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If you happen to be a DIY enthusiast who likes to work around the house, that would invariably include some plumbing.  While some people would be reluctant to mess with their water supply.  There are many who do have the self-confidence to tackle minor plumbing issues. The excessive call out charges a plumber levies is motivation enough to grab the wrench and fix it yourself. For those who would like to save some money by self-plumbing when possible, here is a list of essential items to put in your tool bag.

Tool Bag Essentials

1. A Basic Wrench

This is a must have item, as it can be adjusted to fit any nut size.  It is a good ideal to have a second wrench.  This should be smaller and can be used when working in tight spaces. There are online providers of a wide range of plumbing supplies, which would include tools and equipment, and at trade prices, no less! Once you have located such a supplier, you can regularly order any building materials you need.  As the online supplier would have you covered for any work around the home. Most plumbers would have two or three wrenches.  But you can get by with one.

2. Needle Nosed Pliers

This ingenious tool allows you to grip tiny objects and it has a number of uses regarding plumbing. They can provide grip when using the wrench to tighten and loosen nuts.  They are also handy for other tasks.

3. A Hacksaw

Essential for cutting piping.  Make sure you have a pack of spare blades, as they tend to break often. A standard size would be fine for most jobs.  In the event you have to work in a tight space, wrap some cloth around one end of a hacksaw blade.  Then you can use it as you would the hacksaw. It is important to have the right tension with a hacksaw.  If it is too loose, it is likely to break.

4. Propane Torch

There are handy portable units that self-ignite.  They are small enough to get to any location where you need to apply heat. Heating copper is essential when making connections.  It can also be used to heat piping that you want to bend. Any tools or materials you need can be easily sourced online from a building materials supplier, and you will only pay trade prices.

5. A Plunger

This invaluable piece of kit can be very effective in the right hands.  It will solve a majority of blockage issues. Read various blogs online that have an informative guide to unblocking a toilet with a plunger, which should help you with technique.

But why stop there

There are other items you should have.  Such as white tape that is wrapped around a thread before tightening and a tape measure.  Let’s not forget a flashlight, to see in those dark corners that plumbers usually encounter. These tools can be used for other things aside from plumbing.  For the DIY enthusiast, adding to the tool kit should be a regular occurrence.  Which will eventually empower you to tackle anything.