Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows the basic plumbing tools he recommends for homeowners. Richard's list of indispensable plumbing tools includes: plumbers pliers, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, basin wrench, tubing cutters, emory cloth, pipe cleaning tool, flux, solder, torch, striker, pipe dope (joint compound), Teflon tape, and assorted washers. These materials are available from plumbing supply stores and from most home centers. - Perhaps the most basic plumber's tool is a set of channel-lock pliers, also sometimes called plumber's pliers or water-pump pliers (figure A). The jaws of these pliers have serrated teeth, and the jaws can also expand (figure B) to accommodate various sizes of pipe.
- This type of pliers also features on offset head so that increased leverage and torque is possible, even when expanded to fit larger pipes (figure C). The harder the user pushes on the upper handle, the more the jaws tighten. By contrast, using conventional adjustable pliers in this situation would be difficult, as they would be inclined to slip off the pipe.
- For applications where the serrated jaws might score a securing nut, an adjustable open-end wrench -- a.k.a., an adjustable wrench (figure D) -- is preferred. These are available in a variety of sizes.
- The large pipe wrench is another basic plumber's tool. It is commonly used for larger jaws, to loosen threaded connections on large pipes. When using the pipe wrench, the back of the wrench's jaws should come into contact with the pipe itself (figure E). In that way, adjusting and tightening the pipe will not damage or alter the shape of the pipe.
- Loosening and tightening the connections that are underneath and behind sinks can be difficult and awkward. For this job, the specialized basin wrench is the perfect tool (figure F).
- The basin wrench's adjustable spring-loaded jaw and long handle make it possible to remove and install nuts on connections in tight, difficult spaces (figure G ).
- If you intend to do serious do-it-yourself plumbing, at some point you'll likely have to do some soldering -- or "sweating" -- of pipe connections. The first step in that process is usually to cut pipes to proper length. That job is best done with a pipe cutter. Also called a tubing cutter, this tool has a blade that cuts into the pipe (figure H) as you make revolutions around the pipe, gradually tightening the cutter as you go. Being careful to keep the blade in the same groove, make steady, repetitive revolutions with this cutter to make a clean cut without damaging to the pipe.
- Once the cut is done, use the reamer feature on the cutter to remove any metal burrs from the inside of the pipe (figure I).
- Use emory cloth to clean and surface the outside of the pipe (figure J) before soldering.
- A specialized pipe-cleaning tool has wire-bristle brushes that can be used for cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces of pipe fittings (figure K).
- The final step before soldering is to apply flux compound to the connection (figure L).
- Lead-free solder, a torch and striker (figure M) are then used to solder the joint.
- Safety Alert: Learn the techniques of soldering before you attempt any repair that requires use of a torch and solder. Follow all safety precautions and wear eye protection when soldering.
- For threaded fittings, joint compound, also called pipe dope (figure N), is required to guard against leaks once the pipes are joined together.
- Another method of sealing thereads is to use teflon tape to wrap the threads of the fitting (figure O).
- Finally, a complete plumber's kit will include an assortment of washers (figure P). Standard washers are available at home centers.
Outfitting a basic plumber's tool-kit with all of the items listed here should cost around $150 to $200.
RESOURCES :
Plumbing for Dummies
Model: 0764551744
Author: Gene and Katie Hamilton
1999; Out of Print
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. (An International Data Group Company)
Foster City, CA 94404
Do-It-Yourself Plumbing
Model: 0060101229
Author: Max Alth
Sterling Publishing, 1987
Out of Print
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
Ask This Old House web site
Ask This Old House web site
Website: www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/
Ask This Old House online episode guide
Ask This Old House online episode guide
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