Sep 10, 2024 | Blogs
The risk of your pipes freezing will increase as temperatures start to plummet, and frigid weather can cause your pipes to burst, which may result in water and property damage. This is one headache you must avoid because this kind of damage can cost you thousands of dollars, and the good news is there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your water running and your house dry.
Careful attention must be paid to the pipes in unheated interior spaces like basements, garages and attics, as these are most at risk. Pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can also freeze, however, pipe insulation is an effective way to combat this problem. It is an affordable solution that can prevent the loss of your precious belongings, the cost of intense cleanup and the cost of your insurance deductible. Pipe insulation can be used liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.
How to Beat the Cold
It is your responsibility to take the appropriate measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running once the temperature starts to drop outside. If you don’t want to face a hefty repair bill, experts recommend doing the following:
- Keep your garage doors closed. This is a must at all times and is especially important if there are water supply lines in your garage.
- Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. This will allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing and is very important if your sinks are on an exterior wall. Make sure you prioritize safety and remove all harmful cleaners and household chemicals to prevent children in the house from having access to them.
- Allow the cold water to drip from your faucet. This may sound like a waste, but allowing running water through the pipe will help prevent your pipes from freezing, and this is true even at a trickle.
- Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature. Do this during the day and night. It is not recommended that you set back your thermostat at night during a cold snap to save a few dollars on your heating bill.
- Take the necessary steps if you plan to be away during the winter. This includes leaving the heat on in your home because turning it off completely for several days while it is freezing outside can have negative consequences when you return from your trip. This step may go against your better instincts of conserving heat but this extra expense will be a lot cheaper than having to pay for a hefty repair bill once you return.
- Add insulation for the long term. This applies to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will help maintain higher temperatures in these areas. It is also recommended that you seal cracks and openings around your windows and doors to prevent drafts.
Can I Thaw Frozen Pipes?
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. If you suspect this to be the case, be careful when thawing them out because if your pipe has already burst, the water will come flowing out, and your home may experience a flood.
If you think your pipe is broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually located at the water meter or where the main line enters the house. If you see water still running and no pipes have burst, take the following steps:
- Turn on the faucet. You want the water to able to flow through as you heat the frozen pipe and the ice plug starts to melt. Running water through the pipe will help melt the ice in your pipe, and this is true even if the running water is cold.
- Apply heat to the pipe. You can use an electric heating pad for this step, an electric hair dryer, or even a portable space heater. You can also try wrapping your pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove or any device with an open flame because the high heat can damage your pipes or even start a fire.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If one pipe freezes, it’s highly likely for others to freeze as well. This is why you must check all other faucets in your home to determine if you have more frozen pipes.
- Contact a licensed plumber. If you cannot locate the frozen area or if the area is not accessible, it is a must that you contact a reputable plumber for help. The same is true if you cannot thaw the pipe or simply don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own.
- You can consider adding a space heater to a room in which the pipes are at risk, as this can provide you with supplemental heat. It is not recommended that you use a space heater in a bathroom, but if you really need one, make sure it is plugged into an outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter and do not use an extension cord.
The Dangers of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can be very dangerous, and this is a serious matter that needs to be resolved. Homeowners must protect their home’s plumbing system against the dangers of frozen pipes to avoid damaged and burst pipes that may result in leaks and irreparable damage.
In addition to property damage, frozen pipes can also present a risk of injury and cost you a lot of money for repairs. Frozen water pipes can also shut off your water supply for several days which would be very problematic.
Get Your Frozen Pipes Repaired by the Best of the Best
Do you need frozen pipe repair? Tap Tech is ready to help! We offer emergency plumbing repair services and will make sure your home is not in danger of experiencing frozen water pipes whenever the temperature drops. We will help protect your plumbing system this winter, and you can contact us at any time to schedule an inspection of your pipes.
