Dealing with small plumbing issues is part of homeownership. Whether it’s a slow drain, a leaky faucet, or a clogged toilet, having the right tools on hand can save you time, stress, and even the cost of a service call. While larger plumbing jobs should always be left to professionals, there are many everyday fixes you can handle with just a few essentials.
This guide outlines 7 must-have household plumbing tools every homeowner should own, along with tips on how to use them safely and effectively.
1. Plunger
The plunger is arguably the most important plumbing tool in any home. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or a slow-draining sink, a plunger provides immediate and often reliable relief.
Types of Plungers:
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Cup plungers: Best for sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
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Flange plungers: Designed for toilets with a specialized rubber flap for better sealing.
Why You Need It:
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Quickly clears most minor blockages.
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Easy to use and affordable.
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Prevents emergency overflow situations.
Tip: For best results, ensure a tight seal around the drain opening and use firm, consistent pressure. Here is a helpful video on how to properly use a plunger.
2. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench (sometimes called a crescent wrench) is a versatile tool for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, especially those connected to faucets and supply lines.
Key Uses:
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Tightening leaky faucet handles.
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Removing old showerheads or supply line connections.
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Installing new plumbing fixtures.
What to Look For:
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A non-slip grip.
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Smooth jaw adjustment.
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A size range suitable for most plumbing fittings.
Having at least one adjustable wrench in your toolbox will help you handle a variety of plumbing repairs quickly.
3. Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is a heavy-duty tool used primarily on metal plumbing pipes. Its serrated jaws grip tightly, making it essential for removing or assembling threaded pipe connections.
Why It’s Essential:
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Ideal for dealing with older metal pipes.
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Provides the torque needed for stubborn fittings.
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Useful for water heater, boiler, or outdoor plumbing work.
Note: Use a piece of cloth between the pipe and the wrench to prevent surface damage.
If you need extra torque, use two pipe wrenches—one to hold and the other to turn.
4. Plumber’s Tape
Also known as Teflon tape or thread seal tape, plumber’s tape is a thin, white film that wraps around threaded pipe joints to prevent leaks.
Best Uses:
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Threaded faucet connectors.
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Showerhead installations.
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Any threaded pipe fittings.
Plumber’s tape is inexpensive and helps create a watertight seal in threaded connections.
How to Use It: Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads 3–5 times before connecting.
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5. Drain Snake (Hand Auger)
A drain snake, or hand auger, is a flexible coil of wire that reaches deep into pipes to dislodge clogs. When a plunger isn’t enough, a drain snake can often finish the job.
When to Use:
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Persistent sink or tub clogs.
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Hair buildup in bathroom drains.
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Minor blockages in kitchen pipes.
Caution: Use gently to avoid damaging older or plastic pipes.
While professional-grade snakes are motorized, a hand-crank model is usually sufficient for homeowners.
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6. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a specialty tool used to reach tight spots behind sinks, especially where space is limited.
Why You Need One:
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Designed to loosen and tighten mounting nuts on sink faucets.
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Long shaft and pivoting head reach difficult areas.
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Eliminates the need to remove the entire sink cabinet for basic repairs.
Most homeowners don’t realize they need a basin wrench until they’re trying to replace a faucet and find standard tools can’t reach.
7. Bucket and Towels
While not technically a “tool,” a bucket and absorbent towels are essential parts of any plumbing toolkit.
Uses Include:
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Catching water from leaks or drain pipes.
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Placing under P-traps during disassembly.
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Cleaning up after a minor flood or overflow.
Keeping a dedicated 5-gallon bucket and a few old towels in your utility closet can save your flooring from water damage during plumbing emergencies.
Bonus Items Worth Having
If you want to be extra prepared, consider adding these items to your plumbing toolkit:
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Hex keys (Allen wrenches) for fixing garbage disposals or faucets.
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Caulking gun for sealing around tubs and sinks.
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Flashlight or headlamp for working in low-light areas.
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Gloves to protect your hands during messy jobs.
Having these on hand ensures you’re ready for a range of plumbing fixes.
When to Call a Professional
Even the best tools have their limits. Call a licensed plumber if:
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You suspect a pipe leak inside the wall or floor.
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You’re dealing with low water pressure throughout the house.
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Your home has repeated or worsening clogs that basic tools can’t fix.
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You’re installing major plumbing appliances like a water heater or tankless system.
Super Service Plumbing serves Santa Rosa and Sonoma County with expert plumbing diagnosis, repair, and installation. For help beyond your toolkit, call 707-544-6444.