Plumbing problems are some of the biggest (and messiest) issues you can experience at home. But most minor plumbing problems can be resolved in a few minutes with some essential tools.
Every household should have some basic plumbing tools to solve problems when they happen. Here are the plumbing essentials you should have at home.
- Toilet Auger
The toilet auger is your best friend when it comes to clearing minor blockages. Did you know that 76% of Americans have experienced a clogged toilet in a public restroom? Most of these issues could be resolved with a simple toilet auger.
They’re about three feet long and, instead of simply breaking up the obstruction, they will grab onto obstructions and allow you to remove them.
Take note that serious blockages will still require professional help from companies like Drain Rescue Plumbers. But the auger is the first step to determining whether you need to bring in the professionals.
- Flange Plunger
The flange plunger comes in many shapes and sizes. You need to know how to use a flange plunger because it’s one of the easiest ways to clear blockages in both sinks, toilets, and other drains.
Not only part of the professional plumber’s arsenal, this household item forms a vacuum to generate a large force of water. This force can clear blockages in a matter of minutes.
- Plumber’s Snake
The plumber’s snake’s main use is for removing blockages in sinks. You place the snake down the hole and feed it through until you can feel the obstruction. Then you turn the crank handle and it should remove the blockage.
Take note that if you can’t feel the blockage it means that the problem is further down the drainage system. In this case, you will need to call a plumber as the entire piping may need to be removed.
- Adjustable Pipe Wrench
If you’ve ever watched a plumber work with a wrench, you’re witnessing an adjustable pipe wrench at work. The knurled knob is tightened around the pipe and the serrated edges increase the pressure when turning the pipe.
When there are problems with your pipe, you need one of these. A conventional wrench just won’t get the job done and could even damage your plumbing system.
- Faucet Valve Set Wrench
An average household can lose 10,000 gallons of water every year due to minor leaks. The most common issue comes from the faucet body valve seat. Once it loses its smooth surface it can start to leak. This is because the washer wears down too much and it starts to grind against the valve seat.
You need a faucet valve set wrench to fix this problem. It’s one of the most common items in a plumber’s arsenal.
Last Word – Don’t Hesitate to Call a Professional
These five tools can be used to solve simple problems at home. Plumbers often must visit homes to solve issues that can be fixed in just a couple of minutes.
However, if you try these techniques and they don’t work you should immediately call a professional.
Do you have any urgent plumbing problems you need to take care of?
Being a stay at home dad I get to watch the kids and generally take care of the, around the house, maintenance. Having just a few basic tools can be a life saver but having the number of good, competent tradespeople is even better for when you get in over your head.
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