Plumbing Tools and Equipment: What Your Plumber Should Be Using

A wrench is the most frequently used tool of the plumber, especially the adjustable pipe wrench, which is essential for gripping and turning with precision, not just pipes, but also a multitude of fittings. Its reference to "pipe size" in the vernacular gives a hint to its versatility, as it is also used for many other plumbing tasks.

Several power tools are needed by a plumber to work efficiently at the many plumbing tasks he must tackle. These may include a pipe threading machine for the accurate cutting and threading of pipes; a reciprocating saw for cutting through pipes and other materials; and a power drill with a variety of attachments for making holes and securing fasteners. And then there is the drain snake (or auger machine) for clearing blockages in pipes. A more compact angle grinder is handy when cutting metal or PVC pipe, and of course, BiT (battery-powered impact wrench) is primarily used for plumbing. Each of these tools is necessary for the efficient plumbing task that it serves.

1. Pipe Wrench - A heavy-duty wrench designed to grip and turn pipes and fittings with a rounded surface. It is an essential tool for tightening or loosening pipes. 2. Plumber's Tape - Also known as Teflon tape, this is used to create a watertight seal on threaded pipe joints, helping to prevent leaks. 3. Pipe Cutter - This tool allows plumbers to cut through copper, steel, or plastic pipes with precision and ease. It is available in both manual and powered versions. 4. Plumber's Snake - A flexible, auger-like tool used to remove clogs from drains and pipes. It can reach blockages that are deep within plumbing systems. 5. Basin Wrench - This specialized wrench features a long handle and a pivoting jaw, making it suitable for reaching and tightening nuts in hard-to-reach areas, such as under sinks.

A variety of tools and essential equipment are necessary for plumbing professionals to effectively deal with numerous plumbing problems. These tools range from pipe wrenches, which are needed for gripping and turning pipes, to adjustable wrenches that solve the problem of turning nuts and bolts of varying sizes. There are also pliers, which are terrific for gripping and twist- ing, and Teflon tape, that handy sealant for pipe threads that always seem to leak unless they are sealed properly. Then there are hacksaws, tube cutters, and pipe benders for cutting and shaping the myriad types of pipe one encounters in the plumbing field. And no discussion of plumbing tools would be complete without mentioning the essential drain snake (or auger), plumbers' plungers, and other tools needed to use a drain snake properly to clear clogged pipes. Finally, there are a pipe inspection camera, to see into that part of the plumbing system hard to access, and safety gear, to protect the plumber while doing all of the above.

A variety of tools are used by plumbers to effectively unclog drains. One that's very common is the plunger, which transmits suction and pressure to dislodge minor blockages. For more stubborn clogs, a drain snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is often used. This tool reaches deep into pipes to break up or retrieve obstructions that are caught farther down the line. Hydro jetting is a newer technology. This high-pressure hose blasts water at a fast enough pace to clear out debris and any build-up that's stuck to the inside of the pipes. Finally, it's not uncommon for a plumber to use a drain camera to inspect the inside of the pipe before and while working on the blockage.

Usually, a variety of fittings are used by plumbers, which include couplings, elbows, tees, crosses, unions, caps, plugs, reducers, and adapters. The fittings can be made from many materials such as PVC, CPVC, copper, brass, steel, or PEX. It's important to pick the right kind of fitting for the plumbing system, and that means the right kind of material, too. This is about more than just the looks and the kind of thing that goes up in the kind of space usually occupied by pipes. It is also about fitting together things that need to work together under conditions that require them to not fall apart, or burst, for the kind of duration that sane people think is worth their while.

In general, using baking soda and vinegar to clear a drain is not very effective, and this is true for several reasons. The first has to do with chemistry. Baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) react quite satisfactorily with a lot of vigorous bubbling, but what they primarily make when they react is water and carbon dioxide. Those are very benign products, but they're also not nearly the kind of powerful, nasty things you might need to have a chance at breaking down tough clogs caused by grease, hair, or soap scum. Second, despite the impressive appearance of the fizzing action, it's just not strong enough to push through any significant obstruction. Finally, and this is just a nagging worry I have, if you're relying on this method, you might simply be delaying the inevitable plumbing intervention that your problem seems to require.

Drain unclogging is a common job for plumbing professionals, and they employ a range of powerful tools to ensure that the job is done thoroughly and efficiently. One standard tool is the plumber's auger, or drain snake. A flexible yet strong steel cable, usually about 50 feet (15.2 meters) long, is fed into the snake's opening, and the snake itself can reach deep into the plumbing and break up clogs that are fairly deep and tightly compacted. For more stubborn blockages, a power snake is used. Hydro jetting is another common tool of the trade. Using high-pressure water, jetting can clear grease, scale, and other debris from the pipe's interior. Video inspection can help the plumber identify and elaborate on exactly where in the system the problem is occurring. In residential settings, a plunger might suffice for minor blockages.

You can follow these steps to unclog a main sewer line and clear it yourself: 1. Gather Necessary Tools Ensure you have the correct instruments before you begin. You need a plumbing snake (also known as a drain auger), a pipe wrench, a bucket or container, and possibly a pair of gloves. 2. Locate the Cleanout Pipe Locate the principal sewer cleanout pipe, typically found outside the home near the foundation. In certain houses, this pipe may be found in the basement or crawlspace. 3. Open the Cleanout Pipe Using a pipe wrench, remove the cap from the cleanout pipe. As you do this, be prepared for the overflow of wastewater. It may not be a huge amount, but a little wastewater isn't the liveliest surprise to have come pouring straight out into your hands. Again, think ahead and have your bucket positioned to catch the cleanout pipe's overflow. 4. Insert the Plumbing Snake Insert the plumbing snake into the cleanout pipe. Push it in slowly while turning the handle to make it go further into the pipe. 5. Break Up the Clog When you experience resistance, turn the snake to break up the blockage. You might need to use a push-pull motion with the snake to get it to work free of the blockage and allow your line to drain properly again. 6. Retrieve the Snake After clearing the clog, carefully pull the snake back out. Don't be surprised if it comes back slightly dirty—that's debris you've dislodged. 7. Flush the Pipe Ensure that the clog is cleared and that the water flows freely down the drain by running water through the system. 8. Replace the Cleanout Cap Tighten the cleanout cap back onto the pipe to ensure that any possible leaks do not occur. If taking these steps does not solve the problem, or if you are not comfortable trying this process by yourself, it is safest and most effective to call a professional plumber to resolve the situation.

Generally, you shouldn't pour boiling water down the drain, mainly because many modern plumbing systems use PVC pipes. These pipes can be damaged by extreme heat—boiling water, for instance—that can soften and warp them. Metal pipes handle heat better, but it's still really important to know whether your plumbing can take the kind of temperature shift you're dealing with. Even if it can, though, just moving heat along the inside of the plumbing system is a poor method for clearing what's likely a greasy blockage. Grease heats up, and hot grease doesn't solidify; it stays liquid. For better results, use a plunger; a plumber's snake; or an enzymatic drain cleaner. If you have any doubts, ask a pro.