When it comes to tackling jobs around the house do you prefer to call in an expert or are you always up for the challenge of doing things yourself? There are definitely plenty of jobs well within the reach of the average homeowner, but you do need to make sure you’ve got the right tools in your toolbox. Having the right tools to hand means you should be able to deal with any basic updates or repairs. When it comes to home plumbing repairs these are the 10 most essential.
Pipe Cutters – these come in a range of different sizes and it pays to have a selection. They’re used to cut through piping and result in a clean cut. If space is tight, these are the perfect tool to have. The most common diameters to have are 8mm, 10mm, 15mm, 22mm, and 28mm.
Adjustable Spanner – make sure you’ve got three of these, small, medium and large. Adjust them with your thumb and the jaws will remain in place. Use them to turn nuts, bolts, and fastenings.
Adjustable Pipe Wrench – this is the mainstay of a professional plumber’s tool box and are great for turning pipes and fittings that have a rounded surface. The jaws have teeth on them that grip really well.
Mole Grips – this tool has a locking mechanism that allows them to be locked in place, making them great for holding things securely. They’re also very useful if you’ve got rounded nuts and bolts.
Blowlamp and Gas – blowlamps are used to solder and fix copper pipe. They can create a watertight seal and joint, as long as you’ve purchased a good quality one.
Pipe Bender – plumbing repairs often require the bending of pipes and this tool has been designed for the job. It is made up of two long arms, two formers, a guide, a roller, and pipestay.
Hacksaw – if you undertake plumbing jobs around your home often enough you’ll eventually come across the problem of pipes not wanting to come apart. Hacksaws can be used to cut pipes, nuts, bolts, or screws. If space is tight it’s possible to remove the blade and use it on its own.
Plunger – a plumber’s best friend has to be the plunger. If you ever have a blocked sink, toilet, drain, or bath this is the tool you need to use first.
Drain Rods and Accessories – if the plunger doesn’t clear a blockage then outcome the big guns. Drain rods are used to unblock drains and sewers. They come with a range of accessories and the rods can be attached together in order to reach the blockage.
Allen Keys – it’s common for taps and showers to be held together using hex grub screws. A screwdriver is no use for undoing these, you need a set of Allen keys. Ball End or Ball Point Hex Keys are the most useful as they can be used at different angles and when space is tight.
All of these tools and more can be found at Data Powertools Ltd. There are stools in Cardiff and Bridgend.