Posted on December 19, 2016 When it comes to DIY plumbing, there’s a certain set of plumbing tools that you should always have at your disposal. Aside from the basic screwdrivers and wrenches, there are other plumbing tools that have unique or multiple uses that make your purchase worthwhile. These tools will make your life easier and do not require immense amounts of experience to use. Here is our list the top 5 household plumbing tools that will give you the most bang for your buck. Top 5 Essential Plumbing Tools: Pipe/Tubing Cutters There are different types of pipe cutters to consider. Circular pipe cutters are not adjustable, which may be inconvenient if you have a wide selection of differently sized piping.Adjustable tube cutters (also known as telescopic tube cutters) may prove to be more reliable for pipes with contrasting diameters of 6-35mm. Pipe cutters are not only great for resizing galvanized or copper plumbing pipes, but you can also use it to cut PVC pipes for projects that require building a structure or decorations. Check out this Pinterest page for PVC pipe projects to get a better understanding of how many uses this tool could be put to. Hacksaw When it comes to plumbing, having a hacksaw on hand is important for making more precisely angled cuts for plastic pipes or plastic conduits. There are different types of hacksaws that are more appropriate for what you are cutting and how accurate your cuts need to be. You may consider buying a junior hacksaw if you have smaller or thinner materials to cut through or projects that require more detail work.Mini hacksaws are even smaller and used to cut stationary objects in tight spaces.For more demanding projects, we recommend a power hacksaw runs via an electric motor. These are great for cutting wood, metal, and plastic materials of any size. Much like the tubing cutters, hacksaws have a multitude of uses outside of the plumbing realm. Many home additions involve resizing to the dimensions of your home features. They are also perfect for cutting boards for outdoor projects like building dog or birdhouses Telescoping Magnetic Pickup This tool is most beneficial for collecting smaller plumbing tools or cleaning up plumbing projects. The telescoping magnetic pickup is used to retrieve metal items like screws, nuts, bolts, and wrenches. They can also collect any small metal shavings or chunks that might have fallen from the metal you were cutting. As you can imagine, this would be ideal for gathering other items stuck in a narrow space. Rings, coins, earrings, and keys can easily be retrieved by this magnetic pickup. Tubing Bender Tubing benders are wonderful for bending pipes or tubes to the form you need for a plumbing re-route. These work for metals such as steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass, aluminum, and copper piping. This tool is recommended for smaller projects or smaller pieces because custom pipe bending can be a complex yet important foundation of your home. While tubing benders may require more experience than other plumbing tools, you can get full use out of them to bend tubing for vehicle roll cages, frames, furniture, and even home decor pieces. Drain/Sink Augers Lastly, one of the most essential plumbing tools to always have nearby is a drain, toilet, or sink auger. Also known as a plumbing snake, these augers are ideal for getting rid of blockages in your bath, shower, or sink drain. Drain cleaning is constantly needed in homes to remove a build-up of grease, sediment, food, and hair. Drain augers are incredibly easy to use but persistent build up in your pipes should be flushed by a professional plumber. DIY vs. Professional Plumbing As you can see, having these plumbing tools at your disposal can be really beneficial for tough plumbing situations. Not only that, but some of these tools will come in handy in other DIY circumstances such as building projects or repair jobs. While it’s great to save money by investing in your own tools to fix everyday issues that pop up, it’s important to know when to call in a professional. Recurring plumbing problems can have serious repercussions if not taken care of properly. Deer Valley Plumbing is here to help when you’re not sure that you can handle the situation by your own means. If you’re feeling stuck or have questions, feel free to contact a Phoenix AZ plumber at 602.832.8418.
