Great DIY Plumbing Tools to Keep Around the House

There are lots of plumbing problems that can plague a house, but as long as you're prepared by having the right tools on hand, you won’t be caught off guard by minor repairs and maintenance issues.

But knowing what the right tools are can be difficult, especially since a trip to the tool section in any hardware store will overwhelm anybody but a professional or the most avid DIYer. So here's a list of common plumbing problems you may experience around the house, and the tools you should have on hand to fix them.

Tools for Unclogging Pipes

Clogs can be a major issue in many households because they can occur easily and can completely shut down important elements in your house. For instance, a clog in the kitchen sink can stop you from cooking, cleaning, and washing dishes.

A clog in the bathroom can prevent you from using the toilet. And a stopped up shower or tub can interrupt your entire family’s hygiene routines. That’s why you need unclogging tools on hand.

Plunger: These use suction to force clogs out of place. Ensure there's about two inches of water in the basin (either the toilet, sink, tub, or shower), block any overflows with a damp cloth, and plunge in a vertical motion for about 20 seconds to dislodge blockages.

Pipe wrench: If all else fails with the plunger, you can also physically remove clogs from pipes. Use the pipe wrench to loosen the fittings (turn to the left, or counter-clockwise) under your sink, remove the clogged pipe, and push or pull out the clog before replacing the pipe.   

Tools for Loosening and Tightening

Anything that’s fitted together by attaching one thing to another is at risk of coming loose, and that’s where tightening tools come in handy. It could be anything from a pipe to a bookshelf to a wall-mounted television: if there's a pipe or a screw, it could possibly come loose.

Pipe wrench: A pipe wrench is a perfect tool for tightening pipe fittings when they come loose. When that happens, pipes will leak, water will drip, and there will be a mess. Similarly, when you need to loosen off a pipe to remove it or replace it, the pipe wrench is your ideal tool for that too.

Screwdrivers: These are also perfect for loosening and tightening, but the difference is they're designed for screws. Anytime there are screws involved, a screwdriver with the right bit is your tool of choice whenever you need to assemble something, take something apart, or tighten things up to prevent them from shifting.

Tools for Sealing Leaks

There are many types of leaks you could experience in your house, but caulk is best suited to stop air leaks (though that’s not all it does). Caulk is what you put around doors and windows to stop air from seeping out and leaking in.

Caulk gun: The only way to apply a bead of caulk is with a proper caulker, and this simple tool could save you tons of money on your energy bills. Small leaks are just as bad as large holes when it comes to heating and cooling your home, and a proper caulking job will seal cracks and leaks, stopping the transfer of air from inside and outside your home.

If you're just starting out as a DIY fixer-upper, you may need some help along the way, and that’s what we’re here for. Call K. Hoeler Plumbing & Heating, in Boonton, NJ at 973-882-2803 if you need help with a project, encounter bigger issues that you aren't equipped to deal with, need assistance with repairs or maintenance, or have a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention.