Water comes rushing out from under the sink, you hit the shut-off valve.
You’re not quite sure what’s going on but you’re wondering if it’s time to call in a plumber or if it’s a DIY issue.
You take a look on Google to see what the issue could be and find it’s an easy fix.
But, alas, you don’t have the right plumbing tools to fit the job. If that scenario sounds nerve-wracking then you’re in the right place, the following four tools should help you get most DIY jobs done and every homeowner should make sure they have them in their box before problems occur.
1. Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is the most specialized tool when it comes to plumbing. Nothing else gives you quite the same purchase on a round tube as a pipe wrench, which means that you’re going to need one.
You may need a few, but something smaller will generally be easier to use for those jobs which you can DIY. Pipe wrenches allow you to work the threads on a pipe by twisting the pipe as a whole and are the basic component of any home plumbing work.
Without one, you’re not going to be able to open, say, your water heater without doing some serious damage.
For example, you can use a pipe wrench substitute like an adjustable or open-ended wrench but you’re never going to get the hold, much less, the ideal gripping angle you get with the tool that’s designed specifically for the job.
2. Crescent Wrench
Of course, pipe wrenches aren’t great for bolts. A crescent wrench, or adjustable wrench depending on who you ask, allows you to get a wide variety of sizes with just one wrench.
They can be a bit harder to use than a regular end wrench, especially in the confines that you’ll be working in while doing a plumbing job, but they can be had in a variety of sizes.
A suitable set of end wrenches makes a good substitute if you only have space for one or the other, but a crescent can tighten on virtually any bolt head which fits in its jaws.
3. Hacksaw
Sometimes things just won’t come loose, or possibly you’ll have to cut a new piece of pipe. A hacksaw makes for a great solution and they have blades which can cut through virtually any material available.
Make sure you have both a fine-toothed wood blade(for plastic) and a standard fine metal blade to make sure you’ll be able to cover virtually any situation underneath that sink.
4. Pipe and Tubing Cutter
These handy tools are designed to cut either copper or PVC and will allow you to make incredibly fine cuts no matter how tight space is.
Essentially, there are blades contained within the jaws of these diminutive tools and you screw them down until the blade digs in. The tool can then be rotated around the pipe, tightened again, and the process repeats until you have a fine cut.
They’re essential for cutting out portions of pipe where a saw just won’t do.
Get Your Plumbing Tools Ready!
Making sure you have the right plumbing tools available before the problem happens is essential. No one wants to have to run to the hardware store and back a half dozen times needing new tools.
If you have these already, then you may wish to also look into various helpful additions like files and lights.
So, do you think your kit is ready? If not, get out there and round it out to avoid problems in the future.