Sep 1, 2024 | Blogs, Uncategorized
If you have frozen pipes, you must act right away because if you do not take the necessary steps, your pipes can remain frozen for days, weeks and sometimes even months. When outside temperatures are below freezing, there is always a risk of your interior pipes freezing, and the longer they remain frozen, the higher the chance of bursting water pipes. You need to eliminate this risk which you can do with the use of a hairdryer, space heater or smart safety system to thaw your frozen pipes.
Frozen pipes can stop your water flow which would prevent you from being able to shower, wash dishes or simply get a glass of water.
Can frozen pipes thaw on their own?
Frozen pipes can thaw naturally once temperatures rise above freezing for a significant length of time, although this process can take a while. If the frozen pipes are underground, the pipe may remain frozen even when temperatures rise above freezing.
If your pipes freeze in the middle of winter, it can take months before temperatures are high enough to thaw your pipes naturally, and this would not only be inconvenient since you can’t draw water from frozen pipes but also highly dangerous because it will increase the risk of burst pipes. Waiting for frozen pipes to thaw on their own is not a good idea because this will not happen until temperatures rise above freezing for several hours and you cannot predict when this will be.
For this reason, it is not recommended that you wait for frozen pipes to thaw on their own because this can increase the risk of burst pipes, and you may experience water damage, flooding and costly plumbing repairs. It is better to take immediate action to thaw your pipes because it can take very long for frozen pipes to thaw naturally, and you cannot wait for this process because of the negative consequences you may face.
How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
You will have little or no water flowing from faucets and showerheads if a water supply pipe has frozen. Frozen pipes can also stop or slow your toilet tank’s ability to refill after flushing. If more than one faucet is non-operational, this may be an indication of a frozen main water supply pipe or multiple frozen pipes. Look for the following signs:
- Reduced water or no water at all coming from faucets or showerheads.
- A toilet tank that fills slowly or doesn’t fill at all.
- A toilet, sink or shower that does not drain.
These signs may indicate a frozen drain pipe, and you will have to act fast because the longer they remain frozen, the more likely they are to burst. You should not wait for this process to happen naturally, as it can take too long, and you will have to deal with damage that can be avoided.
To prevent damage to your home plumbing system, take the following steps to thaw your frozen pipes:
- Find the location of the ice blockage. Follow the pipe from your appliance back to its source and look for areas where frost or beads of water have formed on the exterior of the pipe. This may be an indication of an ice blockage. If you cannot follow pipes because they are enclosed in a wall, crawlspace or finished basement, you can still thaw it and having an exact location will help you concentrate on the right area.
- Apply heat. Exposed pipes are easier to deal with because you can pinpoint an ice blockage and direct a hair dryer, heat lamp or heat gun directly at the ice blockage. You can also try wrapping the pipe with heat tape and plugging it in.
Both of these methods will help thaw frozen exposed pipes in about 30-45 minutes. If you need to thaw pipes enclosed inside walls, you must do the following:
- Turn up your thermostat to increase the temperature in your home.
- Place a space heater in a closed room in which the pipes are frozen.
- Open floor-level cabinets to allow warm air to circulate near the plumbing.
- Heat your basement or attic with a space heater to thaw the pipes in these spaces.
These methods may take several hours, and it is recommended that you contact a professional plumber in these cases because it is harder to find exactly where the ice has formed if frozen pipes are hidden behind walls.
Make sure your pipes do not refreeze
There is a high chance that your pipes will freeze again after this happens once, and you can insulate exposed pipes with self-regulating heat cables wrapped in insulating tape to prevent this from happening. These cables have built-in thermostats that will cause the cable to heat up when temperatures fall too low, which will stop ice from forming in your pipes.
Additionally, you can also increase the temperature in your home to prevent in-wall pipes from freezing, and you can use space heaters to keep specific rooms warm and prevent frozen pipes.
