If you’re a DIY enthusiast and want to tackle minor plumbing projects, it’s best to have the right tools. These tools can help you deal with some of the most common home plumbing issues.

First, there’s a plunger that’s great for clogged drains and toilets. It’s affordable, easy to use, and an effective alternative to a professional plumber.

Plunger

A plunger is an essential tool to help you tackle different restoration plumbing tasks at home. It unclogs sinks, tubs, toilets, and shower drains.

Plungers clear blockages in drains and pipes by creating a vacuum seal that forces backup material upward. They are available in different types, including the standard cup plunger and flange plunger.

Channel-Type Pliers

Pliers are versatile tools that handle gripping, twisting, loosening, tightening, and cutting tasks. There are various types and sizes of pliers, but one of the best plumbing tools every DIY enthusiast should have is a Channel-Type Pliers.

These pliers hinge at a fulcrum point rather than a fixed rivet, which allows the handles to shift into different positions. This will enable them to open wider and grip objects of various shapes and sizes.

Metal File

A suitable metal file removes burrs and smoothes the edges of the pipe after cutting. You should also have two files on hand: a rat-tail file (round and tapered) and a half-round one with flat and round surfaces.

Most metal files come in various sizes, so finding one that fits the job is easy. If you’re using the file to remove large amounts of material, choose a larger file with more ridges.

Drain Snake

Drain snakes and augers can tackle a variety of clogs in drain lines. They’re easy to use, effective, and save you time and money over the long haul.

A plumber’s snake or auger consists of a cable with a corkscrew end that fits through a drain to dislodge clogs and debris. Hand-cranked models work best for sinks and bathtubs, while electric versions are more powerful and helpful in clearing main sewer lines or large floor drains.

Basin Wrench

A basin wrench is one of the essential tools in any plumbing toolbox. It can help you access nuts and bolts in hard-to-reach places like behind walls or under furniture.

They feature a long shaft and an adjustable jaw that can accommodate a variety of nut and fitting sizes. They also come with a T-bar handle that provides more leverage when turning.

Hole Saw

A hole saw is a powerful tool that allows you to make holes of different diameters in a wide range of materials. They’re a handy addition to any DIY enthusiast’s toolkit and can be used for various projects.

Typically, they come with varying TPIs (teeth per inch) that can be adjusted to suit the work you want to cut. The higher the TPI, the more likely your workpiece will be damaged – but a lower TPI can be faster and smoother.

Pipe Cutter

A pipe cutter is one of the essential plumbing tools for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It makes it easy to cut different kinds of pipes and hoses.

It can slice through PVC (polyvinyl chloride), CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), PEX, and PPR types of pipes. It also comes with a high cutting capacity and efficiency.

Telescoping Mirror

Telescoping mirrors are an excellent way to peek into hard-to-reach areas. They also come with LED lights to illuminate dark spaces so you can see more clearly.

When shopping for an inspection mirror, look for a flexible neck that telescopes out smoothly and stays in place. Consider insulated handles if you frequently work near live wires.

This telescoping mirror also features a textured cushion grip handle that won’t slip in wet hands. It extends 6-1/2 to 30 inches long and comes with two CR2032 lithium batteries.