Basic Plumbing Tool Set Every Person with a Home Should Have

If you are starting from scratch with no tools at all, don't despair. You probably need fewer tools for plumbing than for any other kind of do-it-yourself work. Carpentry, auto mechanics, and gardening all require considerably more tools than plumbing does. And plumbing tools are, on average, less expensive.

The entire basic tool set you need for emergencies and minor repairs can be bought for less than $100. Even if you select very high-quality wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers, you can probably get them all for around $125. Even if you are planning on doing only occasional emergency repairs, it is recommended that you buy good tools. Get the best you can afford; or even better, get tools that cost a little more than you think you can afford. It will really pay off in the long run, both in cost of replacement tools and in the frustration that broken tools and skinned knuckles can bring.

The only tools and materials you really need to have on hand are those needed for emergency or minor repairs that crop up from time to time. The tools for additions or modifications can be selected and purchased or rented when you decide to do the job. Many plumbing tools- like screwdrivers, hammers and pliers- are used for so many other things around the house that you should have them in your tool box anyway.

Here is the basic tool set that is recommended to every homeowner, whether or not he or she plans to do plumbing repairs.

Plunger

This tool is also called a plumber's helper, plumber's friend, or force cup. When it is worked up and down in the drain of a sink or toilet, the alternate pressure and suction can often dislodge clogs. There are two types. One has a funnel-shaped extension on the bottom, and the other is plain. It is desirable to have both types, but if you must make a choice, buy the one with a funnel-shaped extension. It works much better in toilets than the one without the extension. The extension can be retracted up into the cup if it is not needed or gets in the way.

Drain and Trap Auger

Also called a snake, this tool is used to dislodge clogs in traps and drains. The most common size is about 10 to 12 feet long and made of ¼-inch, tightly twisted steel wire with a corkscrew-like head called a gimlet. This type is very useful for clogs in sink traps and branch drain lines. A longer snake, 25 feet long with a ½-diameter cable, is useful for large clogs in main drains. You can usually rent a larger snake, with an electric motor or hand-crank and gears, at a plumbing supply or tool rental establishment.

Closet Auger

This 4 to 5 foot auger with a curved, tubular hand is similar to a snake and works the same way. However, it is specially designed to unclog toilets without damaging the surface of the bowl. If you insert the curved end of the handle into the drain hole of the toilet before feeding the auger into the drain, the auger never rubs on the visible vitreous china surface.

Pipe Wrenches

Older plumbers may call these Stillson wrenches. They are tooth-jawed, adjustable wrenches designed to grip pipe. You will need two of them: one 12 to 14 inches long and another 18 inches long. If you are working on ½-inch or ¾-inch pipe, hold the pipe with the larger one and do the turning with the smaller one. Do it the opposite way on 1 or 1 ½-inch pipe. That way you'll make the connections snug without the probability of tightening them too much and damaging the threads. If you use these wrenches on chrome-plated or brass pipes that are exposed, protect the finish with tape or rags.

Smooth-Jaw Adjustable Wrenches

This means monkey or crescent wrenches to use on nuts, bolts, and square or hexagonal fittings. For most plumbing purposes, you'll need wrenches at least 10 to 12 inches long. The jaws of smaller ones won't open far enough to hold pipe fittings.

Screwdrivers

You'll need two or three sizes of both slot and Phillips screwdrivers.

Pliers

It is recommended to have a regular pair of slip-jaw pliers and a larger pair of pump or channel-lock pliers.

Flashlight

A lot of plumbing is done in the deepest, darkest recesses of your house, and emergencies tend to happen at night. Always have a flashlight and extra batteries handy. You won't be sorry.

Trouble Light

This is a light bulb, protected by a wire cage, on the end of a long extension cord. It has a hook so you can hang it near where you are working. It is much better than a flashlight when you are working for an extended period of time in a dark place.

Valve Seat Tool

Although this can't really be called a "basic" tool, if you live in an older house with lots of compression faucets, one of these will come in handy fairly often. It is used to smooth and repair worn or damaged valve seats on faucets. There are several types available. It is recommended that the one with the reversible double cone guide as being the easiest to use, as well as the least likely to gouge the seat or leave burrs. The size of the seat varies with different faucets. You should probably have 3 or 4 different-sized cutters to be sure you have the proper one when the time comes.

Wire Brush

A wire brush is useful to clean old pipe threads so you can use them again. It is good to have around for the clean-up part of other plumbing repairs and many other odd jobs around the house.

Measuring Tape

Another tool that is indispensable when doing plumbing repairs and installations and very useful for many other household jobs is a self-retracting steel tape measure like carpenters use. Get one at least 12 feet long. A 25-foot one is even better.

These tools will have you prepared for any plumbing catastrophe you may encounter.