For some people doing a bit of DIY around the house can be the perfect way to unwind on the weekend. They love having the latest DIY gadgets for odd jobs around the house. For others, that sounds like their worst nightmare, and they would prefer to call in experts for all their plumbing issues.
Read on for a list of useful plumbing tools for your home. Please note, if a minor plumbing issue can’t be easily solved, make sure to call a professional to avoid further damage.
1. Pipe Wrench
This isn’t an everyday tool for the day to day toolbox, but it is a useful little thing to invest in. Its purpose is to loosen or tighten pipes. If you have any leaking pipes, with a pipe wrench, you can easily tighten or replace them without causing any damage. They are also useful to help retrieve any jewellery or small bits that might have fallen down the drain.
2. Plunger
Even if you aren’t dandy with DIY, having a plunger at hand is a basic necessity for any household. They can quickly fix any blocked drains in the sink or shower. Clogs that aren’t quickly dealt with can easily turn into big problems that can cost a fortune. Invest in a plenger to save you money long term.
3. A Plumbing Snake
A plumbing snake is also known as an ‘auger’. There are two types, one for the sink, and the other for the toilet. The sink auger is made of a flexible stainless steel cable which has a corkscrew tip. As the name suggests these are long and thin devices which are useful for breaking up stubborn clogs in your drain. It is flexible and can bend as needed to help you reach the problem area with ease.
Toilet augers are designed a little differently, however. The end is usually covered with a rubber sleeve to protect the porcelain in the toilet bowl. Both types of augers can be useful for quickly clearing up clogs.
4. Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape is also known as ‘teflon tape’. It is a thin and white tape which you wrap around the pipe where the fittings are twisted together. It helps aid threading which means the fittings come together more securely, thus minimising the chance of leaks occurring.
5. Slip-Joint Pliers
While they are similar to regular pliars, these are better designed to grip pipes and other plumbing fixtures. They come with long handles which help to twist the smallest of bolts. The angle is perfect for almost any sized pipe. They are incredibly versatile and can be used on steel pipes as well as plastic nuts. They are pretty essential for any DIY plumber.
6. Tubing Cutter
This is particularly useful for working on copper pipes. The tubing cutter has a thin cutting wheel which cuts the copper with precision and ease. This is important because copper requires clean cuts which tubing cutters are designed to perform. It is easy to operate. Simply clam the tubing cutter onto the pipe and rotate it around the pipe. You should tighten the knob after every few rotations. It will eventually cut through the material giving you an impressive finish.
Summary
If DIY is something that interests you, you can probably deal with minor plumbing issues yourself if you have the right tools. However, there will undoubtedly be instances where you need professional help and guidance. Murphys Plumbing is your go-to for all your plumbing problems. Whether its leaking pipes or broken boilers, we offer a friendly and professional service to take care of your plumbing needs.
Leave A Comment