Owning a home means taking on a variety of maintenance tasks, and plumbing is often high on the list. While calling a professional plumber is essential for complex issues, having the right tools on hand can save you time and money for smaller, straightforward tasks. Here’s a guide to the essential plumbing tools every Australian homeowner should have, along with tips on how to use them effectively.
Plunger
Every household should have at least one plunger, ideally two: a cup plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets.
- How to use: For sinks, ensure the plunger’s cup completely covers the drain opening. For toilets, the flange should create a seal around the bowl outlet. Push and pull with steady pressure to create a vacuum that dislodges blockages.
Pipe Wrench
This adjustable wrench is perfect for gripping and turning pipes and fittings, making it a must-have for plumbing repairs.
- How to use: Use the serrated jaws to grip round surfaces, such as pipes or pipe fittings, ensuring you adjust the wrench to a snug fit. Be cautious not to overtighten, as this can damage fittings.
Adjustable Spanner (Crescent Wrench)
Ideal for turning small nuts and bolts on plumbing fixtures, an adjustable spanner is a versatile tool that no toolkit should be without.
- How to use: Adjust the jaw to securely grip the nut or bolt, turning it clockwise to tighten or anti-clockwise to loosen.
Plumber’s Tape (Thread Seal Tape)
This thin, white tape is essential for sealing threaded pipe joints and preventing leaks.
- How to use: Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads of the male fitting 4–6 times before screwing it into the female fitting. This creates a watertight seal.
Basin Wrench
Specifically designed for tightening and loosening nuts underneath sinks, the basin wrench’s long handle and swivelling jaw make it indispensable.
- How to use: Use the wrench to reach behind the sink basin and grip hard-to-access nuts. Turn the wrench handle to tighten or loosen as needed.
Plumber’s Snake (Drain Auger)
When plunging isn’t enough, a plumber’s snake can help clear stubborn clogs in pipes.
- How to use: Insert the auger into the drain and crank the handle to feed it into the pipe. Once you feel resistance, rotate the snake to break apart or hook onto the blockage before pulling it out.
Bucket and Towels
Simple but invaluable, a sturdy bucket and absorbent towels are essential for catching water and cleaning up spills during plumbing repairs.
- How to use: Place the bucket under pipes you’re working on to catch any drips or leaks, and keep towels handy to mop up any mess.
Utility Knife
From cutting pipe insulation to opening packaging, a sharp utility knife is a handy addition to your plumbing toolkit.
- How to use: Use it to make precise cuts in plastic, rubber, or tape materials.
Caulking Gun
A caulking gun is vital for sealing gaps around sinks, tubs, and showers to prevent water damage.
- How to use: Load a tube of silicone or sealant into the gun, cut the nozzle to the desired size, and apply steady pressure on the trigger to dispense an even bead.
When to Call the Professionals
While these tools can handle many basic plumbing issues, some situations require expert assistance. If you’re dealing with complex plumbing systems, recurring blockages, or leaks that you can’t locate, it’s time to bring in the professionals.Outright Plumbing specialises in tackling all types of plumbing challenges, from minor repairs to major installations – their team is equipped with the expertise and tools needed to ensure your home’s plumbing runs smoothly.
Having a well-stocked plumbing toolkit empowers you to address small issues promptly and confidently. However, for larger or more complex problems, it’s always wise to rely on trusted professionals like the team at Outright Plumbing. Investing in the right tools – and knowing when to ask for help – ensures your home remains safe, functional, and stress-free.
