Homeowner's Plumbing Kit

Homes are wonderful places to gather with loves ones. They also serve as place to rest and take refuge from the daily toils of life. Yet, as time goes by, different elements of a home begin to wear down; the plumbing system is no exception.  Regardless of whether your home is a house, condo, or apartment, it good to have a basic-level Homeowner's Plumbing Kit.

Although there are different levels of plumbing challenges, the Homeowner's Plumbing Kit (HPK) is composed of tools that serve for maintenance of good flow through both incoming water pipes and outgoing drainage pipes. However, there are some tools that serve for repairing or installing a new faucet or toilet with the HPK. Some items listed will not fit into a set tool bag or tool box, but keep them close to your HPK. Also don't forget to always do your homework before committing to resolve a plumbing challenge; refer to books, articles, and videos. If the challenge is beyond your knowledge and skills, it is good to call a professional. This HPK list was compiled from research and personal experience.

The basic-level Homeowner's Plumbing Kit list:

1 - 16" to 20" Tool Bag or Tool Box (some tools are longer than most)
1 - Safety glasses, with storage cover sleeve
1 - Pack of respirator masks (especially for working with drainage pipes)
1 - Pair of rubber coated gloves, or of similar type
1 - Notepad with pen, pencil, or marker
1 - Compact flashlight and/or headlamp
1 - Bucket and hand-size sponge
1 - Small plastic oil pan (to catch water when working under sinks)
1 - Set of assorted size rags
1 - Small tape Measure (3 to 6 feet)
1 - Small level (6 " or 9"; to measure pipe pitch)
2 - Adjustable wrench (6" and 8")
1 - Set of pipe wrenches ("monkey" wrench; for metal pipes)
 - - (pick sizes that work for your home, also choose iron, steel, or aluminum)
2 - Tongue and groove pliers (8" and 10")
2 - Curved-jaw locking pliers (7" and 10")
1 - Needle nose pliers ( 6" or 8")
1 - Putty knife (metal or plastic; for scraping)
1 - Utility knife
1 - Small or medium size hack saw (with extra blades)
1 - Cleaning brush set (plastic, steal, and brass)
1 - Pack of multi-grit sand paper (for burr from cut pipes)
1 - Closet auger (for toilet, 1/2" thick)
1 - Sink or shower auger (1/4 " thick)
1 - Toilet bowl plunger (with extended cup)
1 - Sink plunger
1 - Basin wrench (with adjustable length if possible)
1 - Teflon plumbing tape