You never know when you’re going to have to take a look at your plumbing: Maybe there’s a mysterious sound coming from the pipes that you can’t quite place, maybe you need to unclog a particularly stubborn toilet, maybe you want to replace your bathroom faucet or shower head on your own.
We understand! Plenty of Red Oakans are able to perform quick fixes on their plumbing, and we think that’s great! We’re here to help wherever we can.
If you’re serious about doing DIY the right way (which is to say: NOT like these guys), then you’ll need the right equipment in your toolbox – or else you run the risk of causing more harm than good. Serious about tackling some plumbing problems on your own? These are the tools you’ll need:
1.) Drain Snake
Every home needs plungers; they’re the most effective (and easiest) way to clear clogs out of any number of bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Drain snakes are vital for any DIY-er looking to handle anything that a plunger can’t handle. Just feed the snake in, use the hand crank, and pull out that stubborn clog – no gas-power (or crazy upper arm strength) required!
2.) Water Meter Key
You’ll need this little guy to safely shut off the main water supply at your water meter; it’s a lot faster and easier than relying on a wrench or vice-grips. Plus, for less than $20, you’ll be able to quickly and confidently shut off your water in the event of a major plumbing emergency.
3.) Plumber’s Putty
We use plumber’s putty all the time. Air-drying and easy to apply by hand, plumber’s putty is versatile and effective, great at sealing up low-pressure cracks or joints, like the one between a sink basin and drain or between your toilet and the floor. The best part? You can get your hands on your own supply for less than $10.
4.) Teflon Tape
This non-adhesive tape – also called “plumber’s tape” or “thread seal tape” – will come in handy when you need to thread two plumbing components together. Use it to coat the threads of plumbing components to create a tighter, leak-free seal; we recommend using .5-inch tape and wrapping it around four to six times.
5.) Wrenches
A plumber is only as good as his team, and you’ll need at least three different wrenches on hand if yours is going to be up to snuff. Before tinkering, make sure you have:
- A seat wrench (when dealing with bathtubs or sink faucets)
- A basin wrench (its adjustable-angle head design will allow you to screw and unscrew nuts in tight places, including under your sink)
- A plumber’s/pipe wrench (its wider, more secure grip is well worth the investment, for amateurs and professionals alike)
And if you ever feel hesitant or overwhelmed, we’re always here and more than ready to swing by and help, day or night! Live in Red Oak? Drop us a line to get the conversation started today!