Many homeowners consider pouring hot water down the drain to unfreeze pipes, and this simple solution will work in some situations. Bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Pour it down the ice-clogged drain carefully and allow anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes for the ice to thaw. Run your faucet and monitor the process to ensure your drain is working properly. This solution can sometimes provide you with a quick fix, but if you don’t see results, you will have to rely on other methods mentioned above, or, you must contact a licensed plumber for professional help.
Choose Tap Tech for Your Plumbing Needs
Are you worried about frozen pipes? Tap Tech is ready to help you with all of your plumbing needs. We will inspect your pipes to ensure they can handle the winter season and will provide you with professional advice regarding frozen pipes and how to thaw them.
We provide our clients with permanent and reliable solutions, and you can contact us at any time to learn more about our plumbing services!
Nov 9, 2023 | Blogs
The possibility of frozen pipes becomes a serious concern for homeowners as winter’s frost sets in. Your home’s exposed pipes could freeze and potentially break when the temperature drops below freezing, resulting in water damage and expensive repairs. But with the correct precautions, you can safeguard your pipes and guarantee a worry-free and safe winter.
This article gives crucial advice for protecting your property, preventing pipes from freezing and avoiding the hassle of dealing with frozen and burst pipes.
Tips To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing:
If you suffer from frozen pipes during winter, the following things will help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Keep Your House Warm
Keeping the interior warm is one of the most important stages in keeping pipes from freezing. Even while you are gone from home, keep the temperature on your thermostat consistent.
Maintaining the thermostat set at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 degrees Celsius) is typically advised to avoid freezing your pipes. Even though you might be tempted to cut back on heating expenses, letting your house get too cold might result in frozen pipes and serious water damage.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Unheated or inadequately insulated pipes are particularly susceptible to freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to insulate any exposed pipes in your basement, crawl space, attic, or exterior walls.
By maintaining a greater temperature inside the pipes, this additional layer of defence lessens the likelihood that they may freeze. To keep cold air from leaking into the pipes, insulate any openings or cracks in the foundation and walls.
Seal Drafts and Openings
The likelihood of your pipes freezing increases if there are drafts around your windows, doors, and vents, which can let cold air into your house. To fill in any gaps and openings, use caulk and weatherstripping. To reduce cold air infiltration, consider adding door sweeps to outside doors.
Let Faucets Drip
Allow faucets along external walls to drip slightly on particularly cold nights. The risk of freezing can be decreased by allowing a small, continuous flow of water to prevent water from growing stagnant inside the pipes. Keeping faucets open can be an efficient preventive strategy because moving water is less likely to freeze.
Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors in rooms with colder temperatures, such as the kitchen and bathroom, to facilitate the flow of warm air from the rest of the house. This simple yet effective technique can make a significant difference in preventing pipes from freezing. Exposing the pipes under sinks and along exterior walls to the warmer indoor air creates an environment that reduces the risk of freezing.
As the warm air circulates the pipes, it works to maintain a more constant temperature. This, in turn, prevents the pipes from dropping to freezing temperatures and minimizes the possibility of ice formation.
Use Pipe Heating Cables
When dealing with remote or extremely cold locations, pipe heating cables are an efficient solution to prevent frozen pipes. These cables are designed to wrap around the pipes, providing a consistent and controlled source of low-level heat. By delivering this heat directly to the pipes, pipe heating cables create a buffer against freezing temperatures.
Pipe heating cables come with the advantage of being versatile and adjustable. They can be tailored to fit the length of your pipes and used on exposed and concealed pipes. Some advanced models even have built-in thermostats that activate the cables when the temperature drops to a critical level.
Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Outdoor hoses should always be disconnected and drained for two reasons. The first benefit is that it stops water from freezing inside the hoses, which might harm both the hoses and the linked pipes. The possibility of water backing up into faucets and freezing there is also decreased.
Simply disconnect the hoses from the outdoor faucets and let any remaining water drain out to implement this precautionary step. When the hoses are empty, store them somewhere protected. To further prevent water from entering the faucet and causing it to freeze, ensure the outdoor water supply is shut off.
