31 Jul 2015 05:56
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There are different types of plumbing problems like leaking pipes and clogged drains. Most often than not, these things are unavoidable and if you are someone who has never had the same problem, it could be terrifying. You can rely on subcontracting professional help but having to contact them in every emergency repair seems to be impractical. A lot of do-it-yourself or DIY guidelines are readily available to handle minor repairs and all you have to do is simply letting your hands get dirty.
A lot of tools are readily available in the market. And knowing which problem in your home often occur can save you from purchasing unnecessary tools that you might end up buying. I will list several tools and its use so you can decide on yourself which suits your skills. Take note that I did not include some basic repair tools such as tape measure, screwdrivers, utility knife, dill driver, hammer, work gloves, safety glove and toolbox of course.
Plumbing Tools Essentials
Some problems require professional help but there are minor issues or repairs that can easily be done like changing the shower head and changing the faucet. These are the basic plumbing tools that are must-haves for homeowners.
• Cup plunger – It helps unclog sinks.
• Toilet plunger – This different from the one used for sinks as it is especially designed for clogs of toilet.
• Slip Joint Pliers – It helps you for getting a grip on anything you need.
• Needle-nose pliers - It helps you have a grasp on smallest parts during detailed works.
• Locking pliers – It helps you adjust nuts and bolts of different sizes avoiding scratch from metals. You can also use an adjustable wrench. These two are practically the same thing so the choice will depend on your preference.
• Basin wrench – It helps you reach spaces that are normally hard to get under your sink.
• Plumber’s Tape and Putty – Creates water-resistant seal and stop leaks and avoids rust on metals.
• Caulk Gun and Silicone Caulk: It helps avoid leaks around tubs and sinks and helps fix it when needs repair.
• Hacksaw – It helps you cut pipe and screws.
• Metal File – It helps you smoothen the ends of pipes that were cut, however, there are different types of file that may be needed depending on the material that this will applied to.
• Putty knife – It helps you in applying as well as removing wax and caulk.
• Spray lubricant – It helps you to loosen the pipe fittings.
These are just basic tools that can cover a lot of minor issues and repairs. But if for example you will be doing a specific and advanced plumbing repair, then there are some other tools that are needed depending on the materials that are used to build your house.
Tools for Advance Plumbing Repairs Such as Copper Piping
Soldering pipes for some can be scary as it involved torching but it is relatively an easy process if you know the principles and you are equipped with the right tools. For those who have advanced skills, these tools may come handy.
• Propane Torch – Use to burn propane, a flammable gas.
• Solder – Use to fuse together metal pieces.
• Copper fittings – Use as water-sealant and connected to a copper tubing.
• Tubing cutter – Use to make square cuts to aluminum, brass and copper without trace
• Emery paper – Use on rough surfaces to make it smoother.
When to Ask for Professional Help
Even when you think you have the skills and the equipments needed, there are still repairs that require professional help. Minor leaks although you can put sealants over and over again can lead to bigger problems in a long run. Replacing bathtubs, water heaters and shower valves for example should be done by a professional as simple errors can cause more unnecessary problems.