Every Portland, ME homeowner should have a few basic plumbing tools on hand for quick fixes and basic DIY plumbing help. While major plumbing repairs are best left to professional plumbers, having the right tools allows you to troubleshoot minor issues and potentially avoid emergency calls.
At Woodville Plumbing and Heating, we believe homeowners empowered with some plumbing know-how can prevent tons of headaches and water damage. Here are the essential plumbing tools we recommend keeping in your Portland home:
Plunger
No portland plumbing supplies kit is complete without a reliable plunger. Whether for clogged sinks, showers, tubs, or toilets - a high-quality bell/cup plunger should be a first line of defense against drain backups and overflows.
Pipe Wrench
A heavy-duty pipe wrench makes loosening and tightening threaded fittings, supply lines, or even slippery drain pipes much easier. Get one sized to fit the piping in your home. Adjustable wrenches work in a pinch.
Basin Wrench This specialized plumbing wrench helps access tough areas behind sinks and tubs with its extra-long shaft and angled jaws perfect for loosening waste nuts or tee fittings.
Hand Auger
Also known as a plumber's snake, a hand crank auger is ideal for clearing obstructions like hair or debris stuck in bathtub, shower and sink drains without calling a plumber.
Channel Locks
Standard channel lock pliers with their serrated jaws are vital for gripping nuts, pipes, and fittings too rounded for wrench flats to bite. They're one of the handiest DIY plumbing help tools.
Plumber's Putty
For new kitchen/bath fixtures like sinks or faucets, this moldable putty applied beneath rims creates a watertight seal to prevent annoying fixture leaks.
Hacksaw
A good hacksaw is key for cutting through metal pipes, rods, screws, nails, and occasionally even drywall to access plumbing issues. Pack some spare blades too.
Pliers & Wrenches
Stock up on basic tools like pliers (tongue-and-groove, needle-nose), hex keys, open-end wrenches, tongue-and-groove pliers, and utility knives for all sorts of routine plumbing tasks.
Bucket & Rags
Never underestimate the importance of having buckets to catch water and rags to clean up messes when working on plumbing projects. These basic items prevent major spills.
Flashlight
A bright LED flashlight helps illuminate those dark, cramped areas in cabinets, crawl spaces, and basements where plumbing pipes lead.
While a dedicated DIYer can tackle some basic plumbing services, it's still advisable to leave major repairs and replacements to certified professionals. At Woodville Plumbing and Heating, we offer portland plumbing supplies and fixtures, 24/7 emergency service, and our qualified plumbers are here to help whenever DIY tools just aren't enough! Call us at (207) 756-9725.