Your Plumbing Tool Kit

Plumbing is complicated, and not everyone should or can do it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple tasks and straightforward solutions to basic plumbing that you can’t tackle on your own. For these jobs, we want to help you put together a plumbing tool kit that will help you keep everything running smoothly, and ensure you know where your important tools are! We’ll start out simple and work our way up to more advanced tools.  

Basic multipurpose tools 

This might not sound like a plumbing tool, but a basic bucket is going to be your best friend when you are tackling plumbing issues. Along similar lines, make sure you have good gloves to offer your hands protection as you work. A caulk gun and silicon caulk may also come in very handy to help seal around your sink, toilet, and tub. A flashlight and a screwdriver will also come in handy as you deal with plumbing issues or investigate a leak.  

Unclogging tools 

Chances are, you are going to have to deal with clogs at some point in your life. Whether it’s a bathtub that won’t drain as quickly as it should, or a toilet that won’t flush, dealing with clogs is going to be the bulk of the plumbing work you will do without a plumber (super fun, we know!). A traditional cup plunger (without the inner flange to create a seal) is best for flat surfaces, like bathtubs, and a flange plunger is best for creating a seal in a toilet to clear clogs. If you have a particularly prone system, you may also want to invest in a drain snake or hand auger to help clear clogs that aren’t responding to plungers.  

Wrenches 

While we are definitely getting closer to plumber territory here, some basic wrenches will help you deal with some basic plumbing issues. Especially if you want to clear a clog with an auger or drain snake, you may need to remove a section of piping to make the process easier. A basic wrench, adjustable wrench and an adjustable pipe wrench will be incredibly helpful as you deal with faucets, fittings, and pipes. If you have a garbage disposal, you may also want to invest in a garbage disposal wrench, which can be used to turn the shredder and clear clogs.  

It is important to be prepared for minor (or major issues) that may occur in your home. Having a tool kit at the ready ensures you spend more time attending to the task at hand, rather than wasting precious time running around trying to find what you need. When it comes to water, you don’t want to waste any time!  

Putting together a plumbing tool kit can help you feel more equipped to deal with small plumbing jobs and even plumbing emergencies. But don’t forget the most important tool in your plumbing toolkit – our number (save us to your contacts!). There are some jobs that even the most ambitious homeowner should leave to the professionals.