Do you know what to do in the event of a plumbing emergency while waiting for a professional plumber to arrive? A set of basic plumbing tools are handy to have on hand in case of an emergency. However, if you plan on using them to apply a temporary plumbing fix until help arrives, make sure that they are the right tools and that you know how to use them. Here are 5 of the most common tools that you need to have in your DIY kit for plumbing emergencies.
5 Basic Plumbing Tools for Home Use
1. Two types of Plungers
- A cup plunger is a basic plumbing tool found in most households to unclog drains, sinks, or any outlet with a flat surface but does not work well on toilets.
- A flange plunger has a rubber flap and is designed to fit around the hole of a toilet, creating a perfect seal when pressure is applied.
2. Pliers
Pliers are multi-functional tools that can serve as wrenches or clamps for a variety of plumbing repairs. They are helpful to unscrew or lock nuts and bolts in place, especially in hard-to-reach spaces. The rubber handgrip makes it easier to exert pressure when tightening or unscrewing nuts and bolts or when securing pipes.
3. Screwdrivers
- A regular ratcheting screwdriver is handy when dealing with plumbing problems unless there are small screws sometimes placed on plumbing fixtures for safety precautions, which calls for a stubby screwdriver.
- A stubby screwdriver has interchangeable blade tips that work wonders when small screws that connect or secure parts need to be tightened or loosened. It is most useful in small spaces or gaps where a regular screwdriver is too long to use.
4. Plumber’s Tape
Also known as Teflon, this type of sealing tape is handy to prevent leaks and is designed to fit in small crevices when stretched over connecting pipes. This type of sealing tape has become known as the #1 first aid method for use on pipes and fixtures. It can be used to seal a leak until a more permanent connection can be found.
5. Gloves and Goggles
When attending to any plumbing emergency it is important to wear gloves and goggles in case you get hit with a blast of water in your eyes or get gas on your hands. Simple workers’ goggles and gloves are adequate when inspecting the plumbing or applying a temporary fix. Gloves also help to get a better grip on pipes and fixtures especially when wet and slippery.
When DIY Plumbing Can Become Dangerous?
Any DIY repairs can pose real safety hazards, particularly when dealing with water, electricity, or gas. Plumbing, electric, and gas repairs should only be undertaken by licensed professionals. Blocked pipes may seem easy to clear, however, there is a real danger of hitting the wrong pipe with a shovel or compounding an issue when trying to flush out pipes, turning a small fix into a disaster. If there are any electrical or gas connections nearby when attending to a plumbing emergency, the risk of electrocution or injury from an explosion cannot be overstated.
Choose the safe option for you and your family by calling Aus Star Plumbing and Gas for any plumbing emergency in your area from Rockingham to Mandurah. Our professional team of licensed plumbers in Mandurah has years of experience in dealing with all types of plumbing problems any time of the day or night. And you have the confidence that if anything goes wrong it will be covered by insurance, which is not the case with DIY repairs.
Contact us today for a free quote at 0401 545 471 or fill out the form and we will be in touch with you.