Essential Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Have

The Importance of Being Prepared

When it comes to plumbing, being prepared is key. Small leaks can quickly turn into a massive flood if left unattended, damaging your home and belongings. But, by having the right tools on hand, you can quickly identify and fix these minor issues before they become a bigger problem.

But being prepared isn't just about having the right tools. It's also about having the right knowledge and skills to use them properly. At Essendon Plumbing Services, we believe that every homeowner should: have a basic understanding of their plumbing system, know how to use common tools effectively and know when it’s best to call in the professionals.

The Essential Plumbing Tools You Need

So, what are the essential plumbing tools every homeowner should have? Here are our top five picks:

1. Drain Snake: A drain snake is a long, flexible rod that's used to reach into your pipes to clear clogs and blockages in your drains. It's a game-changer for any homeowner who's dealt with a clogged sink or shower drain.
2. Duct Tape: Tape is a must-have for any homeowner. A simple roll of tape can make all the difference in sealing pipes and stopping leaks until repairs can be completed.
3. Plunger: If you’ve ever seen a comedy skit or movie with a blocked toilet, this is likely the first tool that comes to mind. That’s for good reason. Plungers are effective for quickly breaking up or dislodging stubborn blockages in your pipes. 
4. Pipe Wrench: Pipe wrenches are a versatile plumbing tool, used for tightening or loosening pipes and fittings to stop leaks or replace broken pipes. Making them a must-have for any homeowner.
5. Wrench Set: Similarly, wrench sets are essential for reaching into tight under-bench spaces and adjusting loose pipes or fixtures for quick fixes or full pipe replacements.

The Benefits of Being Proactive

By keeping these plumbing tools on hand you can become a more proactive homeowner. You will allow yourself to avoid plumbing emergencies and save money by fixing minor issues before they turn into major problems that require significant professional repairs.

This in turn will help to reduce common homeowner stress and anxiety by knowing that you're prepared for anything that your plumbing system throws at you and you can tackle the issues effectively until the experts can arrive and take over.

When To Call an Emergency Plumber

Part of being a proactive homeowner is knowing what you can handle and what’s best left for the professionals. Many minor plumbing issues, such as leaky taps or blocked drains can be fixed with simple DIY solutions, but some things are best left to the experts.

Emergency plumbers have extensive training, experience and specialised tools to handle more complex plumbing jobs quickly, safely and effectively. Some situations that are best left to the professionals include:

• If your DIY attempts don’t work–or make it worse
• Taps that are leaking heavily or at a high pressure
• Malfunctioning hot water systems or thermostatic valves
• Gas leaks or malfunctioning gas appliances
• Sewer backups or overflows
• Burst or leaking pipes inside ceilings, walls or underground.

When in doubt, it’s best to call an emergency plumber. Even if you have all the right tools, if you’re unsure how to complete the DIY safely or what exactly the issue is, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Incorrect DIYs can lead to bigger issues, or even create safety hazards.

Get Essential Plumbing Tools to Protect Your Property

In conclusion, having a selection of plumbing tools on hand can help you become a more proactive homeowner. Being able to tackle minor issues safely, you can save money and minimise the impacts and damages when plumbing emergencies hit. 

But remember, don't risk your home and safety by trying to fix complex plumbing issues yourself. If in doubt, call an emergency plumber for assistance. 

At Essendon Plumbing Services, our 24/7 emergency plumbers are dedicated to helping our customers on their best day and their worst. We have all the knowledge, experience and tools to handle any plumbing emergency, big or small. So, keep our number on hand and don’t hesitate to call: 1300 193 298.