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Every household needs to make sure that the water supply and water waste lines are working perfectly. Since the plumbing system is a requirement to ensure homeowner’s safety, it is only imperative that you properly implement health and safety measures. Professional plumbing jobs include installing the gas line, draining waste vent pipes, and many others. However, there are instances when you encounter problems with your plumbing system.
While there is no substitute for licensed plumbers, having your own set of plumbing tools pays off when handling simple projects and emergency fixes. You can avoid paying for unnecessary charges with ample preparation. Here are 8 essential plumbing tools you need for everyday plumbing projects:
Toilet Auger
A toilet or closet auger clears clogged toilets. The metal rod has a bend, which you can use for reaching into the toilet bowl’s hole. Since toilet boils are mostly porcelain, the bend has rubber sleeve covers to prevent damaging the toilet. You need to push and rotate the toilet auger to start the unclogging process.
Sink or Canister Auger
If you have clogged drains, the sink auger will be the best weapon to get rid of the common household plumbing problem. This plumbing tool has a corkscrew tip and coiled stainless steel cable, which you can use for clearing the drain. The drums also have a thumbscrew and a handle that enables you to lock the cable to its canister. Once you insert the cable into the drain, all you have to do is to turn the handle so the cable tip will work its way through the clogs.
Toilet Plunger
You can also clear clogs using a flange or toilet plunger. The rubber dome sucks the clogs out of the toilet by creating hydraulic pressure. The flange plunger is for toilet use only. The plunger plays an important role in your household as it is a popular plumbing tool for clearing blockages and unclogging toilets.
Sink and Tub Plunger
The cup plunger or more commonly known as the sink plunger is the most common household plumbing tool. Just like the toilet plunger, it also has a rubber cup-like shape on the bottom, which clears clogs in tubs, showers, and sinks.
Adjustable Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is an essential plumbing tool which provides grip and leverage to objects like pipes. It has serrated teeth, which digs into the pipe. The wrench grips round objects by turning it. However, an adjustable pipe wrench is not suitable for removal of shiny fixtures. This pipe wrench may also leave teeth marks on fragile or small pipes. Pipe wrenches are specifically designed for galvanized steel and iron pipe. You can also use them on objects with rough finishes such as hydrants and spigots.
Channel-Type Pliers
More commonly known as Channel-Locks, these slip-joint pliers work like regular pliers except that they have angled jaws for extended adjustment. They can grip pipes and other essential plumbing parts. If you squeeze or twist the pliers, the long handles will provide leverage and grip. It is an ideal tool for gripping pipes and tightening sink drains’ plastic nuts.
Faucet-Valve-Seat Wrench
This tool is for removing a compression faucet’s valve seats. The valve seat tends to be rough once the washer wears out. As a result, the faucet is unable to create a complete seal. The only way you can restore your faucet to its best condition is by replacing the valve seat. In cases of irremovable seats, you need to regrind it with the use of a reseating tool. So, before you do any repairs you can check water heater repair dallas articles to learn more about plumbing tips.
Tubing Cutter
This plumbing tool is essential when working with pipes made of copper. Compared to a hacksaw, using this cutter for copper pipes requires less effort. With its thin cutting wheel, you will be able to cut through the metal with precision. Its flat pressure wheel applies pressure by turning the knob. If you want to tighten the knob, all you need to do is to clamp the tubing cutter and rotate it around the copper pipe. It will only take two or three rotations to tighten the knob. You will need to remove the burr once you have cut through the material. You can do this with a de-burring tool.
When tackling a plumbing task, make sure that you do not cause further issues. Do not carry out even a simple plumbing job if you are not sure what to do. You have to hire a professional plumber for more complicated jobs so you do not waste time and money. Your access to proper tools can also resolve simple plumbing problems. Avoid substituting home improvement tools with plumbing tools because it will only cause bigger problems. Using proper plumbing tools provide you the results you desire. For more serious plumbing problems, get in touch with a plumber to make sure that the issue is well taken care of.
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