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The average house loses at least 2,000 gallons of water each year through leaks. The loss may cause home damage, drained wells, or unexpectedly large water bills.

Simple DIY skills and a well-stocked toolbox can help homeowners stop these leaks and prevent other problems. The right tools also reduce the need for Rakeman emergency plumbing service and lower the cost of repair bills.

Tighten the Pipes

Loose pipes lead to leaks. Pipes that leak under a sink cause water damage that can spread well beyond the room where the leak takes place. A small drop of water can easily run down a pipe and through the wall, and the drips can add up quickly if they are not stopped.

A loose showerhead could cause part of the spray to run down the shower wall, where it is useless. Regular showerheads release about 3.5 gallons of water per minute, so a loose pipe that causes just 10 percent of the water to be unusable can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year. A pair of locking pliers or an adjustable wrench can quickly solve the problem.

Prevent Clogged Drains

Clogged drains lead to odors and can cause water to overflow onto the surrounding surfaces. A plunger is the most basic, but often most-needed, plumbing tool available. The simple device works on the sink, tub, and toilet drain without the harsh and potentially damaging chemicals common in drain cleaners.

A plumber’s snake or auger is helpful for stubborn clogs that a plunger cannot manage. A snake is a coil of stiff metal wire that works with a crank. It is fed into the clogged pipe and pushes through solid material blocking the way. There are several types for use in toilets or for sinks and tub drains, as well as different strengths for advanced problems like tree roots in exterior pipes.

Having these tools on hand for these emergency drain situations will definitely reduce the need for Rakeman emergency plumbing service in Las Vegas!

Keep It Sealed

Teflon tape, plumber’s putty, and caulk all help to prevent leaks. Tape works on threaded pipes, while the putty and caulk prevent leakage around faucets, the bottom side of drains, and the areas where bath fixtures meet surfaces. Caulking and putty are useful for areas like the base of a toilet or where the tub meets the tub enclosure.

Replace Faulty Pipes

Some plumbing tasks involve removing and replacing a degraded pipe. Homeowners with a comfortable level of DIY skills can often perform this task without help. Necessary tools for pipe removal are pipe and tube cutters. Pipe cutters help to remove copper pipes, and tube cutters work with flexible plumbing lines. A PVC pipe handsaw may also be useful.

Have the Basics

Stock a toolbox with the basic items that could be useful throughout the home. Have a flashlight, Allen wrench set, screwdrivers, and basic wrenches. A hacksaw, tape measure, solder, and self-lighting torch are also necessary for those who want to tackle a few simple projects beyond basic emergency repairs.

You’ll also need a steel brush and tinning flux for soldering. You never know what might happen and having some basic tools on hand may help prevent a plumbing emergency before you’ll have to consider calling an emergency plumbing service.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

The best tool for any plumbing project is often the number of a reliable plumber. The cost of the repairs for a mistake could add up to more than the original problem. Mold growth from water damage can begin in as little as 24 hours. You don’t want to wait when a potentially serious plumbing issue is taking place.

Many homeowners prefer not to handle their home repairs, but everyone should invest in some tools. These items enable anyone to keep problems under control until a plumber can arrive. At Rakeman Plumbing & Rakeman Air, we are happy to help with any plumbing concern, and we even offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us to schedule an appointment.