Being a homeowner means you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your property. This includes repairing some of the plumbing issues that may arise. The right plumbing tools can help you do the job quickly, efficiently, and safely. Here are some essential plumbing tools every homeowner should have on hand.
Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is designed to grip and turn pipes and fittings, making it easy to tighten or loosen plumbing components. The head of the pipe wrench has an adjustable jaw that can be adjusted to fit various-sized pipes.
Look for a wrench with a steel handle with a broad, flat surface that is easy to grip. The handle should also feature a lever arm that can apply additional torque to the pipe when necessary. Pipe wrenches are great for fixing leaks, installing new fixtures, and handling other plumbing tasks.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a great tool for cutting pipes, metal rods, and other materials. It is used to cut through metal or plastic pipes and make straight cuts in wood and other materials. It comprises a metal frame with a thin blade and usually has a handle at the end. The blade can be adjusted to different angles and lengths, depending on the type of material undergoing cutting. The teeth on the blade are also adjustable, with different types suitable for various materials.
Hacksaws are lightweight and easily transported, making them a great tool to have on hand for a variety of projects. They also come in different sizes, with longer blades better for larger projects. For example, a long blade is ideal for cutting thick metal or pipes that require more force.
Pliers
Pliers are commonly used to grip, twist, bend, and cut materials such as wire, cable, metal sheeting, and tubing. Long-nose or needle-nose pliers have long, narrow jaws and are usually used to reach small or tight places. Combination pliers feature two sets of jaws that work together, making them useful for gripping and cutting different materials. Slip joint pliers feature an adjustable pivot point, allowing them to open wider than other pliers. They are used for various tasks, including gripping and twisting wire.
For plumbing tasks, compound leverage pliers are handy. This type of plier requires less effort than conventional pliers. They also have a greater range of motion and can reach tighter spaces than most other pliers.
Wrenches
Wrenches come in many shapes and sizes, from simple adjustable wrenches to more complex ratcheting wrenches. This tool will securely hold and turn nuts and bolts and can be used for other general repairs.
Some of the more common types of wrenches include adjustable, ratchet, open-end, and combination wrenches. Each type has its specific use, and having the right type of wrench can make all the difference in getting the job done efficiently.
Flexible Hand Auger
A hand auger, also called a plumber’s snake, is a crucial tool to have on hand to clear minor clogs. A plunger may not always clear a clogged toilet. A hand auger can be inserted to clear the blockage. For more stubborn drain clogs, plumbers use power augers that can clear and cut through major blockages, including tree roots.
Caulking Gun
A caulking gun is a tool used to dispense sealant from a cartridge and form a waterproof seal along edges. The gun has an adjustable trigger mechanism that allows precise sealant control. It has many uses around the house, including sealing windows and doors.
Caulking guns come in manual or powered varieties and can be used with different types of sealant cartridges. They also come in various sizes and styles from small handheld models to heavy-duty, professional-grade guns.
No matter the job, having the right tool can make all the difference in completing it quickly and efficiently. Pliers, wrenches, hand augers, and caulking guns are just a few tools available to help you perform minor repairs.
If you need more help with plumbing issues, consider calling in the professional at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas in Nanaimo. Our experienced plumbers and HVAC technicians can handle in emergency plumbing, furnace and AC installation and repair, shower installation and maintenance, and boiler installations. Contact Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your project.
