While some plumbing problems require professional repair, there are a few basic tools that can help homeowners handle minor issues and potentially prevent small problems from getting worse. Keeping a few plumbing essentials around the house can make dealing with simple leaks, clogs, and maintenance tasks much easier.
At Henry Plumbing, we encourage homeowners throughout Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Tybee Island, and surrounding Coastal Georgia communities to know the basics of their plumbing system while also recognizing when it’s time to call a professional.
Plunger
A plunger is one of the most important plumbing tools any homeowner can own. Whether it’s a clogged toilet, sink, or shower drain, a quality plunger can often help clear minor blockages quickly.
Different plungers are designed for different fixtures. Toilet plungers typically feature a flange extension for better suction, while flat-bottom plungers work better for sinks and tubs. Flange plungers take a bit more arm strength to use, but they usually function better than a cup plunger on a stubborn toilet clog
Adjustable Pipe Wrench
An adjustable pipe wrench can help with tightening or loosening plumbing connections and fittings. These heavy-duty wrenches are designed to grip round pipes securely during repairs or maintenance.
Homeowners should use caution when applying force to older plumbing connections, since overtightening can sometimes damage pipes or fittings.
Drain Snake or Hand Auger
Minor drain clogs can sometimes be cleared using a drain snake or hand auger. These tools are designed to reach deeper into pipes than a standard plunger and can help remove hair, debris, and buildup.
Drain snakes are commonly used for:
- Bathroom sink clogs
- Shower drain blockages
- Tub drains
- Minor kitchen sink clogs
If recurring clogs continue, the issue may require professional drain cleaning or sewer line inspection.
Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape, also called Teflon tape or thread seal tape, is commonly used to help create watertight seals on threaded plumbing connections. It’s inexpensive, easy to store, and useful for small plumbing repairs.
Applying plumber’s tape properly can help reduce leaks around threaded fittings and fixtures.
Basin Wrench
You won’t find this in your standard wrench set, but it’s a good tool for loosening PVC pipe fittings. The nuts that secure faucets and drains are low-profile but have a large diameter and sit on the sink’s underside in the back. That means that your normal wrenches won’t be able to either tighten or loosen them. A basin wrench has a pivoting head with a grip on it, and the head sits on a handle that’s roughly three inches long, so it can reach those nuts without getting into awkward positions.
Know When to Call a Professional
While basic plumbing tools can help with small maintenance tasks, some plumbing issues should always be handled by an experienced professional. Major leaks, sewer backups, burst pipes, water heater problems, and recurring drain clogs may require specialized equipment and professional diagnosis.
Attempting major plumbing repairs without proper experience can sometimes lead to additional damage and higher repair costs.
Professional Plumbing Services in Savannah, GA
At Henry Plumbing, we provide plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, leak detection, water heater services, and plumbing inspections throughout Savannah and the surrounding Coastal Georgia area.
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, leaking pipes, or a larger plumbing issue, our experienced team is here to help keep your plumbing system working properly.
