Rarely is anyone expecting a plumbing issue, and most homeowners are totally caught off guard when one occurs. In such unpleasant circumstances, being prepared can make a world of difference. It may also determine whether you can fix the problem yourself or end up needing a plumber.

While DIY home repair may not come naturally to everyone, learning to use some of these tools or at least having them on hand can help in an emergency. Below are the most important plumbing tools to have on hand and some situations when you might need to use them.

1. Adjustable wrench

An adjustable wrench is a useful tool not only for plumbing but for other common tasks like car repairs and furniture assembly. The value of an adjustable wrench is that its jaw is movable so it can be used on any size fastener head.

Plumbers use adjustable wrenches because of this versatility, using them to tighten or loosen various sized nuts on baths, faucets, and toilets. 

2. Auger

An auger is a slightly rarer tool than the wrench to have laying around the house, but it’s incredibly useful for toilet clogs, sink clogs, and bathtub drain clogs. Augers come in various shapes and sizes, some being small handheld devices and others being several feet long.

An auger can be used as a more effective alternative to chemical drain cleaners. While it sometimes takes several tries to unclog a drain with a liquid cleaner, augers tend to have higher success rates right off the bat. 

3. Plunger

It’s no surprise plungers make the list of home plumbing tools everyone should have. Many homeowners use traditional small rounded plungers for toilets, but these are actually ideal for kitchen or bathroom sink clogs. The best toilet plungers are slightly larger with a similar shape, but a smaller opening toward the bottom. This allows the plunger to get deeper and create a stronger suction. 

4. Duct tape

Most homeowners have duct tape lying around, as it’s considered an obvious home staple with a myriad of uses. In the event of a small pipe leak, duct tape can be used as an emergency fix to hold you over until you can get a plumber out. 

5. Adjustable Pliers

Adjustable pliers can be great for working in tight or awkward spaces where you need a good grip on a nut or bolt. Some pliers are self-locking so you can be sure you don’t lose your grip while still making easy adjustments.

Plumbers use pliers for a wide variety of tasks like tightening the plumbing under your sink or installing new toilets and sinks.

6. Putty

If you’ve ever performed or walked in on a bathroom remodel, you may have noticed the clay-like substance on the wall that once held the sink in place. Plumber’s putty is cheap and available at most hardware stores.

Plumbers use putty for things like sealing faucets and sink strainers. Since it is not an adhesive, putty allows you to take things apart later as needed. 

7. Caulk & Gun

Having a caulk and caulk gun allows you to make many different repairs around your house throughout the year. Whether it’s sealing up cracks to make your home energy efficient or caulking around baseboards to create a clean finish.

Plumbers use caulk frequently in bathroom remodels, caulking around new toilets, tubs, and sinks to create a strong seal and prevent water leaks.

While it’s possible to handle some plumbing issues on your own, DIY plumbing repair may not be your favorite activity – especially if it’s your day off. That’s why Goodman Plumbing offers plumbing, heating, and drain cleaning services in Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties.

If you need an honest, licensed, and insured plumber who can come out to your home in an emergency, think Goodman Plumbing.