Best Plumbing Tools to Keep in Your Home Toolbox
Common plumbing issues like clogged drains, leaky pipes, running toilets, water heater issues, and low water pressure come up once in a while in every home, provided that there is a plumbing system in the home. Homeowners should not always depend on plumbers to fix their problems, especially in an emergency situation. It’s important to equip your home with some plumbing tools that will aid in the fixing of some of these problems.
Of course, some advanced issues like the sewer line problem or water heater problems will require the touch of an expert plumber. But for minor problems, visit any home improvement stores in Boulder to pick up tools for plumbing work. The store attender should guide the customer to select the right tools that will match their home plumbing systems and fixtures. Meanwhile, there are some must-have tools homeowners should never joke with, and they include.
1. Plungers
This tool is an extremely vital plumbing tool designed to decongest a blocked pipe or drain. Clogged pipes are a common issue in most homes, and it is essential for every home to have a plunger in its toolbox. With a simple plunger, a homeowner can fix sink blockage issues in the kitchen in Longmont without having to hire a professional. Having a plunger around the home saves money, and the time it would take for a plumber to arrive. Below are the different types of plungers available in the market.
- Cup Plungers: These plungers are otherwise referred to as sink plungers, and they are mainly used to work on flat plains due to their ability to infuse positive pressure effect when the cup is pushed down through a vacuum and negative pressure when pushed some distance away from the fixture.
- Accordion Plungers: This type of plunger is specifically designed for unblocking toilet drains. They are shaped in ways that the nose fits into the toilet drain to suck up water and particles to remove the blockage. This unique tool can be purchased in any plumbing supply in Boulder and is pretty affordable.
- Flange Plungers: this plunger contains a fold-out flag that is fixed on the toilet drain opening. It is able clear the toilet clog by suction. This plunger is not only peculiar to the toilet. It can be used on other surfaces as well. But, it’s improper to use the toilet flange plunger on the sink or tub drain.
2. Plumber’s Snake And Augers
This is an impressive tool that forces out far or near clogs. They can remove blocks that are deeper down or close to the surface. These tools are very resourceful for cleaning or freeing the pipe from clogs. The Plumber’s drain snake and hand augers can help any individual fix any drain clogging problem, but don’t hesitate to hire a professional when the problem is beyond the snake and auger. It’s important to inspect your plumbing system for possible leakages. It is easier for a homeowner to fix a minimal plumbing problem but will prove difficult to fix when it becomes severe.
- Hand Augers: A hand auger is very useful in dislodging sink clogs. They can be used to clean kitchen clogs and can reach any depth level. The tool is operated by moving it anticlockwise as the cable travels through the sink pipe to unblock clogs for easy water access.
- Drain Snake: This is an amazing plumbing cleaning tool used for generators. They typically do the same thing as the augers, but they are weightier and easier to use.
3. Saws and Cutters
Saws and cutters are one of the most popular cutting tools and can cut both light and solid materials of any shape, size, or length. For example, the saw and cutter can be used to cut pipes, bolts, screws, nuts, etc. These tools are not just peculiar to plumbing work but are also used for wood cutting at Lumber Boulder. Different types of saws and cutters have their unique function.
- Hacksaw: this is known as a fine-toothed saw that can cut through metallic pipes or metallic parts.
- Bow saw: this saw performs the exact function as the hacksaw, but they are used in wood cutting.
- Junior Hacksaw: For narrow regions like the under the kitchen sink, the Junior hacksaws are used to access and cut out any object part that needs cutting
- Metal File: This machine is used to give a smooth finish to any metallic surface or part. It helps in smoothing rough planes or edges after the cut process.
4. Thread Sealing Tape
This film tap is used to wrap or seal a pipe or tube to prevent leakages. This tool is applied in threaded joints or connected areas in piping where there might be possible leakages. To use the tape, they have to be sold cut to the required width and length. For easy winding and threading, the tape is usually wound on a spool. There are different types of seal tapes. However, the top grade option can withstand high and low temperatures, and is flexible enough to better coverage and perfect sealing.
5. Pliers
Pliers are typically used for easy gripping, and they are used by professionals to unloose or tighten bolts and nuts. This tool can be used to loosen bolts and nuts of any size. They are a perfect plumber’s tool for penetrating into tight spaces that their wrench can't get to. Most pliers are multifunctional. They don't only grip things. They can also be used for twisting wires and cutting wires. Pliers also play a key role in the extraction of nails from woods and can serve as a supportive tool in a Boulder Lumber Yard.
While engaging in some of these Plumbing jobs, it's important to put on some safety outfits, like gloves, coveralls, glasses for eye protection, etc. If the issue is too severe or is looking a bit above your skill level, consult professional plumbers.
