacksaw for plumbing purposes, like cutting through pipes, screws, and bolts. The blades can become dull over time, so keep extras on hand.
11. Pipe Cutter (Tubing Cutter)
You wouldn’t use scissors to cut wicker, right? Each material has a tool that’s made for it. While copper pipe cutters work for rigid copper tubes, PEX cutters are intended for PEX tubing.
12. Thread Sealant (Pipe Dope)
Pipe thread sealant helps you create leakproof seals between pipe connections. Rather than choose between pipe dope vs. Teflon tape, you should get both tools. Pipe dope is a paste that works for permanent seals. In comparison, PTFE and Teflon tape are good for water and air lines.
13. Caulk Gun and Silicone Caulk
To seal around a toilet base, you need a bathtub caulk tool. A caulk gun and silicone caulk are fantastic for sealing around all your plumbing fixtures.
14. Bucket and Towels
For plumbing repair prep, you need buckets and old towels to catch pipe water.
15. Headlamp or Work Light
If you don’t have an under-sink light, it’s vital to obtain a hands-free work light. A headlamp or work light can help you work in cramped, dark spaces.
16. Gloves and Safety Glasses
As a part of your plumbing safety gear, get gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from chemicals.
17. Liquilock or Water Absorption Gel
You won’t catch sight of toilet water gel in many plumbing toolkits, but it’s immensely useful. It solidifies water, so you can remove a toilet without a mess or leaks.
3 Tools That Aren’t a Necessity, but Make Life Easier
Although these tools aren’t a requirement, they make DIY repairs a little simpler.
- Compression Sleeve Puller: This tool can help you remove compression sleeves without hurting the sleeve or pipe.
- Strap Wrench: A strap wrench is useful for delicate finishes.
- Wet and Dry Vacuums: You need wet and dry vacuums for cleaning up floods and clogs.
How To Build a DIY Plumbing Toolkit
Your kids are screaming because the toilet is overflowing, and the dogs are barking. Amid the commotion, you have to find a feasible solution in your DIY plumbing kit. Use this home plumbing tools checklist before calling for help.
- Make a list of what you need.
- Buy a starter kit that contains most of the necessary tools.
- Avoid wasting money on advanced tools because your plumber already has them.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around to get the best price.
When To Use These Tools—and When Not To
When it comes to DIY plumbing vs. professional, dial a licensed plumber if you notice the following signs.
- Sewer backup
- Leaking water heater
- Burst pipe
- Low water pressure
- No hot water
- Overflowing toilets
FAQs
What Plumbing Tools Do I Need at Home?
By investing in the basic toolkit outlined in this article, you can handle all of the DIY repairs that come up.
Is It Safe To Snake My Own Drain?
You can use a drain snake for basic issues. For major clogs or damaged pipes, call a plumber instead.
What Is the Difference Between a Pipe Wrench and an Adjustable Wrench?
Adjustable wrenches are smooth. They work well for nuts and bolts. Pipe wrenches have toothed jaws for a better grip, which makes them dangerous for nuts and bolts.
Can I Use Plumber’s Putty on Plastic Pipes?
No, you shouldn’t. It can react with plastic and lead to additional problems.
Be Ready, Not Sorry
By investing in your DIY toolkit, you can save money, be prepared for emergencies, and enjoy better peace of mind.
For any plumbing repairs you can’t handle yourself, reach out to the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Fort Myers.