Install Smart Home Technology
Think about investing in home temperature monitoring technology. If the temperature dips to a dangerous level, certain smart thermostats can send notifications to your smartphone, enabling you to take prompt action to avoid frozen pipes.
Consider Adding Insulation to Attics and Basements
In addition to helping prevent frozen pipes, a well-insulated attic and basement can contribute to overall energy efficiency. Pipes are less likely to freeze in these regions because of proper insulation, which creates a warmer atmosphere.
Prepare for Vacations
Take additional care to avoid frozen pipes if you intend to be away from home during the winter. Set your thermostat above freezing and enlist the help of a neighbour or dependable friend to routinely check on your house.
Understanding the Causes of Frozen Pipes
But before you implement the tips to prevent your pipes from freezing, it’s vital to know the cause of frozen pipes to tackle the situation effectively. When pipes are exposed to exceptionally cold temperatures, the water inside freezes, resulting in frozen pipes. This phenomenon is caused by several things, including:
- Temperature Drops: Exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures drop below zero, especially during protracted cold spells.
- Inadequate Insulation: Pipes in unheated places like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and external walls are more susceptible to freezing due to insufficient insulation.
- Lack of Heat: Pipes may not stay above freezing temperatures in locations with little heating, empty rooms, or deserted buildings.
- Exterior Faucets and Hoses: Because they are exposed to the cold air directly, outdoor faucets and hoses are more vulnerable to freezing. Frozen water in hoses can seep into the linked pipes.
The Risks of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to a cascade of problems, including:
- Burst Pipes: When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and increases pressure. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to significant water damage.
- Water Damage: Burst pipes can release a significant amount of water into your home, causing damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings.
- Structural Damage: The force of water from burst pipes can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to expensive repairs.
- Mold Growth: Water damage from burst pipes creates an environment conducive to mold growth, which can compromise indoor air quality and pose health risks.
- Disruption: Dealing with burst pipes requires immediate action, which can disrupt your daily life and routine.
Final Words
Pipe freezing must be avoided through proactive measures and thorough planning. Prepare your home for the impending winter’s chilly weather and probable freezing rain. You may have peace of mind knowing that your pipes are protected from freezing temperatures and that your home is protected from the dangers of frozen pipes by putting the proper preventive measures in place.
Experience Plumbing Excellence with Tap Tech
Are you in need of 5-star plumbing services catering to your residential and commercial needs? Look no further than Tap Tech – your trusted partner for plumbing excellence!
Tap Tech delivers unparalleled plumbing solutions for residential and commercial properties. With years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, we are equipped to handle a wide range of plumbing needs, from minor repairs to major installations.
Book Our Services Today!
Nov 9, 2023 | Blogs
Many households have the dreaded prospect of frozen pipes as winter approaches. The water in pipes can freeze when it gets below freezing, which could result in damage and expensive repairs.
Knowing how to avoid frozen pipes and what to do if they do occur can help you avoid major hassles and costs. Dealing with frozen pipes can be frustrating. In this post, we’ll look at the reasons why pipes freeze, how to avoid them, and what to do if you have this common winter problem.
Understanding the Causes of Frozen Pipes
Understanding why pipes freeze in the first place is crucial before tackling prevention and solutions. The main culprits are:
- Exposed Pipes: Unheated locations like crawl spaces, attics, and basements have pipes that are more prone to freezing. The insulation that shields pipes from the cold outside is absent from these exposed pipes.
- Poor Insulation: Pipes might freeze if there is inadequate or worn-out insulation in the walls and around them.
- Sudden Temperature Drops: Sudden temperature decreases, particularly during very cold spells, can surprise homeowners and result in frozen pipes.
