5 Most Common Plumbing Tools

Whether you are a professional plumber with Conrad Martens or a homeowner, there are several plumbing tools you may want to keep stocked on standby in the case of a plumbing emergency. Having these tools on hand will make your home repair process a much smoother one. Additionally, these tools are pretty inexpensive and easy to maintain. Therefore, you won’t have to make a huge financial commitment to keep these tools at your disposal. Regardless of which capacity you intend to use these tools in, it is essential to keep these five basic tools in stock in your home. While most home repairs may cost homeowners a pretty penny to complete, your plumbing solutions can really be a simple and easy fix. If you have these five tools and equipment, your plumbing repair may be a hassle-free process. Whether you are dealing with a clogged toilet, a leaky sink, or a clogged shower drain, these tools can be highly effective in tackling the work.

1. Tongue and Groove Pliers

While most people imagine the plunger is the most common piece of equipment for plumbers and plumbing emergencies, there are a variety of essential tools that homeowners and plumbers use to repair their plumbing. A good tool to keep readily available in your home is a tongue and groove plier. The tongue and groove pliers have angled jaws and longer handles, as well as a wide range of adjustment positions that are perfect for any repair job. Tongue and Groove Pliers are a very effective tool to keep around your home as they are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of projects. This all-purpose tool is best used in pairs. Like pipe wrenches, it is best to use one set for stability and the other to unfasten or reinforce the nut. As tongue and groove pliers are very versatile, this tool is not limited to performing only plumbing related tasks. This tool is used by electricians, laborers, and other skilled professionals who work with their hands.

2. Basin Wrench

Another great tool to keep close by in the case of a plumbing emergency is the basin wrench, also known as the sink wrench. This tool is highly effective for kitchen and bathroom sink repair. The basin wrench is a self-tightening wrench. It is designed for detaching or securing fittings in hard to reach areas. The basin wrench is best used to turn fasteners that are located in confined areas. In addition to being highly effective, this tool is also very simple and easy to use. If you are considering purchasing a basin wrench, it is recommended that you look for a wrench with a telescopic shank that can hold a 90-degree angle on its own. This will make the process easier for you in the long run.

3. Compression Sleeve Puller

The compression sleeve puller is another tool most homeowners and plumbers keep nearby. If you house has copper, PEX, or CPVC tubing, you most likely have compression angle stops or shutoff valves that provide water to your toilets and faucets. Although you can unscrew the angle stop without the compression sleeve puller, this tool holds the pipe steady so that you can detach the sleeve or compression nut. Additionally, a compression sleeve puller can unfasten the nut and compression sleeve without causing any further damages to the pipe. These tools are also handy as they can remove both coarse and fine compression nuts and sleeves. Making your repair process a smooth and simple one.

4. Pipe Wrench

Another vital tool you may want to consider keeping stocked in your home is the pipe wrench. A pipe wrench is an essential tool for plumbers as it has a variety of functions to help with repair work. Although these wrenches are not as pervasive as they once were, they are a necessity for plumbing repair work. Pipe wrenches are very practical for threaded materials, like iron or galvanized steel pipe fittings. There are a multitude of fittings that requires the use of a pipe wrench or two pipe wrenches to unfasten pipes. In these cases, two pipe wrenches are needed to prevent causing too much stress during the installation. During this process, one wrench is used to hold the pipe still, while the other is used to turn the pipe or fitting.

5. Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench is another common tool used by homeowners and plumbers for plumbing repairs. It is used for a variety of different plumbing repairs; including the removal of angle stops, compression notes, and provide lines to faucets and other fixtures. Additionally, an adjustable wrench can be used to tighten or loosen shower heads, preventing the fixture from being scratched or damaged. Furthermore, this handy tool will make a great addition to your collection as it is super reliable and lasts a lifetime. This is an essential tool for homeowners and plumbers as it is very versatile and dependable.

6. Additional Tools You Can Add to Your Collection

While the tools listed are the most common tools used for plumbing repairs, but there are a wide variety of tools that can be used for effective plumbing repairs. There are some standard hand tools that are recommended to keep around your home. For example, screwdrivers are a preferred tool to keep nearby. While screwdrivers are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of projects, there are a variety of screws that need to be removed when performing plumbing repairs. Another great tool to keep in your home is the hexagon shaped Allen wrench set. This set will make the perfect addition to your tool collection. As most faucets and shower handles are clasped together by Allen screws, this tool is a great investment. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a hacksaw, as plumbing parts do not come apart easily. Hacksaws are extremely useful when cutting pipes, bolts, nuts, or screws. While these tools may not be the most common tools, they are just as vital in plumbing repair projects.

 

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