A plumbing disaster usually strikes when you least expect it. Whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your kitchen, a blocked toilet or a leaking tap that won’t stop, plumbing emergencies can quickly spiral out of control. 

The good news is you don’t need to be a professional plumber to keep things under control while you wait for an emergency plumber. By keeping a few affordable tools in your home, you can minimise damage, reduce stress and in some cases fix the minor issues yourself. 

Here are the must-have tools every household should have and how to use them when problems strike.

1. A Plunger

No plumbing toolbox is complete without a plunger. It’s often the fastest and most effective way to deal with blockages in sinks, showers and toilets. 

How to use it in a crisis:

• Make sure the plunger cap fully covers the drain or toilet hole.
• Create a seal by pressing down gently first and then pumping firmly up and down.
• Repeat the motion until the clog loosens and water starts to flow freely.

Pro tip: Have one plunger for sinks and another for toilets to avoid cross-contamination. 

2. An Adjustable Wrench

This is a must-have for any plumbing emergency toolkit. Its jaws can be resized to grip fittings, nuts and bolts of different sizes, making it extremely versatile. 

When to use it:

• Tightening loose fittings that are leaking.
• Replacing a washer in a dripping tap.
• Loosening joints when you need to inspect or replace a small section of pipe.

This tool can help you secure problem spots before they become bigger issues.

3. A Pipe Wrench

Think of a pipe wrench as the adjustable wrench’s heavy-duty cousin. With its serrated teeth and longer handle, it gives you the strength to grip and turn stubborn round pipes. 

How it helps in emergencies:

• Loosening pipe joints that are stuck tight.
• Helping you dismantle sections of pipe if a major blockage needs to be cleared.
• Providing extra leverage when water pressure has caused fittings to lock up.

This isn’t a tool you’ll use every day, but when you need it, you’ll be glad it’s in your toolbox. 

4. Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape or PTFE tape)

Few things are more frustrating than discovering a slow leak around a pipe joint. While it might not seem like much at first, even a small drip can cause major water damage over time. That is where plumber’s tape comes in.

How to use it:

• Turn off the water supply before handling pipes.
• Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads of the pipe fitting.
• Screw the fitting back into place. The tape will act as a seal to reduce or stop leaks.

It’s not a permanent solution, but it can buy you valuable time until a plumber like Assett Plumbing arrives.

5. Bucket and Towels

Sometimes the simplest tools are the most important. When water is escaping fast, a strong bucket and plenty of absorbent towels can save your floors and furniture from damage. Storing them somewhere easy to grab, like under the sink, can save time when water is spreading. 

6. A Torch or Headlamp

Plumbing problems are usually hidden under sinks, behind toilets or in dark spaces. A reliable torch ensures you can see clearly while you deal with the problem.

7. A Good Pair of Gloves

Water from a burst pipe or blocked drain isn’t always clean. Having a pair of durable rubber gloves will protect your hands while handling leaks, clogs or wet debris. 

Be Prepared, Not Panicked

The difference between a plumbing inconvenience and a full-blown disaster often comes down to how quickly you respond. With these affordable tools on hand, you can take control of the situation, limit the damage and make life easier until a professional plumber arrives.

Remember, these tools are great for temporary fixes and small jobs, but for long-term peace of mind, you’ll need expert repairs.

Call the Experts at Assett Plumbing

At Assett Plumbing, we know how stressful a plumbing emergency can be. That’s why our experienced team is always ready to respond quickly to get your home back to normal.

Assett Plumbing is a reputable and experienced plumbing company that specialises in providing a wide range of plumbing services, including:

• Heating and Plumbing Repairs
• Boiler Replacements
• Boiler Servicing
• Power Flushing
• Landlord Gas Safety Certificates
• Emergency plumbing

Our team of skilled plumbers is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to handle any plumbing issue, big or small. We prioritise customer satisfaction and provide prompt, reliable, and affordable services to keep your plumbing systems running smoothly.

Contact Assett Plumbing today on 01604 372395 and let us handle your plumbing needs with expertise and care.