Household Tool Boxes – Plumbing Repairs Tool Box
- on 03.19.09
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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

