The Most Common Plumbing Tools and How They’re Used

Every plumber relies on a set of essential tools to perform repairs and maintenance effectively. These tools allow them to address issues like leaks, clogs, and pipe installations with precision and efficiency - Call a 24 Hour Plumber in Falls River, NC. For homeowners curious about professional plumbing or looking to tackle minor DIY fixes, understanding these tools and their functions is key. This article introduces the most common plumbing tools and explains how they’re used

Essential Plumbing Tools and Their Uses

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1. Pipe Wrench

• Purpose: A pipe wrench is a heavy-duty tool used to grip and turn metal pipes and fittings.
• How It’s Used: Plumbers use pipe wrenches to tighten or loosen threaded pipes, often in pairs—one to hold the pipe steady and the other to turn the fitting.

2. Plunger

• Purpose: A plunger creates suction to dislodge clogs in toilets, sinks, and drains.
• How It’s Used: Position the plunger over the drain and apply firm, repeated pushes to force air and water through the blockage.

3. Adjustable Wrench

• Purpose: This versatile tool is used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, including those on faucets and showerheads.
• How It’s Used: Adjust the jaws to fit the size of the fastener and turn as needed.

4. Plumber’s Snake (Drain Auger)

• Purpose: A plumber’s snake is designed to remove clogs deep within pipes.
• How It’s Used: Insert the coiled wire into the drain, rotate the handle to break up the clog, and then pull the debris out.

5. Basin Wrench

• Purpose: A basin wrench is specifically designed for reaching and tightening nuts on faucet bases in tight spaces.
• How It’s Used: The wrench’s pivoting head and long handle allow it to grip fasteners in hard-to-reach areas under sinks.

6. Teflon Tape (Plumber’s Tape)

• Purpose: Teflon tape creates a watertight seal on threaded pipe joints.
• How It’s Used: Wrap the tape around the threads of a pipe fitting before screwing it into place to prevent leaks.

7. Pipe Cutter

• Purpose: A pipe cutter cleanly cuts through metal or plastic pipes.
• How It’s Used: Clamp the cutter around the pipe, tighten it gradually, and rotate it until the pipe is cleanly severed.

8. Plumber’s Torch

• Purpose: A plumber’s torch is used for soldering metal pipes and fittings.
• How It’s Used: Heat the joint and apply solder to create a secure, watertight connection.

9. Faucet Valve Seat Wrench

• Purpose: This tool removes and replaces worn-out valve seats in faucets to stop drips.
• How It’s Used: Insert the wrench into the faucet body to unscrew and replace the valve seat.

10. Pliers (Channel-Lock Pliers)

• Purpose: Pliers grip, bend, or hold pipes and fittings securely in place.
• How It’s Used: Adjust the jaw width to the size of the object and use it to tighten or loosen components.

11. Hydro-Jet

• Purpose: A hydro-jet uses high-pressure water to clear stubborn clogs and clean pipes thoroughly.
• How It’s Used: Insert the hydro-jet nozzle into the pipe and release pressurized water to break up and flush away debris.

12. Hand Auger

• Purpose: A manual version of the plumber’s snake, used for smaller clogs.
• How It’s Used: Insert the cable into the drain, crank the handle, and retrieve the clog.

13. Pipe Threader

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• Purpose: A pipe threader adds threads to the ends of pipes for secure connections.
• How It’s Used: Secure the pipe in place, apply threading oil, and rotate the threader to cut threads into the pipe.

14. Leak Detection Equipment

• Purpose: Electronic tools or acoustic devices used to pinpoint hidden leaks.
• How It’s Used: Plumbers use these devices to listen for or detect pressure changes indicating a leak in walls, floors, or underground.

15. Plumbing Camera (Inspection Camera)

• Purpose: A camera with a flexible cable to inspect pipes and locate blockages or damage.
• How It’s Used: Insert the camera into the pipe to visualize problems and plan repairs.

Why Professionals Rely on These Tools

Plumbers use specialized tools because they:

• Improve the accuracy and efficiency of repairs
• Minimize damage to pipes and fixtures
• Address complex problems that DIY tools cannot solve
• Ensure long-lasting and reliable plumbing solutions

When to Call a Professional

While some tools, like plungers or wrenches, are suitable for basic DIY fixes, certain plumbing issues require professional expertise and equipment: Call for after hours plumbing services in Falls River, NC.

• Persistent or severe clogs
• Hidden leaks or pipe damage
• Pipe replacements or installations
• Soldering or advanced repairs

Call Us for Professional Plumbing Services

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From basic repairs to advanced diagnostics, professional plumbers in Falls River, NC have the tools and expertise to handle any plumbing issue efficiently. Learn more about emergency plumbing in Falls River. If you’re dealing with leaks, clogs, or other problems, contact us today for reliable and effective plumbing services tailored to your needs!