Top 12 Plumbing Tools That You Should Have For Your Home

1. Plunger

If you only have one plumbing tool in your home, make it a plunger.

You'll use this simple device more times than you would like to remember over the years, so don't be afraid to spend a few extra dollars for a high-quality plunger.

Your plunger will be your first line of defence against blocked drains and usually works wonders for minor blockages.

2. Adjustable Wrench

Plumbing systems tend to have lots of nuts and bolts. An adjustable wrench lets you change the size of the grip to accommodate a wide range of fittings, and the jaw locks into place to prevent it from slipping while you work.

It's a good idea to buy both 6-inch and 10-inch models to give you greater flexibility.

The 10-inch wrench will provide you with greater reach, while the 6-inch style will provide easier access in cramped spaces such as accessing drains under a kitchen sink bench.

3. Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is a large wrench used for loosening and tightening fittings on large pipes.

You'll need to purchase two of them, as you'll use one to hold the pipe in place and the other to turn the fitting.

The jaws of pipe wrenches tend to be serrated, so it is a good idea to wrap a cloth around the pipe before gripping to minimise the risk of scratching your fixtures.

4. Basin Wrench

A basin wrench, also known as a sink wrench, is a valuable tool for all plumbers to have in their arsenal.

This type of plumbing equipment can be used when working with confined spaces and hard-to-reach fasteners that would otherwise require an assisting hand from another person, which makes it perfect as a stand-alone weapon for homeowners.

5. Hand Auger

The hand auger is very efficient in removing dirt from deep holes without having too much trouble.

Hand augers are a great tool for professionals and amateurs alike, particularly those who do DIY landscaping or want an easier alternative to using shovels.

When one of your pipes bursts, it's nice knowing you have this handy device so that digging up the ground isn't too difficult.

6. Plumber's Tape

Over time, the grooves that help fittings screw together can get worn down. They won't create a tight seal anymore when this happens, possibly resulting in water leaks.

Wrap plumber's tape around the affected area to seal off any gaps and prevent leaks.

If you don't have any plumber's tape on hand, you can also use standard duct tape for this purpose, though this is more of a temporary fix as it may not be as effective over the long term.

7. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Pliers are great for getting a good grip on something small, especially when you have difficulty grabbing it with your fingers.

There are many different pliers, so look for a small pair with serrated jaws for the best grip.

Pliers are ideal for many other DIY projects, including DIY bathroom renovation, so they won't be relegated solely to your plumbing toolkit.

8. Plumbing Snake

Also called an auger, this is a handy tool for unclogging drains when a plunger can't quite get the job done. It features a metal coil at one end, which you insert into the drain.

You have the option of choosing between manual and motorised varieties to suit your needs, preferences and budget.

A motorised snake will be more efficient, but the cost will be much higher. On the other hand, manual augers are more affordable, but you'll have to work a bit harder to crank the coil yourself.

It is important to note, though, that this type of snake should not be used in toilets that flush. If you’re experiencing a blocked toilet, you'll need a toilet snake to prevent damage.

9. Hacksaw

You may need to cut through metal or plastic pipes from time to time, and a hacksaw is just the tool for the job. It is also helpful in cutting through stubborn bolts, nuts and other common hardware items.

It would be best if you always kept a stash of extra blades in your toolbox, as the blade you are currently using will dull over time.

Blades can also be prone to breakage as they get worn. Keep the blade tense as you saw to make the smoothest, easiest cuts.

10. Tubing Cutter

A tubing cutter, or pipe cutter, is specifically designed for cutting copper pipes.

Copper is a common material used in plumbing, so you'll be reaching for this tool quite often. In addition to the standard size, it is also smart to have a mini pipe cutter.

You'll find many tight spaces as you work on your plumbing, and your mini-cutter will certainly come in handy.

11. Metal File

After cutting pipes and other hardware, you likely have some rough or sharp edges left behind.

A metal file can help you smooth them out, so you don't run the risk of cutting yourself unexpectedly. You'll find many different sizes, but there is no need to buy them all.

Start with a half-round file, which has both flat and rounded surfaces. A tapered, round rat-tail file is also useful. These two will suffice for most common household plumbing jobs.

After that, you can pick and choose other files for specific jobs as needed.

12. Silicone Cartridge Gun

Not all plumbing tasks are related to function; some are aesthetic. Your home likely features caulking in or around sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs to create watertight seals.

Over time, though, those seals can break down, exposing your home to water damage.

Also referred to as a caulking gun, a cartridge gun enables you to fill in any gaps or replace the caulking altogether.

Wipe the seal with a clean, dry rag to create a smooth surface before it sets.