In most cases, homeowners do not ask or want to know what plumbers carry in their toolboxes when they come for plumbing repairs or maintenance in their homes. Many people tend to focus on the problem at hand and how fast the plumber can make it go away. Sometimes, a plumber is called upon to install a new boiler or faucet and is expected to leave as soon as the problem is solved. However, if you are unlike most people and are curious about what goes on in a plumber’s toolbox, you can ask professional companies like The Plumber Guys-Top Plumbing Co. or check out this comprehensive list of the most common plumbing tools.
10 Most Common Plumbing Tools
#1. Plunger
There is the cup plunger and flange plunger, although the former is the more common type on the market. A cup plunger is made of a rubber cup that serves to unclog drains in kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and showers by way of forcing the air in the cup down the drain when pushed. This air further pushes the grime, debris, and dirt that is blocking your drain. This is perhaps the most basic plumbing tool that every homeowner should have. On the other hand, a flange plunger is used on toilets and it resembles a cup plunger, but with an extended rubber, head to cover the toilet hole.
#2. Snake (drain augers)
This coiled metal cable is inserted into a drain and rotated to unclog drains. They are more effective in situations where the plunger fails to clear the drain.
#3. Pliers
Pliers come in handy when you want to fasten a bolt and nut together. You can use it to hold the bolt in place while fastening the nut. They are also effective gripping tools.
#4. Wrenches
Wrenches have adjustable sharp teeth designed to grip round objects, such as pipes. Plumbers commonly use pipe wrenches on cast iron and galvanized steel or any other heavy-duty fixtures that may require gripping.
#5. Washers and O-Rings
They come in different sizes depending on the intended use. Worn-out washers and O-rings can often result in leaks. Therefore, you should replace them as soon as they are no longer providing the tight seal that they should.
#6. Saws and Cutters
There are hacksaws, tube saws, and hole saws and they are used for different functions. Hacksaws are used to cut pipes and rusty screws whereas hole saws can cut holes through the wall or floor to allow plumbing pipes and tubes to run through. On the other hand, tube cutters can cut plastic tubing more effectively.
#7. Metal file
This tool is effective in smoothing out rough edges left on pipes after cutting.
#8. Pipe bender
This tool is used in shaping new pipes to assume the shape of the old ones you intend to replace. It is used where the pipe should be bent to enable it to go around corners.
#9. Plumber’s torch
This is a small torch usually powered by propane and used to melt solder when joining copper pipes together.
#10. Plumber tape
This tape is commonly wrapped around pipe threads to seal two pieces and avoid leaks.
These are some of the most common plumbing tools you’ll find in a plumber’s toolbox. You can also go ahead and buy some or all of them to ensure you can take care of some minor plumbing issues around your home before you can call a professional plumber.