Basic equipment you need for DIY plumbing projects
A good way to save money and have fun in your home is to perform do it yourself projects. This includes construction, landscaping, and much more. One way to really save money is to do your own plumbing. It’s great to be able to save jewelry from the drain, or just to fix a leaking pipe. Maybe you are installing new equipment like a toilet, or maybe you just need to do some routine maintenance. Either way, having the right tools is a must. Here are some tools every do it yourself plumber should have.
The basics: Plunger and gloves. These tools are probably already in most homes. However, they are the most basic plumbing tools Plungers are the simplest tools designed to unclog drains. Gloves are important for obvious reasons, but buy good ones. Some people get cheap gloves that rip easily. You can do this, but it might be better to invest in a nice pair that won’t require constant replacement.
There are some more sophisticated tools you will need. Some of these are common in the professional plumber’s arsenal. First, is an auger. Also known as a snake, this tool fixes clogs that plungers can’t undo. They are long, narrow, and wiry. They bring flexibility and durability that doesn’t breakdown from use. They are stronger than most plungers, too.
You will need tools to handle thick bathroom pipes. The best tool for this is a pipe wrench. This is big and usually has good grip. This will let you turn those big pipes, like behind a toilet. Use slip joint pliers and a basin wrench to complete this collection. The basin wrench will help you get to hard to reach places and make the job less frustrating. Slip joints can take off large nuts, too.
This is a good, basic and general list for do it yourself plumbing. For certain jobs, however, you will need more technical equipment. For example, pipe cutters, pipe cleaners, and other tools will be very helpful for specialty projects. For the average user, however, they won’t get much use. The best thing to do is stock up with tools for regular maintenance. After that, get whatever the project requires. If at some point you need to complete a difficult project, you might then consider buying some specialty tools. Make sure to read all manufacturing instructions and research online or with books to make sure you complete your project successfully.
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