- Thermostat Settings: Frozen pipes can result from keeping your home’s thermostat too low, especially during prolonged cold spells.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Frozen Pipes
It is simpler and less expensive to prevent frozen pipes than to clean up the mess left by burst pipes and water damage. Here are some precautions you can take to protect your house:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to insulate pipes in chilly places. By maintaining greater temperatures inside the pipes, this additional layer of defence will lessen the likelihood of freezing.
- Seal All Gaps and Cracks: Check your house for any gaps or cracks in the foundation, walls, and areas near windows and doors. To stop the infiltration of cold air, weatherstrip, caulk, or foam insulation should be used to seal these gaps.
- Keep Your Home Warm: Even when you’re away from home, maintain a constant indoor temperature. During cold spells, keeping your thermostat set above freezing will help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Open cabinet doors in chilly rooms like the kitchen and bathroom so warm air may flow around pipes under sinks and close to exterior walls.
- Let Faucets Drip: During extremely cold nights, letting faucets drip a little bit might release pipe pressure and lessen the chance of freezing.
- Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Drain garden hoses before winter sets in. Install insulated faucet covers and turn off the external water supply to prevent exterior faucets from freezing.
- Consider Smart Home Solutions: Spend money on gadgets that can track the temperature in your house and inform you if it lowers to a dangerous level. Some of these gadgets even let you change your thermostat remotely, which can help you prevent frozen pipes right away.
What to Do When Pipes Freeze
Even with all your precautions, frozen pipes can still happen. To reduce damage and restore water flow, take the following actions if you suspect that your pipes have frozen:
Keep the Faucets Open
If a faucet is turned on and only a trickle of water comes out, the pipe is probably frozen. As the ice in the pipe starts to thaw, keep the faucet open to release pressure.
Locate the Frozen Section
Use your home’s faucets to check for the frozen piece of the pipe. When several faucets barely produce a trickle of water or none at all, the frozen area is probably not far from the main water supply.
Apply Heat to Thaw Pipes
Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, electric heating pad, or cloths soaked in hot water to gently apply heat to the frozen pipe. Move toward the frozen part starting at the faucet end. Open flames and high-temperature heat sources should not be used since they can harm pipes or pose a risk to your safety.
Utilize Warm Air Circulation
Open doors in the affected area to let warm air from the rest of the home flow and help thaw the pipes. d. Use Warm Air Circulation.
Be Patient
It may take some time for frozen pipes to thaw; be patient and keep applying heat until the water begins to flow once more.
Check for Leaks
After the pipes have defrosted, look for any leaks or cracks. If you discover any damage, stop the water supply right away and call a qualified plumber for repairs.
Avoid Frozen Pipes in the Future
After the pipes have thawed and the water supply has been restored, take extra precautions by putting the earlier outlined preventive measures into practice to avoid future freezing.
Signs of Frozen Pipes
Understanding the symptoms of frozen pipes might help you respond quickly to limit further harm. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Reduced or No Water Flow: Frozen pipes may be the cause of a severely reduced or non-existent water flow when you turn on a faucet.
- Unusual Sounds: As water tries to pass through the ice blockage, frozen pipes may make odd noises like banging, rattling, or gurgling.
- Unpleasant Odours: A clogged pipe may cause drains or faucets to emit disagreeable odours.
- Frost on Pipes: In locations where pipes are visible, such as the basement or crawl space, frost on the pipe’s exterior is an obvious sign of freezing.
Using Safe Thawing Methods
Safety is crucial when attempting to thaw frozen pipes. Open flames and other high-temperature heat sources should never be used since they can damage pipes and even cause fires. Use secure procedures like hair dryers, heat lamps, or electric heating pads. Additionally, be cautious and use heating devices safely around electricity, never leaving them unattended.
Dealing with Persistent Frozen Pipes
Occasionally, despite your best efforts, you might run into pipes that are firmly frozen. It is necessary to bring in a licensed plumber if you are unable to defrost the pipes on your own or if there is visible damage. A qualified plumber has the knowledge and tools necessary to safely thaw and fix frozen pipes, avoiding further issues.
