Plumbing Tips & Tricks
Learn to some basic plumbing tips here to use on plumbing projects.
There are a number of tools specific to plumbing work, but those new to the field can expect to work with:
- Plumber's snake
- Basin wrench
- Gauging Trowel
- Slip-joint pliers
- Pipe wrench
- Tube cutter
- Hacksaw or reciprocating saw
- Closet auger
- Tape Measure
- Pipe Bender
Plumbers work with a variety of materials, each specific to the job at hand. These include:
Common Plumbing Materials- Pipe, frequently in copper, or PVC
- Fittings
- Flexrock packing
- Hangers
- Mixing Plunger
- Insulation materials
- Buckets
- Oakum
Plumbing Work
- Soldering . The fumes released while soldering can be harmful to your eyes and lungs. Always wear eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area. To create a solid, low-resistance joint, all soldering surfaces should be cleaned using steel wool and solvent. You only need to apply a very small amount of solder to the tip of the iron to create a joint successfully.
- Jointing, Bending, and Pressure Testing Copper Tube. Copper tube can be joined through soldering or through brazing, during which filler metals are melted to create a joint. This is sometimes called 'hard soldering' or 'silver soldering.' Copper tubing can be easily bent using simple hand tools, but it is vital that the appropriate size bender is used, based on the size of the tube. Pressure testing of copper pipes should be done routinely every two or three years.
- Basic Plumbing Pipe Work. An unusually high water bill, discoloration in the walls, or a chronic sewer backup issue could all be signs of a hidden pipe leak. Use PTFE tape to prepare the "male" thread of a pipe before screwing it into the 'female' section. Using pipe dope on a fitting virtually guarantees a leak-free seal. Using pipe dope on a fitting virtually guarantees a leak-free seal for copper pipe work, radiator installation and domestic plumbing systems.
