Comprehensive Tool Kit

• For the purposes of a do-it-yourself plumber, a comprehensive tool kit must include all of the basic plumbing hand tools. Many fixtures, valves and pipe connections loose or tighten via wrench, pliers or screwdriver. Therefore, a set of various sizes and types of wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers is a must for the do-it-yourself plumber. While adjustable wrenches allow the plumber to grip flat-sided items -- such as nuts -- pliers and pipe wrenches allow plumbers to grip round-sided objects. Flexible drain connectors, valve stems and handles are often secured by flat-head and Phillips screws of varying sizes. Sets of various sizes of screwdrivers are widely available and always seem to be on sale.
  
  

The Plumber's Helper

• Before you panic and call a professional, try the state-of-the-art plunger, also known as the "plumber's helper." Although nearly every household has a plunger, few homeowners understand how to properly use the tool. Suction and persistence are the keys to unlocking a drain with a plunger. The cup-like attachment at the end of a plunger must fully cover the toilet or sink's opening. Yes, you can use a plunger in a sink. If the drain opening is not fully covered, you'll simply be sloshing water. If you create suction and apply repeated force, you're likely to unclog even the most stubborn clogs.
  
  

The Plumber's Snake

• The term sewer snake refers to a flexible metal coil that plumbers use to rout drains. The sewer snake is inexpensive and often the only tool that a professional plumber needs to clear a clogged drain. The key to using a sewer snake is placing it through the "clean-out" closest to the clog. A clean out is an access pipe that protrudes from a home's exterior or rests behind an access panel close to plumbing fixtures. Once you find this entry point, you can shove the snake inside the drain lines and grab or break up blockages.
  
  

Soldering and Solvent Welding

• The most common methods of connecting residential supply and drain pipes are soldering and solvent welding. Although many novice plumbers are apprehensive to attempt these tasks, they are relatively easy to learn with adequate practice. The key to learning these skills is to practice on scrap pipes before attempting a real repair job. The tools and materials required for soldering and solvent welding are inexpensive and relatively available. Compile the required tools and materials, set up an outdoor work area and connect pipes until you feel comfortable with your skills.