It’s a very satisfying feeling when you can maintain and repair your own bathroom. Yes, you get to save money. But there is nothing like the feeling of using your own two hands to replace a cracked sink or fix a leaking faucet. It’s very relieving to know that when a problem arises, you are capable of fixing it. But to do so, every homeowner needs a basic toolkit for bathroom repairs and maintenance.
Basic Toolkit For Plumbing
Little problems can grow into giant financial headaches when it comes to plumbing. Just being able to do regular maintenance and prevent major problems can save a lot of stress and money. These essential plumbing tools help solve a lot of basic problems, such as clogged drains and changing shower heads. But they won’t perform miracles so be sure to call a professional when necessary.
Tongue & Groove Pliers
*Price Range: $10-$25
Also known as Channel Locks, tongue and groove pliers are probably the most useful tool you can have. They are the perfect shape for adjusting water pipes because they grab firmly and provide great leverage to tighten fittings. The V-Jaw models come in very handy when you encounter a rusted nut and bolt with an irregular shape. Since they pinch and grab with force, tongue and groove pliers can be used all around the house for all sorts of problems.
Plumbing Snake
*Price Range: $15-$30
For stubborn clogs that can’t be fixed with a simple plunger, plumbing snakes are the solution.
Plumbing snakes come in easy to use handheld models. Some are manual and others can be powered with a handheld drill. The video below demonstrates how to use a plumbing snake. As well as tongue and groove pliers mentioned previously. There are also closet augers, which are specifically designed for clogged toilets.
Teflon Tape
*Price: $1 per roll
Teflon tape is used on threaded pipe connections to create a watertight seal. it comes in very handy around showerheads because they help fix and prevent leaks. It’s important to wrap teflon tape 3 to 6 times around a pipe thread in a clockwise motion, staying below the top threads. Not all pipe connections benefit from teflon tape. Compression type joints use gaskets and pressure to create a watertight seal. The tape can actually cause leaks if it gets between the mating surfaces. Teflon tape can be used in the garden for hose and sprinkler connections too.
Plunger
*Price Range: $2-$7 for cup-shaped and $10-$20 for flange-shaped.
You won’t always need a plunger. But when you do, you’ll be glad you have one. Cheap and effective, plungers are an essential part of a bathroom toolkit. They come in two types; flange-shaped and cup-shaped. The former is for toilets and the latter for sinks and showers. You’ll need one when a toilet or drain gets clogged.
Basic Toolkit for Bathroom Projects
Confident enough to replace a sink, toilet, or bathtub yourself? There are various tools that will come in very handy. Projects like these typically require having to work around tight corners and awkward angles. Certain tools make these uncomfortable tasks easier. There are also job specific tools required depending on the job.
Basin Wrench
*Price Range: $10-$30
If you ever want to change the faucet on your sink, a basin wrench will be very useful. It’s designed to work on the hard to reach bolts attaching the faucet to the sink. You may find it useful for other situations around the house where there is a tough to reach nut and bolt. Use it with a wrench gripping the bottom to provide extra leverage for stubborn nuts.
Needle-Nose Pliers
*Price Range: $6-$20
These are used good for being able to grab and pinch in tight spaces. Good for grabbing getting into small holes too, such as drains. If you ever drop a small object into your shower drain, such as a wedding ring, needle-nose pliers can be a life saver.
Caulk Gun
*Price Range: $10-$30
Caulk guns are useful for installing sinks and bathtubs because they apply caulk to spaces you don’t want water to get through. For example, filling in the seams of a shower. Since caulk guns apply sealant to keep out air and water, they can be used in and outside of the house for a variety of tasks.
Water Meter Key
*Price Range: $10-$25
These are for homeowners who need to turn off the water to their property completely. This is typically in emergencies when there is a hidden leak. Also, turning off the water helps when changing out a sink or toilet.
A basic toolkit will allow you to maintain your bathroom and make basic repairs. More complicated tasks may require the assistance of a professional, which you should never hesitate to ask for. Sometimes, the best tool you can have is the business card of a professional you can trust.
About The Author
Cheryl Khan is a DIY blogger who is also passionate about interior design. Follow the Trade Winds Imports Blog for her latest posts.
*Prices based on Google Search results
