Whether you rent or own, there are some standard plumbing supplies you should always have on hand around the house in case of an emergency. Continue reading to learn which ones are recommended for your home, and how they can help you with everyday plumbing repair needs.
Plunger
A plunger is very basic in terms of home plumbing supplies. However, many people often forget to get a new plunger when they move into a new home, and only come to realize it when they need one. Plungers are most known for unclogging toilets, but they are also useful for alleviating clogged drains in showers and sinks. Plungers come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and quality, so they will also vary in price. Fortunately, you can get yourself a perfectly good plunger for as little as a few dollars.
Adjustable Wrench
It is wise to have an adjustable wrench on hand, or a ratcheting wrench set, for everyday plumbing repair and maintenance needs. Whether your faucet is leaking, a toilet seat needs re-tightened, or your P-trap has an obstruction that needs to be removed, a wrench on hand will allow you to take care of these jobs with ease. It is especially helpful to have a wrench for faucet leaks since it can protect your home from water damage and save you money on wasted water.
Drain Snake Cleaner Kit
Sometimes a plunger is not enough to fix a clogged drain problem. Drains like bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers are known to accumulate soap residue, hair, dead skin, and more, which can cause an unrelenting obstruction after sometime. A simple drain auger, often called a “drain snake”, and some drain cleaner are the best tools to have on hand for these clogged drains. The snake pushes deep within the drain and pulls out blockage and debris, while the drain cleaner eliminates the sticky, viscous residues within. These kits are very inexpensive, and come in a wide variety of brands.
Plumbers Tape
You wouldn’t think to stock up on something like plumbers tape when moving into a new place. However, it is highly likely that you will eventually find yourself in need of some. If you are installing a new showerhead or trying to stop a leaky pipe under the sink, some plumbers tape will serve you well in a bind. Also known as “thread seal tape” and “PTFE tape”, plumbers tape is a polytetrafluoroethylene film tape that creates a seal by warping into the shape of the pipe. Costing as little as $1, and sometimes less, plumbers tape is a useful tool to have around the house.