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 is 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 some of the most common tools that you need to have in your DIY kit for plumbing emergencies.
Which Common Plumbing Problems Can You Fix?
Before diving into your toolkit, it’s worth knowing which plumbing issues are suitable for DIY fixes. Simple problems like dripping taps often stem from worn O-rings or cartridges and are both straightforward to replace with basic tools. Partially clogged toilets typically respond well to plunging, while low water pressure might just require checking that your shut-off valve is fully open.
However, burst pipes, major water heater issues, and significant pressure problems require professional attention. Knowing the difference between a quick fix and a job for licensed plumbers can save you time, money, and potential damage to your plumbing system.
Basic Plumbing Tools for Home Use
Two types of Plungers
Every home needs at least one plunger, but ideally two. Clogging is inevitable, even in well-maintained plumbing systems, making the plunger your first line of defence against blockages.
1. Cup Plunger (Sink Plunger): This traditional plunger features a simple rubber cup and works best on flat surfaces like sink and bathtub drains. The flat edge creates a seal over the drain opening, allowing you to generate the suction needed to dislodge clogs.
2. Flange Plunger (Toilet Plunger): Designed specifically for toilets, this plunger has an extended rubber flap (flange) that fits into the toilet drain opening. This design creates a better seal and provides more effective suction for toilet clogs.
Without a plunger on hand, you’re left waiting to see if the blockage clears on its own, and most of the time, it won’t. While alternatives like wire hangers or baking soda and vinegar mixtures exist, nothing matches the speed and effectiveness of the right plunger for the job.
Pliers
Pliers are indispensable multi-functional tools that serve as wrenches or clamps for various plumbing repairs. While you don’t need every type of pliers available, your toolkit should include at least two varieties:
1. Slip Joint Pliers: These adjustable pliers feature extended sections and angled jaws, allowing you to grip plumbing parts of different sizes. They’re perfect for general-purpose tasks and provide excellent versatility.
2. Tongue and Groove Pliers: Ideal for turning and gripping nuts and bolts, these pliers excel at holding and clamping irregularly shaped objects securely. The rubber handgrip makes it easier to exert pressure when tightening or unscrewing nuts and bolts, especially in hard-to-reach spaces.
Both types help you tackle tasks that would otherwise require multiple specialised tools, making them essential additions to your plumbing toolkit.
Screwdrivers
A quality set of screwdrivers is essential for any plumbing toolkit. You’ll need both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers in various sizes to handle different fixtures and fittings around your home.
Screwdrivers are necessary for tasks like removing tap handles, securing pipe clamps, and accessing internal components of plumbing fixtures. Invest in screwdrivers with comfortable, non-slip handles that provide good grip even when wet. Magnetic tips can be particularly helpful when working in tight spaces where dropped screws might otherwise be difficult to retrieve.
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.
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.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench (also called a crescent wrench or spanner) is invaluable for plumbing tasks that come in different shapes and sizes. Unlike fixed wrenches, the movable jaw allows you to work with various fastener sizes using just one tool.
This wrench features a U-shaped profile similar to an open-end wrench, but the adjustable opening width gives you the flexibility needed for different jobs. Use it when fixing sinks with thick hex bolts or working on bath taps with smaller bolt sizes. Having at least one 250mm adjustable wrench in your toolkit provides the versatility to handle most common household plumbing tasks.
Plumber’s Putty
When your plumbing task requires a secure, watertight seal, plumber’s putty is your go-to solution. This malleable, clay-like substance (also known as jointing compound) is essential for jobs like upgrading or installing new taps.
Apply a small amount of putty to fill spaces where water might enter, particularly around sink drains, to prevent leaks. The putty keeps parts intact and ensures water won’t break the seal. It’s particularly useful for DIY replacements and is considered a must-have by experienced handypersons for completing repairs properly.
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.
Knowing When to Call the Professionals
While having the right tools empowers you to handle minor plumbing issues, it’s essential to recognise when a problem exceeds DIY capabilities. Large toilet or drain clogs might appear straightforward, but could indicate deeper issues within your plumbing system. Attempting repairs beyond your skill level can cause further damage and potentially void insurance coverage.
Leaky pipes often come with complications like mould and mildew that require professional assessment. Similarly, any work involving gas connections, major water pressure issues, or burst pipes should always be left to licensed professionals who have the expertise, proper equipment, and insurance coverage to handle complex repairs safely.
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 have years of experience in dealing with all types of plumbing problems, at 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.
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