Sawdust on the Floor

Beyond the tools that are in the basic tool box, there are a couple of special tools that are required for home plumbing repairs.

Pipe Wrenches :
Every home should have at least two good Pipe Wrenches. I would recommend 12″ as a good size. Two wrenches are required to install a lot of plumbing fitting, one to turn the part and the second to hold the pipe. **

Strap wrench: 
Used to tighten or loosen round objects. Normally sold in a set of large and small sizes. Check the condition of the rubber strap before using, if worn or cracked, don’t use. **

Basin Wrench:
This is special use wrench, used to tighten or loosen the nuts and bolts on a faucet. If you are installing a new sink and faucet, try installing the faucet before installing the sink, much easier.

Adjustable wrenches:
I would recommend that you have a good collection of adjustable wrenches, from the smallest to at least a 16″ wrench. ** Or Slip Joint

Hack saw:
Used to cut copper tubing along with PVC or PVA plastic pipes.

Small torpedo Level:
Used to check the alignment of plumbing fixtures. Also used to check the pitch of drain lines.

Files:
Used to remove burrs from copper tubing and PVC /PVA plastic pipes.

Slip Joint Pliers:
Also known as Channel Locks. Used to secure larger nuts and bolts. **

Wire Brush:
Used to clean the threads of all threaded connections.

Pipe cutter:
Hand held tool used to cut copper tubing.

Miscellaneous Tool Box items:

Teflon Tape:
Used on all pipe threads with the exception of pipes used for Gas lines. These require special tape or special Pipe Dope. **

PVA Cleaner:
Used to clean PVA pipes before you glue them together:

PVC Cleaner:
Used to clean PVC Pipes before you glue them together.

PVC or PVA Glue:
There is a glue for each type of fitting, use the correct one only.

Vaseline:
Used to lubricate rubber seals in faucets, and water valves. Never install a rubber seal dry.

Emory Cloth:
Sand paper used to sand and clean copper tubing after cutting it. You can also use wet sandpaper for this.

Leak detector fluid:
Soapy solution used to check for leaks in gas lines, If you see a bubble, TURN OFF the gas and correct the leak or call the local Gas Company. Immediately. Never use a match to check for leaks in a gas line.

** Included in the Essentials of a Basic Tool Box

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3. The Essentials of a Basic Tool Box for Homeowners
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