Fix leaks, unclog drains, and, above all, do most other tasks with simple tricks. This guide splits the critical plumbing tools into understandable stages of use, beginning with pipe wrenches and ending with augers. Explore the pull and push control of the tool, its comfort level, and how it helps with the aforementioned plumbing problems. One step closer to being a DIY plumbing professional.
Getting the correct result requires allocating time, skill, and proper tools to cope with many problems, such as leaks and pipe installation. Whether a person works as a tradesman or as an amateur, knowing plumbing tools and their functions is the most efficient way of doing repairs well and quickly. This article most commonly refers to the essential plumbing tools and their purposes, functions, and roles in plumbing installations.
Pipe Wrench
Purpose:
A plumber often needed a pipe wrench to remove old, stuck, and push-fit pipes, fittings, and similar items.
How It Works:
- Features adjustable jaws for a secure grip.
- Often used in pairs—one to hold the pipe steady and the other to turn.
Uses:
- Tightening or loosening pipes.
- Working with metal pipes and large fittings.
Plunger
Purpose:
A plunger clears clogs in sinks, toilets, and drains.
How It Works:
- It creates suction to dislodge debris, causing the blockage.
- Different types include cup plungers for sinks and flange plungers for toilets.
Uses:
- Removing clogs from drains and pipes.
- A must-have for minor plumbing emergencies.
Adjustable Wrench
Purpose:
This multi-purpose device is used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts of different sizes. It is also called a spanner or a ratchet (a spanner or wrench with a ratchet device).
How It Works:
- It comes with an able jaw to fit various sizes of fittings.
- It keeps a firm hold on angular fasteners.
Uses:
- Part with compression pipe tubes, water supply lines, and other plumbing installation hardware.
Basin Wrench
Purpose:
Specially designed for reaching tight spaces under sinks to tighten or loosen faucet nuts.
How It Works:
- Features a long handle and a pivoting jaw for flexibility.
- Ideal for working in hard-to-reach areas.
Uses:
- Installing or repairing faucets.
- Tightening faucet connections.
Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape)
Purpose:
Thread connections and joints of pipes are made waterproof by gasket tape.
How It Works:
- Place the threads around the units before assembling them to prevent leakage.
Uses:
- Ensuring leak-free connections in plumbing systems.
- Ideal for sealing showerheads and pipe joints.
Pipe Cutter
Purpose:
A tool specifically engineered to cut pipes in a smooth and fast way.
How It Works:
- A sharp rotating blade is used to score and cut the pipes.
- It is available for different materials like PVC, copper, and steel.
Uses:
- Cut the pipes to desired lengths to fit a mounting spigot.
- Create smooth edges for the fitting and, thus, the security of the placement.
Drain Snake (Plumbing Auger)
Purpose:
A flexible tool used to clear clogs deep inside pipes.
How It Works:
- Inserted into the drain to break up or retrieve debris causing blockages.
- Comes in manual, motorized, and handheld versions.
Uses:
- Removing tough clogs from sinks, toilets, and shower drains.
- An essential tool for severe plumbing blockages.
Hacksaw
Purpose:
A hand tool used to cut through metal and plastic pipes, nuts, and bolts.
How It Works:
- Boasts a non-exaggerated blade suitable for doing away with the firmest material.
- Though a great effort is to be put in manually, it leads to an exact result.
Uses:
- Due to the cuts it makes, whether on pipes or rods, the instrument is multifunctional and can be used to install or repair a vehicle.
- It is usable with all kinds of materials. In case of emergency, you can use it.
Plumbing Torch
Purpose:
This particular heating device is designed to be used for copper pipes only and is intended for soldering.
How It Works:
- It uses the heat coming from the burner to melt the solder.
- BY heating the pipe and the spool of solder
Uses:
- Installing or repairing copper piping.
- Essential for creating durable, sealed connections.
Faucet Key
Purpose:
A small tool used to open and close spigots or sillcocks.
How It Works:
- Fits snugly over square or hexagonal faucet stems.
Uses:
- Operating outdoor faucets.
- Adjusting commercial water supply systems.
Caulking Gun
Purpose:
Used to apply caulk or sealant to create waterproof seals.
How It Works:
- Holds a tube of sealant and dispenses it evenly along cracks or seams.
Uses:
- Sealing joints around bathtubs, sinks, and pipes.
- Preventing water leakage and damage.
Plumber’s Putty
Purpose:
A pliable material used to seal areas around drains and fixtures.
How It Works:
- Applied to the base of fixtures before installation.
- Creates a watertight seal once the fixture is tightened.
Uses:
- Installing faucets and sink drains.
- Preventing leaks in fixtures.
Water Pump Pliers
Purpose:
It is a multi-service device because it can grab and spin objects of various sizes.
How It Works:
- The jaw’s chamfer is infinite, making it possible to handle tubes, nuts, and bolts.
Uses:
- For installation or repair of pipes and fittings.
- A reliable tool for secure hold.
Pressure Gauge
Purpose:
The water volume in pipes is measured by the device to make sure it flows without any problem.
How It Works:
- It is put into a faucet or a pipe, and the pressure is shown on the meter.
Uses:
- Troubleshooting low or high water pressure issues.
- Ensuring proper system performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the must-have plumbing tools for beginners?
Essential tools for DIY plumbers include a plunger, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, pipe cutter, and Teflon tape.
- Can I use regular tools for plumbing tasks?
While some general tools like screwdrivers are helpful, plumbing-specific tools (e.g., basin wrench or pipe cutter) are necessary for precision and efficiency.
- How do I maintain plumbing tools?
Clean them after each use, oil moving parts to prevent rust, and store them in a dry location.
- What tool is best for unclogging a drain?
A plunger or a drain snake is the best option for most blockages due to their intensity.
- Why is a pipe cutter better than a hacksaw?
A pipe cutter offers a smooth, neat cut that does not create burrs, and this ensures a better fit in the pipes as well as the seal.
Final Thoughts on Plumbing Tools and Their Uses
To be able to take on a multitude of plumbing jobs effectively, you must first be well-versed in the use of plumbing tools. Examples include getting to the bottom of a survey easy issues such as clogging of drains to more complicated tasks such as heating pipes, with the right tools, we can be of help.
Whether you’re a homeowner managing DIY repairs or a professional plumber, investing in high-quality plumbing tools ensures durability and reliability for every job.
