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Gear to keep on hand for plumbing
Most plumbing calls start with something small: a slow drain, a toilet that won't flush, a drip under the sink. A few cheap tools handle the small stuff and help you catch a leak early.
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Korky Beehive Max toilet plunger
Keep a toilet plunger like the Korky Beehive Max where you can grab it fast. The handbook lists clearing a single slow drain with a plunger as something you can do yourself. A plunger made for toilets is shaped differently from a flat sink plunger, and it works better.
What to look for: Make sure the rubber cup is fully under water before you push. Push gently first, so you don't splash.
FlexiSnake Drain Weasel drain snake
A plastic drain snake such as the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is the easy fix for hair clogs. Hair is behind most slow sink and tub drains. A plastic drain snake pulls it out in a couple of minutes without chemicals.
What to look for: This one is for sink, shower and tub drains. A clog in your main line or one that backs up more than one fixture needs a plumber.
Energizer PRO-360 LED headlamp
Under the sink, a headlamp like the Energizer PRO-360 beats holding a flashlight in your teeth. The handbook says to look under every sink with a flashlight. A headlamp lets you do it while holding a bucket or wiping a joint.
What to look for: Look for wet cabinet floors, rust on shutoff valves, and drips on the bottom of the pipe.
GoveeLife Wi-Fi water leak detector, 5 pack with gateway
Leak sensors such as the GoveeLife Wi-Fi 5 pack are the cheapest early warning you can buy. A sensor on the floor beside the water heater, washing machine or sink will alarm in minutes and send a message to your phone, which is much sooner than you would notice a slow leak yourself.
What to look for: Put one under each sink, one by the water heater and one by the washer. The sensors talk to the included gateway, so the gateway needs your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Not something you can fix yourself? Find a plumber near you.
If a leak has already soaked a floor or wall, see the water damage gear list for drying and moisture checks.
This list goes with The Homeowner's Plumbing Handbook, and you can get the free Plumbing Handbook on our plumbing directory page. Items and availability change, so check the Amazon page before you buy. Affiliate disclosure.