While most plumbing problems require a professional to fix, it’s still a good idea to have the right tools in your toolbox so you can tackle common issues like a clogged toilet or a leaky faucet yourself – at least until a plumber can make the necessary repairs. 

Take a look at our list below of nine plumbing tools to have at home, Most can be found at your local home improvement store, and some can even be purchased at a grocery or convenience store. 

Plunger
Of course as plumbers we’re going to tell you to have a plunger on hand. But not just one. For tough jobs like clearing out a clogged toilet, you’ll need a flange plunger. The traditional cup plungers are good to have, too, especially for unclogging your sink or tub drain. 

Pliers
We recommend investing in a few pairs of pliers in various sizes, including needle nose pliers. These are excellent for clearing debris from your kitchen and shower drains. Have pairs on hand in the bathroom and kitchen for easy access. 

Duct tape
You never know when you’ll need duct tape – but it’s inevitable that you’ll need it at some point. While you might not think that duct tape (also called duck tape) would be useful for plumbing issues, it can work wonders when wrapped around a pipe to stop a leak until a plumber can get out to fix the problem properly. 

Plumber’s putty
The next time you visit your local home improvement store, pick up a tube of plumber’s putty. When it comes to stopping a leaky pipe, this tends to work better than duct tape, as it’s designed to create a strong, water-resistant seal that will stop the drainage. You can also use putty like you would caulk, around leaking faucets. 

Caulk
Speaking of caulk, this is another excellent product to have in your toolbox to help seal leaking areas. Make sure to also buy a caulk gun, and purchase caulk that will compliment the color of the room and décor. 

Hand auger
We recommend investing in a hand auger if you have an older home with testy, older plumbing or if your home’s plumbing gets a lot of wear (and tear) from constant use. Hand augers can often clear out clogs faster than a plunger can, and they’re great for stubborn clogs in tubs and drains. Toilet augers are also ideal to have on hand as well.  

Adjustable wrench
If you don’t have an adjustable wrench yet, put that at the top of the list, as it can be used everywhere in your home. For plumbing purposes, an adjustable wrench is what you’ll need to properly loosen or tighten bolts. We recommend purchasing a wrench set with several different sizes. 

Basin wrench
This type of wrench is perfect for plumbing repairs that are hard to reach. You can use one to tighten or loosen faucets or drains underneath the sink that are otherwise tough to get to.

Hacksaw
If you’re serious about DIY plumbing, consider buying a hacksaw. These are great for cutting PVC and metal pipes. They’ll also cut through bolts as well. You’ll need to keep the hacksaw in a safe place and it will need to be sharpened between uses. 

Of course, the most important thing to have at the ready when a plumbing emergency strikes is Allied Reddi-Rooter’s emergency number. Give us a call or contact  us when an issue arises. We have all the tools listed above (and a whole lot more) to get the job done right.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask questions.

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