The Best Plumbing Supplies
Keeping the plumbing in your home in optimal condition requires that you have proper knowledge and the tools to complete the job. You will save on the costs of hiring a professional plumber for simple fixes if you have some of the best tools for plumbing, according to Popular Mechanics. Does this Spark an idea?
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Wrenches
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A pipe wrench is very large and heavy but is very useful to loosen threaded pipes, nuts and fittings. It is most useful to have two because you need one to grip and hold and one to turn. It's best to have a smaller, 10-inch, one and a larger 14-inch one. Another necessary wrench is an adjustable wrench. You need it for compression fittings, supply lines and hex shaped nuts in plumbing. Get two, both a 6-inch and a 10-inch for optimal functioning. A basin wrench is specifically used to tighten and loosen nuts that hold sink faucets in place. Since it has a long shaft and swiveling jaw, it gets into narrow spaces behind sinks and on nuts.
Auger
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A hand auger, also known as a plumber's snake, is a drain-clearing tool that is operated by hand and has a 25-foot flexible steel cable. This removes clogs in tubs, sinks, showers and toilets. A closet auger is a specific type of auger designed for toilets and is manually operated.
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Propane Torch and Hacksaw
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A propane torch is not an absolute necessity but is very useful to sweat fittings on copper fittings and pipes. A self-igniting torch head is easiest to use. Use a hacksaw to cut through hardware, screws, nuts, bolts and plastic pipe if necessary. You can slip the blade in tight spaces if necessary by using a fire-resistant cloth.
Pliers
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Tongue-and-Groove Pliers are also known as Channellocks and are specifically designed to grab, pull, twist, hold, tighten or loosen something. Like many other tools, get two sizes; one 10-inch and one 12-inch.
Plunger
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A plunger, although simple, is known as the plumber's best friend. It is the first tool to look at when you need to remove clogs from sinks, tubs, toilets, showers and floor drains. It creates a firm seal around the drain and removes the clog by using a vacuum-like force, instead of pushing it deeper down.
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References
- Photo Credit Toilet bowl and bidet in a toilet image by terex from Fotolia.com
