Whether a professional plumber or a homeowner carrying out some maintenance services to your sewer line system, you have various plumbing tools that should always be in your toolbox. Some of the tools are essential in completing plumbing jobs, while others simplify the plumbing tasks. Professional plumbing tools and equipment are constantly evolving, and new modernized and sophisticated tools have been invented to assist in fixing plumbing problems.
Homeowners should always consult professionals before fixing their plumbing system to avoid further damage and loss. Knowledgeable homeowners with plumbing skills and various tools and equipment should update their toolbox by buying modern tools when they are invented. For Homeowners and plumbers who wish to start their journey of acquiring various tools, here are the top 10 must-have tools and equipment.
1. Plumber’s Tape
The plumbing tape is used by professionals and homeowners when preventing possible leaks at threaded pipe connections. When using tape, first wrap it around the threads of fittings and pipes and then twist the pipes together. The plumbing tape serves as a lubricant, thus aiding in threading and sealing the joints to prevent leaks.
2. Wrenches
Wrenches come in different types and sizes and can remove and tighten bolts and nuts. There are about four must-have wrenches in your toolbox. First, every professional and occasional plumber must have a pipe wrench. This wrench is used in most plumbing work when tightening and loosening various nuts used in holding pipes together. Another type is the basin wrench which is mostly designed to work on Faucets. They have a clamp mechanism that enables them to access narrow spaces in pipes to tighten and loosen hard–to–reach bolts and nuts. An adjustable wrench can be used as a substitute wrench if a plumber does not have other wrenches. However, they function well on hexagonal nuts. Lastly, a faucet wrench is used by plumbers when opening sillcocks and spigots.
3. Hydrostatic Test Pump
Plumbers should have a hydrostatic test pump to effectively test water systems such as plumbing lines, pressure vessels, sprinkler systems, and etc. for safety. The line tester detects even the most minor leaks in the pipes installed. Professional plumbers use the pump to check if their newly installed pipes are connected effectively and possible repairs and leakages in old systems.
4. Toilet Auger
The Toilet Auger is among the top plumbing tools that should be in your toolbox. Imagine when your toilet is clogged, and your professional plumber takes a long to respond. You should not use the sink Auger when clearing clogs in your toilets since the two tools are designed for different functions. The tool contains a bent long metal rod for accessing the bottom side of a toilet bowl. To ensure the hygiene of your toilet, you add the toilet Auger to your toolbox.
5. Cup Plunger
These are the common and essential plumbing tools in all homes. The Cup plunger consists of a cup-like shape fixed in a handle and clear clogs in tubs, sinks, and showers. However, the tool should never be used to clear toilet clogs.
6. Faucet Packing, O-rings, and Washers
These plumbing tools are lifesavers to repair leaking radiators, valves, and other old equipment. O-rings and rubber washers are packed containing various sizes and shapes. Washers are flat disks containing a whole center that is used to manage the flow of water in faucets and showerheads. Having multiple packs in your toolbox ensures you can fix any old faucet.
7. Tubing Cutter
A tubing cutter is used by plumbers when cutting copper pipes. Cutting a copper metal requires a tubing cutter, square cuts instead of using a tiresome hacksaw. After using a tubing cutter, you should remove the burr from the inside of the copper pipe by using a deburring tool.
8. Press Fitting systems
A plumber must have a press-fitting system in their toolbox to speed up their activities. The tool is used by plumbers when they are connecting pipes firmly.
Conclsion
The above must-have plumbing tools and equipment have saved many plumbers and homeowners money. Although it can be challenging to acquire all these tools and equipment, stating will take a few and purchasing others later will not break your bank. You will not have to call your plumbing professional for repairs for some of the tools, such as the sink plunger and toilet Auger.