Long-Term Solutions for Frozen Pipe Prevention
While dealing with a frozen pipe problem is important, prevention is always the best course of action. Think about putting long-term fixes, like:
- Adding Additional Insulation: To protect pipes from freezing temperatures, increase insulation in crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
- Installing Pipe Heating Cables: As a preventative measure against freezing, think about employing pipe heating wires that encircle the pipes and offer a steady source of heat.
- Sealing Drafts: To stop cold air from getting to pipes, look for drafts around windows, doors, and vents and seal them.
- Keeping the Home Warm During Vacations: If you’re planning to leave the house during the winter, make sure your heating system is set to keep the house at a comfortable temperature to avoid frozen pipes.
Frozen pipes can be a homeowner’s worst winter nightmare, but with the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can protect your home from the risks of bursting pipes and water damage. Regularly inspect and insulate exposed pipes, maintain a consistent indoor temperature, and take advantage of smart home solutions to monitor your home’s temperature during cold spells. If you encounter frozen pipes, act promptly and apply gentle heat to thaw them, avoiding open flames or high-temperature heat sources.
Tap Tech: Your Trusted Ontario Plumbing Experts
Are you looking for reliable and expert plumbing services in Kingston, Gananoque, or Brockville Ontario? Tap Tech is here to cater to all your plumbing needs with unmatched professionalism and efficiency!
From drain and sewer cleaning to plumbing repairs and sump pump replacement to sewage pump installation, we’ve got you covered. Our skilled team specializes in a wide range of services, including clogged toilets, faucet installation, tub and shower valve installation, and leak repairs.
Book a Consultation with Us Today! ►
Jul 7, 2023 | Blogs, Plumbing services
Plumbing upgrades that improve functionality are usually the best way to increase your home’s value. This includes upgrading drains that run slow or clog easily.
Having your pipes replaced with modern materials is also another good plumbing upgrade to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Old galvanized pipes are prone to corrosion and can cause numerous problems over time.
Dedicated Laundry Room
A dedicated laundry room is one of the top features homebuyers want in a new home. Most older homes include washers and dryers tucked away in a closet or adjacent to bedrooms, but upgrading to an open utility space is a great way to increase your home’s value.
Add a sink to your laundry room design for hand-washing delicates or soaking set-in stains. This space is also handy for washing mop water, rinsing dishes or filling pet water bowls. You can even use the sink to clean household items you don’t want to leave in the kitchen, like craft supplies or pet toys.
Install Eco-Friendly Fixtures
In a world where environmental protection is becoming more of a priority for homeowners, it’s important to know how to install eco-friendly products.
One of the most common goals during bathroom and kitchen remodels is to boost water and energy efficiency throughout the home. The simplest way to do this is by installing new household appliances that are certified by ENERGY STAR® Canada.
Another way to do this is by replacing old galvanized cast iron or clay piping with copper, PVC or PEX pipes. These are more durable and will not corrode over time. They are also a safer option than older piping that may contain lead. Replacing these older piping systems is an excellent way to lower your home’s risk of future sewage backups caused by heavy rainstorms or snow melt.
Upgrade Your Bathroom
A new bathroom can be a major selling point for your home, especially if you’re looking to sell. Adding one to your house may not only boost your resale value, but it can also make your home feel more spacious and comfortable for current or potential buyers.
Upgrade your toilets to energy-efficient models. A High Efficiency Toilet (HET) may reduce your water consumption by up to 4.8 litres per flush. According to BC’s regional government body, the CRD (Capital Regional District), older toilets typically use up to 13 to 25 litres per flush. In addition, you may receive a rebate for each low-flush toilet installed in your home.
Water Filtration
Another way to save water and improve the quality of your drinking water is to install a water filtration system. You can choose from a faucet-mounted or countertop water filtration system designed to remove unwanted elements from your water. This should improve your health over time, and ensure that your family is safe from toxins.
