There are some tools every homeowner should have, but many don’t think about them. Plumbing problems can happen anytime, and while it’s always best to call a professional plumber, there are a few things you can do to help until they arrive. Below is a list of essential tools that can help you fix small plumbing issues in a pinch.
Pipe Wrench
When people think about plumbing, a wrench often comes to mind. One of the most useful types is a pipe wrench. It’s the biggest and heaviest wrench, used to loosen or tighten nuts and fittings on pipes. Using two pipe wrenches can make the job easier—one to hold the pipe and the other to turn the nut.
Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is shaped like a “T” and is used for working on faucets. It has a clamp at one end that lets you reach tight spaces to loosen or tighten nuts, helping to stop leaks or improve faucet function.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is great for loosening or tightening hex nuts and pipe fittings. The most common sizes used for plumbing are six-inch and 10-inch wrenches.
Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
Pliers are essential for plumbing. Tongue-and-groove pliers are small and great for gripping nuts and bolts that are too tiny for a wrench. You can use them to tighten, loosen, grip, pull, push, twist, or hold parts in place.
Plungers
Most people have a toilet or sink plunger, but plumbers use heavy-duty plungers with different sizes and flanges to clear drains or toilets.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw might look flimsy, but it can cut through plastic and metal pipes, nuts, bolts, and screws.
Metal File
After using a hacksaw, a metal file smooths rough edges on metal pipes.
Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake, or drain snake, is a tool used to remove clogs from small drains, like sinks and bathtubs. It has a metal crank that helps you guide the snake down the drain to reach the clog and pull it out.
Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape, also known as thread seal tape, is used to wrap around pipe threads to prevent water or air from leaking out.
Tubing Cutter
A tubing cutter provides a quick and clean way to cut pipes. It’s a good idea to have both a standard-sized cutter and a smaller one for tight spaces.
Contact Us
While it’s helpful to have basic plumbing tools, you should still call a professional plumber for serious issues. If you’re in Malta you can contact us:
