Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Have on Hand

 Plumbing supplies aren’t only for professional plumbers. For homeowners, it’s definitely worth investing in a set of plumbing tools because over the years there will inevitably be some minor, easy-to-fix issues with the plumbing systems that can easily be fixed.

Did you know that the average homeowner spends around $2,000 a year on home maintenance? Homeowners may be able to tackle the problem themselves with the help of these tools:

• A drain snake. This is a long metal rod with a hand crank at one end, and it’s used to dislodge any debris that has gathered in your pipes. After removing the drain stopper, lower the drain snake into the pipe and crank it around several times so it scrapes all sides of the pipe. When you pull it up you’ll see what’s causing the clog, and you may need to do it several times. 
• A wrench set. Plumbing often involves getting into hard-to-reach places, so you’ll need an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench, and a pipe wrench, to name a few. These wrenches
• A good plunger. This may seem obvious, but plungers aren’t only for unclogging your toilet – you can use a plunger to unclog stubborn shower drains, also.
• A caulk gun and caulk. Caulk is the waterproof sealant used around showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and other locations where you need a waterproof material to prevent damage. When you notice the caulk starting to wear a little thin, or if it begins to lift, simply use your caulk gun to apply a new layer. 
• High-quality duct tape. Any DIY homeowner will have rolls of duct tape lying around, and it’s especially useful with plumbing because it’s water resistant. If you notice a tiny leak you can wrap some duct tape around it to keep it from getting worse until you’re able to fix it properly. 

Plumbing supplies from your local wholesaler

As a plumber you appreciate the convenience of finding all the supplies you need in a single location, especially tools for jobs that can be a bit difficult. Your local plumbing supply company is a one-stop-shop for all the best brands, the widest selection of tools and other supplies, and expert advice from industry professionals. Instead of driving around to several locations to get everything you need, visit your local plumbing supply wholesaler for everything you need to get the job done.

For more information about plumbing supplies, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. Discover why so many people choose us as their preferred plumbing supply company. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/plumbing-tools-every-homeowner-should-have-on-hand/

How to unclog a sink in 5 easy steps

 Homeowners can unclog sinks themselves with the right plumbing supplies. There are many things that cause clogged sinks – they’re a disruption, they’re unsightly, they can stain the sink, and they often come with unpleasant smells. 

While there are serious clogs that will need a professional, most clogs can be fixed in five easy steps:

1. Disconnect the sink stopper. The stopper is the small piece of metal you put into the drain to block it, and it’s very common for build-up to accumulate on the stopper. To disconnect the sink stopper, look under your sink and check for a metal strip with holes in it. Unscrew the nut that connects the metal strip to the drain pipe and pull out the rod, then you can disconnect the stopper.
2. Clean the sink stopper. After you’ve disconnected the stopper, pull it out of the drain – you’ll probably want to wear gloves for this part because you’ll notice a lot of gunk has built up on the stopper. Clean the gunk off with a wet paper towel.
3. Use a snake to remove any deeper clogs. A snake is a long metal rod with a hand crank at one end, and you can find one at any plumbing supply store. Lower the snake into the drain and use the hand crank to twist it around, allowing it to grab any clog-causing debris. Once you’ve twisted the snake around several times, slowly pull it out of the drain. Warning – what comes out may be very gross! Repeat this as many times as necessary to clear the pipe.
4. Reconnect the sink stopper. But before you do this, run the water to check your sink is draining properly. You can reconnect the stopper the same way you disconnected it.
5. Check the P-trap. This is the elbow-shaped piece of piping under the sink and the snake may not reach this far. Put a bucket underneath it, unscrew the connectors with a wrench, dump the water from the P-trap into the bucket, then reconnect the P-trap.

Buying supplies from a plumbing wholesaler

Plumbers and similar tradesmen can find everything they need at a reputable plumbing supply company. Plumbing wholesalers stock all the top brands, carry hard-to-find tools and other pieces of equipment for even the most difficult jobs, and have everything you need in one place, saving you from having to drive around town making multiple stops.

For more information about the best plumbing supplies to have on hand, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. Discover why so many people in New Jersey have chosen us as their trusted plumbing wholesaler. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-unclog-a-sink-in-5-easy-steps/