24/7 On-Demand Premium Plumbing Service
If your water heater breaks, or if you have a water leak in your home, do you know who to call? If you’re located in South Eastern Ontario, get in touch with Tap Tech’s expert, 5-star plumbers today.
We’ll get you an immediate quote over the phone, and dispatch our emergency plumbing technicians to your home within the same-day to ensure your plumbing emergency is quickly resolved.
Call your reputable, 5-start plumbers today at 343-305-1172 or book your appointment online.
Jul 5, 2023 | Blogs, Plumbing services
Plumbing problems happen at the most inconvenient times, and while some require a professional plumber, others can be solved by a homeowner with basic tools. Here are seven essential plumbing tools every homeowner should have on hand.
1. Plunger
There are different types of plungers available, and some may be better suited for specific applications. For example, a standard plunger works best for sinks and tub drains, while a flange plunger is ideal for toilets. If you can’t get a clog to budge, call a plumber and avoid chemical drain openers, which can damage your pipes.
2. Adjustable Wrench
A staple in every plumber’s tool bag, the adjustable wrench (also known as a crescent wrench) is used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. A prepared plumber works with an entire set of these wrenches to work on a variety of different pipes and fixtures.
This handy tool has the heft to lock onto pipe fittings without damaging them, and it comes in a number of different sizes to accommodate any situation. The handle is also a bit wider than many similar tools to feel comfortable in your hands and provide added torque when you need it.
3. Slip-Joint Pliers
A pair of pliers—specifically, slip joint pliers—are essential tools for plumbers. They allow professionals to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts too small for a wrench to grip, and to squeeze into narrow spaces where a standard screwdriver won’t fit.
4. Snake Camera
If you’re looking for a snake camera (also known as a borescope) to help with a tough sewer line clog or any other kind of visual inspection, make sure it has enough bright illumination. This feature is also important when working in wet or dusty conditions.
You should also check the IP rating on your chosen snake camera to ensure it can withstand wet environments. The higher the rating, the better it is for working in harsh conditions.
A snake camera is a great tool to have on hand. It can help identify the source of a problem and resolve it quickly and efficiently. It can also save time and money when compared to traditional methods, as it is less damaging and invasive with improved accuracy.
5. Pipe Cutter & Soldering Pliers
If your pipework is made of copper or plastic, you’ll need a tool to cut it. A ratcheting PVC tubing cutter is like super-strong scissors that can slice through these materials, and it’s one of the most essential plumbing tools for a homeowner.
Many plumbers seal copper piping by soldering it, and you’ll need a reliable tool for this task. A pair of adjustable soldering pliers can be used to loosen or tighten the solder on a copper pipe joint.
6. Drain Snake/Plumbing Auger
A drain snake, also called a plumbing auger, is a long metal cable that you feed down your sink or toilet drain to remove blockages. The head of the drain snake has many small hooks for snagging hair and soap scum buildup that accumulates in your drain line. You can find these tools at most home improvement stores. There are also power augers that have motors to generate more force, practical for larger lines with tough clogs.
To use the snake, first, loosen the screw at the end of the drum to extend the cable. Uncoil the cable slowly into the sink drain opening (or the p-trap, if you’ve removed it). Once you feel resistance, turn the crank to rotate the head and feed it further into the pipe. Keep rotating and feeding until you break up or clear the clog.
7. Sealant Tape
Plumbers often use thread sealing tape, sometimes called PTFE, plumber’s tape, or Teflon tape. This tool is essential to help patch and prevent possible leaks at pipe-threaded joint connections. These tapes are able to resist high and low temperatures, flex for better form-fitting coverage, and never dry out.
Plumber On-Demand Near You
If you’re in need of a plumber in South Eastern Ontario that provides same-day service with a 5-Star Experience, look no further than our expert team at Tap Tech.
For individuals and families who require a plumber NOW to quickly resolve a plumbing emergency, call 343-305-1172.
