For plumbing maintenance and emergency plumbing problems, we recommend contacting a qualified and registered plumber with all the plumbing tools and materials to quickly resolve your issue. Typically this will include:
- a selection of spanners and wrenches
- special purpose spanners and tap tools
- a variety of cutting tools for different materials including pipes, and
- tools for clearing blocked pipes and drains
As a homeowner who wants to be prepared in the event of a plumbing emergency, there are a few items that you may want to add to a general toolkit including a hammer, screwdrivers and possibly saws and a couple of power tools (including a drill). While having these tools won't remove the need for a plumber, it may help with basic problems and in the case of emergencies.
Spanners, wrenches and pliers
You don't need ever different type a plumber will have, but it's a good idea to at least have an adjustable spanner and a pipe wrench. A pipe wrench will cope with most stubborn nuts and will enable you to get a firm grip on pipes and fittings. They come with an adjustable head, in various sizes. A 38mm head is the most practical for home use. In addition, a simple self-locking wrench can be particularly useful in emergencies, but use it with care as it can damage brass fittings. If you are buying a new adjustable spanner, make sure the size fits the pipes in your home. Generally it should open up to about 65mm.
Pliers, particularly slip-joint pliers are also very handy.
Cutting tools
Plumber's cutting tools range from hacksaws and files to special tube cutters that are rather like clamps with a built-in blade that cuts through the pipe as the tool is rotated. While a lot of amateur home handymen use a junior hacksaw to cut thin plastic and even copper pipe, a standard hacksaw is a more versatile tool because you can also use it to cut mild steel and even bigger diameter plastic pipe.
When you cut pipe, you will inevitably find that you end up with burrs on the edge of the pipe. Although you probably don't really need a tube cutter, some have an attachment for reaming the inside of metal pipe and removing burrs which is very useful. Otherwise invest in a couple of metal files instead, including a half-round file.
Tools to unblock pipes
A standard domestic plunger (the sort that has an inverted rubber cap secured to a handle) is an absolute must to clear blocked toilets. They may also be used to unblock basin and sink traps. Plungers are inexpensive and very effective when it comes to unblocking minor blockages.
Since plungers don't always work though, it is a good idea to also include a flexible steel sink auger in your toolkit. These tools are made of springy metal, usually with a plastic handle. What you do it to force the metal end through the pipe work to unblock it.
Materials to include in the toolkit
It is also a good idea to include a few other basic items in your toolkit. These should include:
- plumber's tape, which is usually thin and white, and is used around the thread within any joint to help tighten and seal it,
- two-part putty which you can use to plug most small holes and some leaks, and
- silicone sealants that are sold in tubes for domestic use.
With these items in your toolkit, you can rest assured that you will be able to cope with a lot of emergencies.
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