When homeowners in WA are faced with a plumbing problem, their best solution is to hire a plumber Joondalup residents can count on. After all, plumbers have the experience and necessary equipment to repair all types of plumbing-related disasters like a damaged pipe or a broken toilet. However, there are some plumbing problems you can handle by yourself. These types of issues include the following:
- Leaks
- A clogged drain
- Running or noisy toilet
To ensure that the repairs are done properly, however, you’ll need to at least have basic plumbing repair skills. It’s also a requirement to have the following essential tools at hand:
Plunger
Even if you barely use the plunger, it’s still a must-have plumbing tool for your home. This device will be your first line of defense against a clogged toilet and blocked sinks or drains, so having one or two is ideal. You can find plungers in a variety of shapes and sizes. Nevertheless, the most effective plunger design is a beehive plunger with a T-style handle.
Pipe Wrench
Another item you should include in your toolbox is a pipe wrench. This wrench is specifically made to loosen and tighten fittings on larger pipes. Its F-shaped design also gives it a sturdy quality. However, because of its serrated jaw, it can leave scratch marks behind. As such, it’s smart to wrap a cloth around the pipe before using the pipe wrench.
Adjustable Wrench.
Unlike the pipe wrench, an adjustable wrench is more versatile. Like what its name implies, this tool can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of nuts and bolts, as well as pipes and fittings. It’s also easier to use when working in tight spaces like under the kitchen sink. It’s good to purchase both a 6-inch and 10-inch adjustable wrenches to give you more flexibility and use.
Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
If your plumbing system has small or irregularly-shaped fittings, having tongue-and-groove pliers is a must. This tool is a type of slip-joint pliers that has a lower jaw that can be moved to a number of positions. Because of its unique design, you’ll get a good grip on smaller nuts and bolts.
Plumber’s Tape
Although duct tape is handy during emergency plumbing fixes, it’s better to use plumber’s tape when sealing leaks. Plumbers tape is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and it is easier to wrap around on pipes. It’s also inexpensive and can be used in several plumbing repairs.
Plumbing Auger or Plumbing Snake
Sometimes the plunger isn’t enough to take care of stubborn clogs. When this happens, it’s best to use a plumbing auger or plumbing snake instead. Both of these tools are made to clear severely blocked drains, but their designs are different. A plumbing auger uses a hand crank to push a metal wire through the drain to clear the blockage. A plumbing snake, on the other hand, features a metal coil at one end, which is used to loosen the solid objects in the drain.
Flashlight
The final tool you have to include in your plumbing arsenal is a flashlight. This is especially useful when you encounter an unforeseen plumbing disaster in your property. With a quality flashlight, you’ll be able to safely navigate your surroundings and easily spot plumbing problems in the dark or dimly lit spaces like the attic.
There are many plumbing repairs you can solve by utilizing the DIY method. However, without the right equipment, your chances of fixing any plumbing-related issue are next to none. For this reason, it’s best to have the aforementioned plumbing tools at the ready, so you can deal with any leak or clog with relative ease.
