Dripping faucets, leaky pipes, clogged sinks and plugged-up toilets are some of the common plumbing problems homeowners have to deal with. There is simply no way to avoid them. The good news is that all these plumbing problems can be fairly simple to fix, with the right tools. Not having to hire a plumber to fix simple and common plumbing problems is also a good way to save money and spend it on more important things.
If you are a beginner to home plumbing, you will need to invest in some tools plumbing. Plumbing projects required a range of tools that serve multiple purposes. This guide will show you which tools plumbing really make sense to buy.
Sink Wrench
This is a must-have tool for changing our old faucets in kitchens and bathrooms. A sink wrench is a self-tightening plumbing tool that can loosen or tighten fittings that are in places that are difficult to reach, like behind the toilet or under the sink. To make loosening or tightening fittings an easier task, look for sink wrench models that keep a 90-degree position.
Pliers
Groove and tongue pliers are handy tools plumbing for quickly taking apart the majority of plumbing components. The pliers work as a tandem – one for stabilizing a pipe or piece of sheet metal and the other for tearing or unscrewing. It may be a good idea to buy different sizes of each type, so you can handle more complex plumbing projects.
Compression Sleeve Puller
Modern homes are usually built with copper, CPVC, or PEX tubing that feature compression angles (these feed the water to bathroom faucets and toilets). While you may be able to unscrew the angled top by turning the back nut, chances are the nut and the compression sleeve may remain on the pipe. A compression sleeve puller tool will help you remove the nut and compression sleeve without causing any damage to the pipe.
Torque Wrench
Many fittings on pressure regulators and water heaters require the use of one, or maybe two, to provide enough leverage to turn the pipe. Keep in mind that pipe diameters vary, so you should measure the pipes in your bathroom to buy a torque wrench necessary to perform the pipe replacement.
Plunger
The plunger is one essential plumber cleaning tool that when used properly, eliminates the use of more elaborate tools to unclog toilets and drain.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a useful tool for quickly cutting through metal and plastic pipes, as well as screws, nuts, or bolts. You may have to put some extra force to take apart some plumbing components and a hacksaw will be of great use for such plumbing tasks.
This is a must-have tool for changing our old faucets in kitchens and bathrooms. A sink wrench is a self-tightening plumbing tool that can loosen or tighten fittings that are in places that are difficult to reach, like behind the toilet or under the sink. To make loosening or tightening fittings an easier task, look for sink wrench models that keep a 90-degree position.
Pliers
Groove and tongue pliers are handy tools plumbing for quickly taking apart the majority of plumbing components. The pliers work as a tandem – one for stabilizing a pipe or piece of sheet metal and the other for tearing or unscrewing. It may be a good idea to buy different sizes of each type, so you can handle more complex plumbing projects.
Compression Sleeve Puller
Modern homes are usually built with copper, CPVC, or PEX tubing that feature compression angles (these feed the water to bathroom faucets and toilets). While you may be able to unscrew the angled top by turning the back nut, chances are the nut and the compression sleeve may remain on the pipe. A compression sleeve puller tool will help you remove the nut and compression sleeve without causing any damage to the pipe.
Torque Wrench
Many fittings on pressure regulators and water heaters require the use of one, or maybe two, to provide enough leverage to turn the pipe. Keep in mind that pipe diameters vary, so you should measure the pipes in your bathroom to buy a torque wrench necessary to perform the pipe replacement.
Plunger
The plunger is one essential plumber cleaning tool that when used properly, eliminates the use of more elaborate tools to unclog toilets and drain.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a useful tool for quickly cutting through metal and plastic pipes, as well as screws, nuts, or bolts. You may have to put some extra force to take apart some plumbing components and a hacksaw will be of great use for such plumbing tasks.
