Plumbing is an essential aspect of home maintenance, ensuring that water flows smoothly through pipes and that waste is properly disposed of. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, having the right plumbing tools at your disposal can make all the difference between a successful repair and a costly, frustrating mistake. Plumbing tools come in various types, each designed to handle specific tasks, from tightening pipes to clearing blockages and sealing leaks.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common and useful tools every budding plumber should have in their toolkit, and how to use them effectively. By understanding the function of each tool, you’ll be able to tackle a wide range of plumbing issues and even prevent them from occurring in the future.
1. Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is arguably one of the most iconic tools in plumbing. It’s designed for gripping and turning pipes, making it indispensable when tightening or loosening pipes during installation or repair. The jaws of a pipe wrench have serrated teeth that provide a strong grip on pipes, ensuring you can turn them without slipping.
How to Use: A pipe wrench should be used to tighten or loosen threaded pipes, such as those found in plumbing systems for water, gas, or drainage. Simply adjust the wrench around the pipe, ensuring a firm grip, and then turn it in the direction you need. Always be cautious not to apply excessive force, as this can damage the pipe.
Tip: Use pipe wrenches in pairs—one to hold the pipe steady and the other to turn it. This prevents the pipe from shifting, which could cause leaks.
2. Plunger
A plunger is a must-have tool for every homeowner. It’s used to clear clogged drains and toilets, making it one of the most frequently used tools in plumbing. While it may seem simple, the plunger’s design is quite effective for creating suction and dislodging blockages in pipes.
How to Use: To use a plunger, position the rubber cup over the drain opening, ensuring a tight seal. For toilets, make sure the plunger’s bell is submerged in water. Push down forcefully and then pull up sharply, repeating the motion until the blockage clears. Be patient, as it may take several attempts to break up stubborn clogs.
Tip: Always keep a plunger on hand for emergencies, and make sure to choose one that’s appropriate for the type of clog. A flange plunger works best for toilets, while a cup plunger is better suited for sinks and tubs.
3. Adjustable Wrench
The adjustable wrench is another essential tool in any plumber’s kit. Its versatility lies in its ability to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts thanks to its movable jaw. This tool is invaluable for tightening or loosening fittings, especially when the size of the fitting may vary.
How to Use: Simply turn the adjustment knob to open or close the jaw, allowing you to fit the wrench over various bolt sizes. Use the handle to apply torque in the direction needed. An adjustable wrench is perfect for fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and nuts on pipes.
Tip: To avoid damaging fixtures or nuts, always use the adjustable wrench with care. A little pressure is all it takes—applying too much force can strip the threads on fittings.
4. Plumbing Snake (Drain Auger)
A plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, is a long, flexible tool designed to clear blockages deep inside pipes. If a plunger fails to remove a clog, a plumbing snake is the next tool to try. It’s especially effective for dealing with stubborn clogs that are far from the drain opening, such as those caused by grease buildup or tree roots.
How to Use: Insert the snake’s head into the drain or pipe opening, and then manually or mechanically rotate the handle to feed the coil into the pipe. As the coil reaches the blockage, the auger will break up the clog, allowing it to be removed from the pipe. Once the clog is cleared, withdraw the snake and flush the pipes with water to ensure the blockage is fully gone.
Tip: When using a plumbing snake, wear gloves and eye protection, as the snake can be unwieldy and sometimes splatter debris back at you. Make sure to clean the auger thoroughly after use to prevent rust and clogs from building up inside it.
5. Pipe Cutter
For plumbing projects that involve cutting pipes, a pipe cutter is a cleaner, more efficient tool than a hacksaw. It’s designed to make precise cuts without leaving rough edges, which could lead to leaks or problems when reassembling the pipe. Pipe cutters are available for various types of pipes, including copper, PVC, and steel.
How to Use: Place the pipe inside the cutter, ensuring that the blade is positioned where you want to make the cut. Tighten the tool’s grip around the pipe and turn the handle to slowly rotate the blade around the pipe. As you turn, the cutter will gradually make a clean, smooth cut.
Tip: When cutting pipes, always wear protective gear, especially gloves and safety goggles. If you’re cutting PVC pipes, make sure to deburr the edges with a reamer after cutting to prevent water flow obstructions.
6. Teflon Tape (Plumber’s Tape)
Teflon tape, or plumber’s tape, is essential for ensuring leak-free connections between threaded pipes. The tape, made of thin, flexible Teflon, is wrapped around the threads of a pipe before connecting it to another fitting. It creates a tight seal that helps prevent leaks.
How to Use: Wrap the Teflon tape around the male threads of the pipe, overlapping slightly to ensure full coverage. Make sure the tape is wrapped in the direction of the threads so that it doesn’t unravel as you screw the connection together.
Tip: Be careful not to overwrap the pipe, as too much tape can make it difficult to screw the fittings together tightly.
7. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a specialized tool designed for working in tight spaces, such as beneath sinks and behind basins. It’s ideal for loosening or tightening faucet nuts that are difficult to reach with a standard wrench.
How to Use: The basin wrench has a long handle and a pivoting head with jaws that can grip faucet nuts. Insert the head of the wrench behind the faucet assembly, ensuring the jaws are securely attached to the nut. Then, turn the handle to loosen or tighten the nut.
Tip: Basin wrenches are indispensable when replacing faucets or performing other tasks under sinks. Keep one handy, especially if you work with older plumbing fixtures that may require extra muscle to loosen.
8. Plumbing Torch
A plumbing torch, typically used with propane or MAPP gas, is essential for soldering copper pipes. It heats the joint to the right temperature, allowing you to apply solder and create a watertight seal.
How to Use: Use the torch to heat the copper pipe joint until it is hot enough to melt the solder. Once the joint reaches the right temperature, apply the solder to the joint, letting it flow into the space between the pipe and fitting.
Tip: Always follow safety instructions when using a plumbing torch. Work in a well-ventilated area, and keep flammable materials away from the flame.
9. Tube Bender
For bending soft pipes, such as copper or PEX, a tube bender is a useful tool that helps you achieve precise, smooth bends without kinks. A tube bender helps maintain the integrity of the pipe while creating a clean bend for plumbing installations.
How to Use: Place the pipe into the bender, aligning it with the markings for the desired angle. Apply pressure to the handle, bending the pipe gradually until it reaches the required angle.
Tip: Take your time when bending the pipe, and ensure the bend is even to avoid causing stress or damage to the material.
Conclusion
Equipped with these essential plumbing tools, beginners can take on a variety of plumbing tasks with confidence. From minor repairs like fixing leaky faucets to tackling more complex issues such as clearing clogs or replacing pipes, the right tools make all the difference. By investing in quality tools, learning how to use them properly, and practicing regularly, you can master the art of plumbing and maintain a well-functioning, leak-free home. Whether you’re dealing with small fixes or larger projects, these tools will ensure that your plumbing tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
