Oh boy! That new plumbing tool pretty much guarantees a soon to occur leak or plumbing problem, but maybe I'm just superstitious. Chances are better that the leak has already occurred and we're just finally getting around to fix it. Fair enough, let's get started. New And Improved Plumbing Tools It seems that every time I go to fix something related to plumbing, I need a new plumbing tool. I have done a fair amount of property maintenance work, but still, the application or installation always works better with the right tool. We live in a proprietary world.

Cars, systems, modules & parts - they're all proprietary - and this can be the case with plumbing tools also, even when they say universal. Universal replacements are designed to do make a relatively good match, but that does not guarantee anything, especially in plumbing. Get An Adjustable Pipe Wrench The best and most used plumbing tool is the adjustable pipe wrench or what my dad called a monkey wrench'.

Not sure where that came from, I seem to have a memory of a monkey in coveralls pictured with a wrench in his back pocket. The adjustable wrench was designed with teeth to grab wrought iron pipe so you have to be a little gentle using it on modern plastic, brass & copper fittings. Still, it is the plumbing tool of choice when you need to really use some torque to tighten or loosen an old pipe. I've had numerous cases where I had to put a pipe on the end of an adjustable wrench to get the leverage necessary to break a seal loose. A good wrench can cost up to $75 so you might want to go online or to a flea market to look for one.

Check to see that the movable parts work and that the guide moves up and down easily. The Humble Plunger My second favourite plumbing tool is the $4.95 rubber plunger on a wooden stick. It's not a pretty job but it's the one that gets you smiles, time and time again. Plumbers don't often get tips, but a successfully plunged toilet might get a plumber home cooked meal or fresh baked goods while on the job. Don't underestimate the power of a little applied suction used at the right moment. As a final thought, it's just about finding the plumbing tool that fits the need.

Flair-It Plumbing Repair Fitting - RV, Marine & Home - PART# 06820-TEE 1/2"P X 1/2"P X 1/2"P

Flair-It Plumbing Repair Fitting - RV, Marine & Home - PART# 06820-TEE 1/2"P X 1/2"P X 1/2"P Flair-It makes do-it-yourself potable water plumbing repair or remodeling in your motorhome, boat or residence simple. Designed for use with PEX or polybutylene tubing, you simply insert the barbed tip of the fitting into the tubing and tighten the nut. No mess and no fuss. Transition fittings for connecting CPVC, galavanized and copper tubing to PEX are also available.