The clogged drain, the leaking pipes, the plugged-up toilet; plumbing problems can occur at any time and they can be terribly inconvenient when they do. Calling a plumber to deal with every single plumbing issue in your home can be expensive and impractical.

It’s true that you should leave major plumbing issues to a professional plumber. However, there are many minor issues that you can deal with quite easily even without plumbing experience. This will save you time and money. You simply need to ensure you have the right plumbing tools (and guidance).

1. Adjustable pipe wrench

This is one of the most widely used and easily recognizable plumbing tools. It’s one of the first tools many people think of when building up a plumbing kit. It is primarily used for tightening and loosening pipes and other fittings.

Many people opt for pump pliers as opposed to the traditional pipe wrench as pliers are easier to use. However, pipe wrenches are the tool of choice when dealing with softer pipes such as those made from galvanized steel or iron. They are also the best tool to use when dealing with rounded fittings.

It’s advisable to invest in at least two wrenches. You’ll need one for stabilization and the other for turning. Go for wrenches between 8 and 12 inches. If you’re looking for the best quality, cast iron would be the way to go.

2. Water pump pliers

Also known as slip-lock pliers or channel locks, these pliers can be adjusted in order to grip pipes of different widths. The jaws can be adjusted easily with just a press of a button. The pliers feature long handles that make it easier to deal with different sized pipes.

It’s advisable to invest in a two pump pliers as they are often used in pairs. When you need to tighten or loosen a pipe, you will need one to hold the pipe stable and the other to turn the pipe. 10”pliers would be the ideal size for a home DIY kit. This size can handle many of your residential needs. You can invest in a wider range of sizes as the need arises.

3. Tubing/pipe cutters

These tools are essential for providing a quick and clean cut. With these C-shaped tools, you can avoid rough and jagged edges that can cause bad joints that eventually lead to leaks and pipe damage in the long term.

Cutters achieve a clean cut as a result of their rotary blade. They are primarily designed to cut copper tubing and pipes evenly. They are efficient and extremely useful. You can achieve a clean cut with these tools even when space is limited.

4. Pipe shears

These tools are also designed to give a clean cut. However, they are only beneficial for plumbing systems that have plastic pipes. The ratcheted versions can be used to cut CPVC and PVC. The basic shears are only useful for cutting softer materials such as PEX and flexible PVC.

5. Hacksaw

There are instances when shears or cutters won’t do. You may be dealing with a material that can’t be cut using either tool or you may not have enough room to use these cutting tools efficiently. This is where the hacksaw comes in handy.

The hacksaw is a multi-purpose tool. It will allow you to access areas that are inaccessible for larger tools. This flexible tool can cut through steel, wood, plastic and even brass. This makes it one of the most versatile cutting tools and a must-have for your DIY plumbing kit.

6. Closet auger

Fondly known as the toilet snake in plumbing circles, this tool is specifically designed to unclog toilets (water closets). It features a vinyl or rubber sleeve that is fitted around a cable. This sleeve prevents the steel cable from damaging the surface of the toilet bowl.

Clogs in toilets often occur around the bends leading to the drain line. This includes the trap of the toilet. The closet augers are therefore often shorter than those used for sinks or tubs. You would therefore be fine with a toilet snake that has a 3-foot cable.

7. Drain auger

Also known as a drain snake, this tool is essential for unclogging drains. It’s easy to use and can be a lifesaver when your sink or tub is overflowing.

The drain auger consists of a long flexible steel cable that is wound and stored in a drum. A wheel crank is used to push the cable into the drain. The coiled head of the cable breaks up the material that is clogging the drain when it comes into contact with it. The crank is also used to draw the steel cable back into the drum when the drain is unclogged.

8. Basin wrench

This is designed to assist in tightening and loosening the nuts that hold faucets in place. There’s no tool that can do what this tool does with the same level of efficiency. If you try to loosen or tighten the faucet nuts with regular pliers or a wrench, you would only become frustrated. There’s a good chance you won’t succeed either.

The long handle of the basin wrench reaches well past the sink. Its jaws grasp the mounting nut. You can turn the wrench using a bar at the bottom of the wrench.

This tool is a must-have for any ‘DIYer’ that has to deal with faucets.

9. Metal file

This tool will help to smooth the edges of metal pipes that have been cut. They help to ensure a smoother finish.

It is a good idea to invest in at least two different types of pliers. The rat-tail file, which is round and tapered, and the half-round, which has one flat surface and one round surface.

These tools should be included in any basic plumbing kit. They will ensure that you can carry out a basic plumbing project with great success. You may want to research other tools for a more advanced plumbing kit.