Your home cannot be complete without a handy toolbox that you can count on for your repair needs, and when you own a home, you’ll ultimately encounter plumbing problems. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a newbie, having the right tools will help you do preventive maintenance on your plumbing system. Learning how to use them can give you the confidence boost you need to fix any minor plumbing issues that come your way. Here are a few plumbing tools all homeowners must have.
Plunger
A plunger is an essential plumbing tool you should have at your disposal. Plungers come in two types: flange plunger and cup plunger. The flange plunger works best for toilets as it has a rubber seal specifically designed to form a vacuum that effectively dislodges troublesome clogs. On the other hand, a cup plunger works best for unclogging sinks and bathtubs. You will always need both flange and cup plungers around your home to fix minor blockages.
Drain Snake
A drain snake is a flexible auger that helps dislodge troublesome clogs that the average plunger can’t handle. This tool will help you clear debris such as hair, food scraps and soap scum without causing damage to your pipes. You can always try this before you call for professional drain cleaning services.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is another essential tool you should have in your toolkit. There are two primary varieties of adjustable wrenches: basin wrench and pipe wrench. A basin wrench is a specialized tool with a long shaft designed to get up under sinks. You can use it to loosen or tighten the nuts that hold a faucet. A pipe wrench is a heavy-duty tool that you can use to grip and turn pipes.
Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape, also called Teflon™ tape, is ideal for sealing pipe threads. If you have a leaking pipe, however, don’t try to use it to temporarily fix the problem. Turn off the water and try duct tape.
Rubber Gloves
Plumbing work can become messy, so it’s advisable not to use bare hands. A pair of rubber gloves will help protect your hands and forearms against dirt and sharp objects.
These tools can help you prevent the worsening of many plumbing issues you may face. Nevertheless, you can’t solve all your plumbing problems with them. Whenever you need professional assistance anywhere in the Aitkin area, turn to us at Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. We offer a complete range of top-notch plumbing services to area residents, and we’ve been doing it for more than 30 years. Besides our licensed plumbers, we have a crew of NATE-certified technicians who install, repair and maintain heating and cooling equipment. To learn more about all we can do for you or to request service, call us today.
Tags: Plumbing Tools