Tools of the Trade: What Tools Do Plumbers Use on the Job?

What’s Inside a Plumbing Contractor’s Truck?

For some, a plumbing contractor’s fully stocked truck must seem like a vehicle of mystery. After diagnosing a plumbing issue, plumbers open it, rummage awhile, and voila! They come out with the right equipment to solve a homeowner’s problems right in their hands. But what are some of these essential plumbing tools and equipment found in a plumber’s truck? This blog post will share some of the most common tools and equipment plumbers use.

Hand Tools in a Plumber’s Toolbox

toolsTo complete basic maintenance and repair work, plumbers rely on various hand tools commonly used in and out of plumbing work. Tools like wrenches, pliers, and pipe cutters are guaranteed in any plumber’s toolbox. Wrenches like the pipe wrench are considered a mainstay because they can loosen or tighten pipe connections, while basin wrenches are used to access tight spaces where a regular wrench will not fit.

Another essential tool for plumbers is the water pump pliers. This versatile tool is used to grip things and tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. On the other hand, a pipe cutter is used to cut all different kinds and materials of pipes. Its adjustable reel base can accommodate various pipe sizes, wherein a rotating cutter slices the line down to size.

Equipment to Keep Plumbers Safe

Safety is a top priority in the trades, and plumbers are no exception. To protect themselves from the hazards inherent in their line of work, they must wear proper protective gear when needed, such as goggles for their eyes and face masks. These face coverings protect them from breathing in toxic or harmful substances and flying debris.

Gloves, on the other hand, protect the hands of plumbing contractors from burns and harmful chemicals and allow them to get a better grip on their tools while keeping their hands clean and free from contact with potentially dangerous materials. Wearing sturdy boots is also essential for plumbers to protect their feet from sharp or heavy objects and helps them get better traction to prevent slipping and possible injury from wet floors. 

Specialty Plumbing Tools and Equipment

toolsSpecialized tools and equipment are an essential part of plumbing work, and there are many. A hydro jet is a powerful tool that uses high-pressure streams of water to clear clogs and blockages from drains and pipes. A drain snake or auger machine reaches deep into the line and also breaks up clogs. 

Video inspection equipment allows for detailed examination of the inside of pipes, allowing plumbers to assess and diagnose problems accurately. Acoustic listening devices can detect leaks or blockages in water pipes by amplifying sound. Pressure testing enables plumbing professionals to check the integrity of a system and find problems by running pressurized air through it. All these tools and equipment are valuable assets for any plumber to help ensure that any issues within plumbing systems are accurately detected, located, and fixed to keep the plumbing in good working order.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated plumbing company serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 emergency repairs, personalized service, and competitive, flat-rate pricing. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

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3 Reasons to Give Thanks to Plumbers This November

It’s Easy to Be Thankful for These Essential Plumbing Services!

Of all the things to be thankful for this holiday season, modern plumbing systems deserve to make the list. Indoor plumbing is so common that it’s easy to take it for granted, but it’s such an integral part of daily life that it’s hard to imagine going without it. But as many homeowners know all too well, a home’s plumbing system requires maintenance and repairs to keep it functioning correctly. 

That’s where professional plumbers come in. Plumbing technicians are ready and willing to show up when emergencies strike, but they also provide a range of services to prevent those emergencies from occurring in the first place. So in the spirit of the holidays, this article will lay out three plumbing services that every homeowner can be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Services for Water and Sewer Lines

sewer lineA home’s water and sewer lines are arguably the most critical parts of a plumbing system. The water supply lines deliver potable water to every faucet and fixture throughout the house. In contrast, the sewer lines are responsible for transporting the home’s wastewater from every drain into the city sewer main. When something goes wrong with either the water or sewer lines, the results can be catastrophic.

Water lines can form slow leaks that waste hundreds (if not thousands) of gallons of water per year and cause extensive water damage. Or, worse, they can freeze and burst in the middle of a cold winter night. Sewer lines can become clogged with grease, solid waste, or invading tree roots, causing raw sewage to back up into the home.

Professionals can help prevent these issues by regularly performing plumbing inspections, leak detection, and drain cleaning. But if disaster does strike, they can also show up quickly and perform expert plumbing repairs to get things back to normal for homeowners as fast as possible.

Gas Leak Detection and Repair

Gas lines are another area of home plumbing where professional plumbers are indispensable. Gas leaks are an extremely dangerous problem in homes with multiple gas appliances. Not only can they lead to devastating fires or explosions, but natural gas poisoning can be deadly at high levels of exposure. 

Due to the dangerous nature of gas line leaks, homeowners should immediately evacuate their homes and call the gas company and a gas-certified local plumber if they suspect they have a gas leak somewhere in their homes. Professional plumbers have the training and equipment needed to locate and repair gas leaks safely. But professionals can do more than just gas line repair. They can also handle gas line inspections, installation, and general maintenance to ensure the home’s gas lines and appliances are safe and in good condition.

Water Heater Maintenance and Repair

water heater While not quite as scary as a gas leak, burst pipe, or sewage backup, water heater problems are nothing to scoff at. Hot water is crucial for bathing, dishwashing, general hygiene, and overall comfort, so a broken water heater is the last thing any homeowner wants - especially in the colder months. 

Fortunately, homeowners can call local plumbers to help ensure that the home’s water heater works efficiently. Plumbers can perform vital water heater maintenance tasks like flushing the hot water tank to remove sediment, inspecting and replacing the anode rod (an anti-corrosion device inside the tank), testing safety mechanisms, cleaning gas burners, and checking the exhaust system for leaks. But even with maintenance, things can still go wrong, and plumbers can be there in a hurry to perform water heater repair, so homeowners won’t be stuck having to take cold showers!

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a local family-owned and operated business serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding neighborhoods for over a decade. They provide competitive pricing, financing, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.