6 Essential Tools for the DIY Plumber
October 12th, 2020
During these times of uncertainty during the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to accomplish some DIY projects and fixes around the house as access to professionals and materials becomes more challenging due to public health restrictions and varying degrees of lockdown.
And while there are some plumbing issues that are best dealt with by the professionals as we explored in our article What are the Risks of Doing Plumbing Work Yourself, there are several minor plumbing jobs that can be tackled by the Do-It-Yourself plumber. If you have the right tools, that is.
So what are the most important tools to have in your plumbing toolkit beyond basic screwdrivers and allen keys? What items do you need to have on hand if you want to do some small plumbing jobs on your own? The team here at Plomberie Richard et Fils servicing Montreal’s West Island area agree that the following 6 toolbox items are the most essential tools for the DIY Plumber. And of course a healthy dose of patience and access to your cellphone is always important to reach out to the professionals when it’s time!
Here are the 6 essential tools for the DIY plumber
1. Drain Auger
Also known as a drain snake, a drain auger is the essential must-have tool the DIY plumber in your home. They are a bit clunky to store in a tool box, but having this coiled metal cable on hand to break up chunky drain clogs (think hair and soap build-up) will make any first-time DIYer look like a plumbing pro!
2. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench or two is an important tool to keep in your toolbox for small plumbing jobs. Adjustable wrenches are used to remove fixture shut off valves, compression nuts and supply tubes that direct water to your facets and other fixtures. Also commonly known by the brand name Crescent wrench, it’s really useful to have at least 2 of these smooth jawed wrenches on hand so that you don’t scratch or damage any of your chrome surfaces in the bathroom or kitchen.
3. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
Also called channel-type pliers, slip-joint pliers, or Chanellock pliers (a popular brand name) these angled jawed pliers with long handles can be adjusted to a wide range of positions for a multitude of plumbing jobs. In general, a standard 10-inch sizeof tongue-and-groove pliers is sufficient for the DIY plumber’s tool box, although there may be specific plumbing jobs that require a larger or smaller pair.
4. Plunger
A rubber or silicone plunger is always the DIY plumber’s first line of attack, so having a good quality plunger at home can make small draining jobs so much easier. Used to unclog blockages in sinks, tub and shower drains, and even toilets, a true DIY plumber will have 2 separate plungers so that you’re not using the same tool in the toilet and in the sink where you brush your teeth and wash your dishes. Any DIY plumber tool kit should include a toilet flange plunger and a standard cup plunger. Of course if you’re of the minimalist mind, you can buy a double-duty plunger that has a flange that can be tucked up inside the plunger when it’s not being used in the toilet.
5. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is used for jobs around … basins! If you are installing, repairing, or replacing a faucet in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, you will need a self-tightening wrench like a basin wrench for the job. This specialized plumbing tool has a head that pivots and long handles that allow you to loosen or tighten plumbing fittings that are a challenge to reach.
6. Tubing Cutter
Tubing cutters could border on the luxury list for the DIY plumber. A hacksaw works just fine for cutting most copper, PVC plastic or PEX tubing and pipes at home, but a tubing cutter makes it so much easier.
So if you’re ready to try some of the more simple and safe plumbing jobs around your home, be sure to have the right tools on hand so that you can get the job done quickly, safely, and correctly the first time. Of course if you’ve ever bit off more than you can chew, never hesitate to call the plumbing professionals at Plomberie Richard et Fils – we’re here to help!
