Before calling on your local residential and commercial plumber in Perth, sometimes a small plumbing problem can be solved with a simple tool and a little hard work.

Before we dive into this, let’s be clear: If you don’t know how to do something, call a professional (that is us!)

However, there are a few smaller plumbing problems that home and business owners can fix themselves with some simple tools.

A broken toilet, a leaky faucet, or a clogged kitchen sink are common plumbing issues that almost all homeowners will face at least once. You can usually handle basic repairs without the help of local Booragoon plumbers, although some issues require professional assistance, such as the water heater not heating or the dishwasher flooding.

It takes a bit of research, some elbow grease, and the right tools to make basic repairs. However, most homeowners don’t have all the necessary tools to fix their plumbing problems. Many of these tools can be bought at your local hardware store for a very affordable price.

This list contains the most important plumbing tools that you need to be able to assist you in a minor emergency. Check them out below.

Plungers

Are you even surprised? It is an essential tool for homeowners.

A few plungers are also a good idea to keep around the house, such as one under the kitchen sink or another in the bathroom. Most plumbing professionals and hardware stores will be able to pick the best type for each location.

Cup Plunger

The cup plunger is probably the most common type of plunger. It’s a handy plumbing tool that you can use around your house thanks to its wooden handle and rubber cups. The plunger is best used on flat surfaces. The cup is sealed over the drain to create a vacuum. It’s not recommended for use on toilet bowls with curvier corners. This plunger is best kept for cleaning the clogged bathroom or kitchen sinks.

Flange Plunger

The flexible flange plunger can be used for various types of Perth blocked drains in the house. Although it looks very similar to the cup plunger, it comes with soft rubber flaps (the flange) that fold out of the rubber cup. Because the flange fits in the bowl, this type of plunger can be used to create suction.

It is not recommended that you use the same flange plumper on the toilet and other surfaces, despite its versatility.

Accordion Plunger

The accordion plunger, which is less common than the cup and flange plungers, is made of hard plastic. It is best suited to the toilet. Although it creates a strong vacuum, it is great at clearing out blocked drains in Perth. However, it can be tricky to use and place correctly.

These tips will help you remember which plunger to use:

For best results, keep the plunger vertical.

To prolong the life of your plunger and prevent mould build-up, keep it dry and clean.

Avoid using a plunger to flush a sink or toilet after you have used harsh chemicals. The splashback can be disastrous.

Wrench

You may be surprised at the number of wrenches available. Here are some we recommend.

Basin Wrench

The basin wrench is ideal for working on the bathroom or kitchen sink. The longer shaft and swivelling jaw of the basin wrench make it ideal for working in tight areas, such as around sink faucets or nuts. 

Pipe Wrench

This wrench is larger and more powerful and can tighten or loosen most fittings, nuts, and pipes. The serrated jaw makes it easy to grip around loose pipes, making it a great tool to have in your home for any leaky pipes.

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is essential for all sizes of nuts and bolts. It can be used in many places thanks to its two jaws: one fixed and one small, adjustable. 

Needle Nose Pliers

Sometimes all it takes to fix a plumbing problem is to tighten a screw or remove a hairball. Needle nose pliers can do both.

They are compatible with smaller fittings which are common in the home plumbing system and can be used to fit some blocked drains in Perth. This means that you won’t have to reach for the drain cleaner as often or call your local residential or commercial plumber in Perth.

Duct Tape

Every home and business has someone who considers themselves a bit of a handyman, capable of doing any job. However, it is important to keep a few rolls of duct tape in your maintenance room or drawer just in case.

This simple but powerful tool can be a great asset in a plumbing emergency. It can help you to keep everything together and minimise damage while you are waiting for a Perth commercial plumber.

Shifting Spanner

Because of its versatility, this tool is a popular item homeowners should have in their plumbing toolkit.

Adjustable wrenches can be used to tighten or loosen a variety of nuts, bolts, and fastenings. This is a great tool for plumbing emergencies.

Snake Drain

Is your shower or sink not draining properly? Could a simple drain snake solve the problem? A Perth commercial plumber’s snake is also known as a drain snake. It is a flexible tool that can be used to clear blockages in pipes. A drain snake, or Booragoon plumber’s snake, is a simple tool that allows you to remove hair and product build-up from your pipes.

Gloves

All this maintenance work can be quite tiring on the hands. It’s easy to get a cut or bruise, and then there’s always the risk of having to handle some dangerous material.

It’s crucial to have your hands covered. There are many types of gloves, but thicker cleaning gloves work best.

And the most important tool? Our number is available on speed dial.

Are you dealing with plumbing issues that require professional attention? Are you facing an urgent plumbing problem that cannot wait?

Superior Plumbing and Gas is available for emergency and residential plumbing repairs or service 24 hours a day in Perth. Contact us today!