7 Plumbing Tools You Need in Your Toolbox

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Are you a weekend warrior that’ll tackle small plumbing jobs at home or a complete newbie that just needs to unclog the toilet? Then you’ll need a set of tools. If this is your thing, then you probably have a bunch of tools stored away somewhere. However, if this is your first time having a crack at a plumbing job, then here’s a list of best plumbing tools to have your toolbox.

  1. Flange and Cup Plungers

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Sinks, toilets and bathtub/shower drains get clogged all the time. To save the situation, you’ll need not one, but two plungers. A flange plumber for unclogging the toilet and a cup plunger for the sink and bathtub/shower drains. You don’t have to put up with blocked drainages as you wait for the plumber to come save the day. Do it yourself and save money and time.

  1. Hand Auger

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Have a serious clog that a plunger can’t seem to break down? Then what you need is a hand auger. This is the secret weapon for dealing with clogs that can’t be broken down. The hand auger enables you to feed a metal wire into your shower/bathtub and sink drain to help break down whatever is blocking the drainage. Never use a hand auger in the toilet. Instead get a toilet auger as its more suited for the job.

  1. Adjustable Wrench

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Also referred to as the Crescent wrench due to the popular brand name, this is one tool you must have in your toolbox. The adjustable wrench comes in handy when you want to remove angle stops, supply lines, and compression nuts in plumbing fixtures. You can also use it for other jobs such as loosening or tightening your showerhead. Buy a good quality adjustable wrench instead of a cheap one. It will serve you a lifetime.

  1. Pipe Wrench

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This is very similar to the adjustable wrench. You will need it to loosen and tighten the plumbing pipes. It’s a good idea to have two in your toolbox. You can use one to grip the pie while the other does the tightening and loosening.

  1. Tongue and Groove Pliers

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These are curved pliers that are great for gripping onto something. With a set in your toolbox, you will be able to pull, grab, hold, and twist onto almost anything you’ll be working with when fixing your plumbing. The pliers have an adjustable slip-joint that makes this possible.

  1. Metal File

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When working with pipes, you will want to smooth them out with a metal file. Doing this helps with the application of fittings and plumber’s tape. The process is much easier especially when dealing with the edge of a recently cut pipe.

  1. Plumber’s Tape

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You will need to thread most fittings on joint connections and plumbing pipes. This is because they are susceptible to leaking when they get damaged. If there’s some leakage on shower heads, threaded pipe connections, or water lines, apply plumber’s tape to help stop it. This can be a temporary solution to buy time before a professional plumber can come in.