11 Common Plumbing Tools

• Wrenches

Wrenches are the most common plumbing tools inside every plumber’s toolbox. There are several types of wrenches used in plumbing, each designed for specific purposes:

• Adjustable wrench: This versatile wrench can grip various nut and bolt sizes by adjusting its jaws.
• Pipe wrench: This one has strong, serrated jaws that grip onto round pipes for tightening or loosening connections.
• Basin wrench: This specialized wrench has a slim head and offset jaws to reach nuts and fittings around sinks and basins.

• Plunger

A plunger is a simple but effective tool for clearing clogged drains. Nearly every household has a plunger tucked away in the corner beside the toilet. It uses suction to dislodge blockages in sinks, tubs, and showers. There are three main types of plungers:

• Cup plunger (sink plunger): This is the most common type of plunger, featuring a simple rubber cup at the end of a straight handle. It's ideal for clearing clogs in sinks, tubs, and shower drains where the cup can create a good seal over the drain opening.
• Flange plunger (toilet plunger): A toilet  plunger is specifically designed for toilets. It has a similar rubber cup to the sink plunger, but with an additional rubber flange that extends around the cup. This flange helps create a better seal with the toilet bowl.
• Accordion plunger: This plunger has a bellows-like design that expands and contracts when pushed, creating a pumping action. It’s suitable for various applications, including sinks, tubs, toilets, and even floor drains. However, it’s generally less effective than the other two types for common household clogs.

• Plumbing Snake

This is one of the handy tools used for clearing drain clogs. The long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-shaped head is inserted into drains to break up and remove clogs that are beyond the reach of a plunger.

• Hand Auger

A hand auger is similar to the plumbing snake, but it’s shorter and operated manually by cranking a handle. Plumbers and DIYers use it to clear drain clogs.

• Hydro-Jetting Machine

A hydro-jetting machine uses a powerful stream of high-pressure water to clear blockages and debris buildup from pipes. It consists of a water tank, a high-pressure pump, a hose, and a specialized nozzle. This machine should be operated by a professional plumber to ensure safe and proper use.

• Thread Seal Tape

This thin, Teflon tape is wrapped around pipe threads to create a watertight seal when making connections.

• Power Drill

While not exclusively a plumbing tool, a power drill is useful for various tasks, like drilling holes for pipe installations or driving screws into fixtures.

• Inspection Cameras

These specialized cameras are used to inspect pipes for hidden damage, clogs, or leaks. They have a long, flexible cable with a camera head that can be inserted into pipes to view their interior condition.

• Pliers

You probably have a pair of pliers in your DIY toolbox. These versatile hand tools are used for gripping, twisting, and cutting various materials. In plumbing, they are commonly used for holding pipes, tightening nuts and bolts, or cutting flexible tubing.

• Tubing Cutters And Plastic Pipe Cutters

As their names suggest, these specialized tools are designed to make clean cuts on plastic pipes of different diameters. They ensure a smooth, square cut for proper connection.

• Plumber’s Torch

A plumber’s torch uses propane or another fuel source to heat pipes for soldering copper pipe connections. It requires proper training and safety precautions due to the open flame.

Trust The Professionals At Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Several minor plumbing problems are well-suited for DIY repairs, saving you money and time. However, it’s crucial to know your limits and call a plumbing repair service when necessary. If you’re looking for a professional plumbing company that provides top-notch services, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We offer drain cleaning, water heater installation, sewer line replacement, garbage disposal repair, emergency plumbing service, and many more.