The Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Keep on Hand
(Because that leaky faucet never waits for a convenient time)
Plumbing problems have a way of showing up when you least expect them. Maybe it’s a slow-draining sink on a busy morning or a toilet that won’t stop running just as guests are arriving. While My Georgia Plumber is always a phone call away, there are a few tools worth keeping around the house for the smaller stuff.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll want in your DIY plumbing kit—and how each one can help when trouble strikes.
Plunger: Your First Line of Defense
If you only have one plumbing tool, make it this one. A good plunger can solve most basic toilet or sink clogs in minutes. The key is getting a tight seal and using firm, steady pressure. It’s simple, it’s low-tech, and it works more often than not.
If it doesn’t, that’s when it’s time to tag in the professionals.
Auger (a.k.a. Plumbing Snake)
For the clogs that laugh in the face of your plunger, a handheld auger is your next move. This coiled cable slides down the drain and twists through the gunk that’s blocking the flow. It takes a bit of practice, but it’s a lifesaver when hair or debris gets too deep for plunging to help.
Adjustable Wrench: Small Tool, Big Help
Leaky fittings or loose connections? An adjustable wrench will let you tighten (or gently loosen) most standard plumbing parts. It’s not fancy, but it’s flexible enough to handle all kinds of small fixes around the house—from under-sink valves to hose bibbs and beyond.
Pipe Thread Tape (Plumber’s Tape)
This thin white tape wraps around threaded joints to help seal them up and prevent leaks. It’s not for patching holes—but if you’re replacing a showerhead or doing anything with threaded fittings, it keeps water from sneaking through the cracks.
A Bucket and a Couple of Towels
It might not feel like “equipment,” but trust us—when a leak starts, you’ll be glad to have a clean bucket nearby to catch the water. Same goes for a couple of towels to mop up the mess before it spreads. They’re your first line of defense until someone can shut off the water or fix the issue properly.
When to Call in the Pros
Having a few tools on hand can save you from a plumbing emergency turning into a full-blown disaster—but they won’t solve everything. If your quick fix doesn’t work, or if you’re not sure where the problem’s coming from, it’s time to call My Georgia Plumber. We’re available 24/7, and we’ve seen just about every issue a home can throw at us.
Need help? Give us a call at 770-592-0081, and we’ll get it sorted.
