What Five Tools Are Most Common to Plumbing?
Plumbing is a critical trade that keeps our homes and businesses running smoothly. Whether you’re a professional plumber or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools is essential to tackle common plumbing issues. Here are five tools that every plumber, including the team at Bowers Plumbing and Remodel, frequently relies on these:
5 Essential Plumbing Tools
1. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is a must-have in every plumber’s toolkit. Its versatility allows you to tighten or loosen a variety of nuts and bolts, making it perfect for jobs involving supply lines, faucets, and valves. With an adjustable jaw, it can fit various sizes of fasteners, making it ideal for working in tight spaces where other wrenches might not fit.
2. Groove Joint Pliers
Groove joint pliers, sometimes referred to as channel locks, are another essential tool for plumbers. Their adjustable jaws allow them to grip a wide range of pipe sizes and shapes. These pliers are especially useful for tightening large nuts or gripping onto pipes when making connections or disconnections. Their long handles also provide excellent leverage for added force.
3. Locking Pliers
Locking pliers, commonly known as Vise-Grips, offer a firm grip that can hold objects in place without continuous pressure from the user. In plumbing, they are often used to clamp onto pipes, bolts, or other fixtures, holding them steady while you work. They are also helpful when you need to hold onto something while performing tasks like loosening stubborn bolts.
4. PVC Saw
When working with plastic piping, particularly PVC, a PVC saw is indispensable. It’s specifically designed to make clean, precise cuts in PVC pipes, which is vital when installing or repairing plumbing systems. Having a dedicated PVC saw ensures that the cuts are smooth and straight, which is crucial for creating proper seals during pipe fitting.
5. Basin Wrench
Plumbers often need to work in tight spaces, especially under sinks, and that’s where the basin wrench comes into play. This specialized tool is designed for installing or removing faucet mounting nuts that are located in hard-to-reach areas. Its long, narrow shaft and pivoting jaw allow it to grasp nuts behind sinks, making it the perfect tool for faucet installations.
At Bowers Plumbing and Remodel, we pride ourselves on using the right tools for the job. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a more complex installation, having these five tools on hand ensures that we can tackle any plumbing challenge efficiently and effectively. If you have a plumbing issue in Puyallup, WA, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for professional service!
