diy toolbox

More DIY Plumbing Necessities

Every Homeowner Should Have a Basic Plumbing Toolbox.

If you read our previous post, The 8 Plumbing Tools Every Handy Homeowner Should Own, this post should round out your plumbing toolbox. 

With the right tools fixing a leaking faucet or replacing a seal becomes an interesting repair job instead of a frustrating way to spend the weekend...
safety_glasses

Safety Glasses

Always protect your eyes when fixing plumbing issues! Remember, you do not want to "cheap out" when it comes to safety glasses. Get a pair that will stay on your head as you bend down - that has the side shields - and that is comfortable enough that you won't get frustrated with them and take them off. The gift of sight is precious - protect it! Especially when cutting pipes.

work_gloves

Work Gloves

Work gloves are important. They can improve your grip, and with metal pipes especially, you can protect your hands from the abrasiveness of the pipes and any metal filings.

washers_o-rings

Washers & O-Rings

Get a variety pack with several different sizes. (Replace washers and O-rings that have gone bad, causing leaks. Replacing the old ones with new will give you back the tight seal that you desire.)

plumbers_tape

Plumber’s Tape

Plumber’s tape is a thin tape that you wrap around the threads on pipes and fittings before putting them together. It helps the two pieces seal better to avoid leaks. Swapping out a shower head? You'll need plumber's tape. Reconnecting the U pipe under your sink? Plumber's tape. Always have this on hand.

measuring_tape

Measuring Tape

Measure Twice & Cut Once!

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Construction Pencils & Markers

If you're measuring, you're marking. Construction Pencils & Markers are handy to have in your tool box so you don't have to crawl out of the bathroom and find a junk drawer.

metal_file

Metal File

Used to smooth rough edges that are left on your pipes after cutting them, a metal file is important for your safety, and for the safety of the next person to come near your pipes.

emery_cloth

Emery Cloth

If you have copper pipes, an emery cloth prepares copper pipe for the application of flux and solder.

sealant

Sealant

Get a caulk gun and some silicone calk for replacing seals around sinks and tubs. Even if your seals haven't failed, perhaps they've turned brown... or worse, black. A fresh seal can provide an updated look along with more protection.

putty_knife

Putty Knife

If you're replacing a wax ring or a silicone seal, a putty knife comes in handy!

pressure_test_gauges

Pressure Test Gauges

Used to check for leaks and test water pressure in pipes.

water_pump_pliers

Water Pump Pliers

Water pump pliers are a multi-purpose hand tool commonly used for turning and holding nuts and bolts, gripping irregularly shaped objects,and clamping materials.

slip-joint_pliers

Slip-Joint Pliers

These are a fairly standard pair and are the most useful for most purposes. Buy a pair with insulated handles for added comfort.

faucet_keys

Faucet Keys

Faucet keys are small, X-shaped wrenches that are made to open and close spigots and sill locks.

jab_saws

Jab Saws (Keyhole Saw)

These are used for making small or difficult cuts in building materials.

spray_lubricants

Spray Lubricants

Loosen stubborn nuts and pipe fittings.

socket-ratchet_set

Socket/Ratchet Set

Tightening tool that uses individual and removable sockets to fit many different sizes of nuts and bolts.

With the right tools, simple plumbing jobs become that much simpler. Don't have the tools of the trade? We're just a phonecall away. Call Jersey Plumbing: (908) 281-7101
 

4 easy toilet repairs

4 Easy Toilet Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Ah, Toilets. A Fixture we use constantly, but seldom think about. But when we have no choice but to think about them, its best to know how to fix the problem quickly, and get back to happy flushing in as little time possible.

4 Common & Easily Repaired Toilet Problems

The Water Level in the Tank is Too Low

First look at the valve, if it is off, turn it back on. Water in the tank needs to be about one inch from the top of the overflow tube. Then monitor the water level in the tank to make sure it refills to the right level.

The Lift Chain Isn’t Working

The lift chain, which attaches the flapper to the flushing handle on the outside of the toilet, can be too long, making the handle unable to raise the flapper. This causes a weak flush on the toilet. Shorten the chain length to let the chain raise the flapper off the flush tube and allow water to flow when the handle is pushed. 

Weird Water Levels in the Tank or Bowl

If the water level in either of these places is not what it used to be, remove the tank lid, look for the rubber flapper. Its job is to release water when the toilet is flushed and then seal the water intake hole afterward, maintaining the right water level. The flapper may be bent or too damaged to do the job. Turn off the water and drain the tank before removing the old one and putting it the new flapper. 

Clogs

With luck, plunging can do this common job. If plunging the toilet bowl is not sufficient to remove the clog, use a water closet auger (aka snake). Being careful to not scratch the porcelain bowl, put the end of the auger into the drain hole, and twist the handle while pushing the rotor downward. Afterwards, flush the toilet. 

None of These Solved My Problem

Jersey Plumbing is here to help! When all of the above fail, give us a call! 

Jersey Plumbing Service: (908) 281-7101

 
7-plumbing-donts

The 7 Don'ts of Plumbing that Every Homeowner Should Know

1. Don’t block water supply valves or sewer cleanouts.

If you have a plumbing emergency, the last thing you want to do is fight with 100 under-the-sink cleaners, artificial plants, furniture, waste-baskets and other household items to access various water valves as water spews into your home.

2. Don’t close a tap too tightly.

When you close taps tightly, seals wear down faster. Be gentle with your plumbing fixtures to prevent the most common household leaks.

3. Don’t cut into walls, ceilings or floors blindly.

You may be surprised to find out how many pipes are in the walls, ceilings and floors of your home. Don’t ever cut into something in your home without knowing what’s behind there. Aside from rupturing pipes, you could also be getting the shock of your life.

4. Don’t attempt a do it yourself plumbing fix on a Sunday or holiday.

When easy plumbing fixes take a turn for the worse, having a plumber out after normal business hours can cost you more than your little project was budgeted for.

5. Don’t pour hot water into your toilet.

Toilet bowls are usually very cold. A drastic change in temperature can crack the bowl.

6. Don’t store things near your water heater.

Most people know enough not to store things near a furnace, but your water heater gives off an immense amount of heat as well. Be careful not to store anything too close to your water heater to prevent fires.

7. Don’t pour fats, coffee grinds or cooking oils into your drains.

These waste materials can build up in your pipes, or in sewer pipes, causing blockages, backups, and sewer overflows. A little mindfulness can save you a lot of money over the life of your home.

Jersey Plumbing Service
PO Box 7371
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Click to Email Us
Fax: 1-908-647-1517

NJ Masters Plumbers License #7359

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