While major plumbing issues should always be tackled by a professional plumber, there are smaller issues that almost every homeowner in Oakville will encounter at some point and which can be easily fixed as a DIY project with a little bit of research and some elbow grease.
But in order to fix these minor plumbing issues like leaky toilets, dripping faucets and clogged drains, there are some essential tools that you are going to need to have handy. Here is a list of plumbing supplies that every Oakville homeowner should have.
- Plunger
There is no convenient time to have a clogged toilet, and in fact, this can happen at the most inconvenient of times – like when you have guests over. For a quick fix to clear obstructed pipes, you will want to have a plunger readily available. Ideally, you will want to have a plunger with a gasket that fits inside your toilet (also called a beehive plunger). This is because the gasket creates a better seal than a standard plunger which will make it easier for you to clear the clog.
- Toilet auger
A toilet auger is to your toilet what a snake is to your drain. This inexpensive tool can be used to clear debris down into your sewer line when a plunger just isn’t up to the task.
- Caulking gun (and a backup supply of caulk)
You might not immediately think of a caulking gun as a plumbing tool, but it can be incredibly useful in preventing water from going where you don’t want it to. For example, the seams on your shower will likely need to be re-caulked every once in a while so that water does not get behind the tiles.
- Basin wrench
Have you ever been trying to repair pipes located under a sink and realized how difficult it is to get a wrench under there? Basin wrenches are specifically designed for this type of work and make do-it-yourself fix-it jobs under sinks much easier to manage.
- Duct tape
Many homeowners in Oakville already have a roll or two of duct tape lying around somewhere. But they might not realize how incredibly useful it can be for plumbing repairs. Duct tape is not only very strong and sticky, but it is also water-resistant.
- Pipe wrench
If you are going to do minor plumbing repairs at home, it is worth investing in a pipe wrench. Pipe wrenches are especially good at clamping onto rounded surfaces and they can adjust and lock into place.
- Plumber’s putty
Plumber’s putty is an essential tool for preventing leaks around seals. It is ideal for sealing joints that aren’t under pressure as well as sealing areas around faucets.
- Needle nose pliers
When you are conducting plumbing repairs, you are often working with small parts in confined spaces. Needle nose pliers are invaluable for helping you navigate these delicate jobs.
If you are a homeowner in Oakville that doesn’t mind doing your own plumbing repairs for minor issues, review this list and make sure you have these tools available. And for larger jobs that you can’t or don’t wish to tackle yourself, call in the experts from McKenna Plumbing.