A great Epping plumber will have all the skills and technical know-how to help you with all of your plumbing needs and they will also know exactly what plumbing supplies they need to use. But sometimes, you need to perform a little DIY – whether you have a slow-draining shower or a blocked toilet. In this case, you might find yourself looking up “plumbing supplies near me” without really knowing exactly what you need.
Luckily, we have put together this handy guide to help you know exactly what tools a plumber needs in their toolbox.
Tools for unblocking
Perhaps the most common home plumbing issue is when drains become blocked. This can happen so easily, and plumbers will have the right tools on hand to fix these problems. An auger might be necessary when it comes to breaking up blockages in sinks, showers, bathtubs and toilets, or you may see a plumber reaching for their trusty plunger. These come in two types – a cup plunger, which can be used to unblock sinks and bathtubs, or a flange plunger, which can be used on toilets.
Tools for cutting
Cutting pipes and other materials is an essential part of a plumber’s job, so you may see them using a hacksaw, which can be used to cut through plastic pipes. Meanwhile, you might find a tubing cutter used on copper pipes, as this tool can create the small, square and precise cuts necessary for this type of material. Perfect for delicate jobs.
Tools for loosening and tightening
The fundamental work of plumbing often means removing and replacing parts of the plumbing system, as well as simply loosening and tightening areas of pipes. For this task, a plumber requires adjustable pliers and an adjustable pipe wrench, which provides leverage around round items such as pipes. The pipe wrench is perhaps the most iconic plumbing tool, and you’re unlikely to find a toolbox without one!
Tools for sealing
Sealing and patching pipes rather than replacing them can be a good choice if there is minimal damage. Plumber’s tape can be used to seal up cracked pipes and give them a longer lifespan, either temporarily during a job or for a little longer. This may also be used to prevent flooding while a pipe is being worked on. You may also find washers, faucet packers and O-rings handy for the task of stopping leaks.
Knowledge of the system
While this might not be something a plumber will have in their toolbox, you should have a house plumbing system diagram. This can help a qualified professional to source problems and find solutions much more quickly than if they aren’t sure about the layout of your plumbing system.
Whether you are equipping yourself with tools in order to carry out small DIY tasks or you want to know what the best plumbing services should have on hand, these plumbing tools are absolute essentials.
Whatever the case, if you want some help with your plumbing system in Epping, whether you need routine maintenance performing or something more complex, we’ve got you covered.