Plumbing Equipment: Types and Uses

Plumbing Tools for Pipe Cutting and Fitting

One of the most important steps in plumbing is cutting and fitting pipes. There are several plumbing tools available for this purpose, including pipe cutters, pipe wrenches, and tube benders.

Pipe Cutters

Pipe cutters are essential tools for cutting pipes to the required length. They come in various sizes and shapes, including standard pipe cutters, mini cutters, and rotary cutters. Standard pipe cutters are the most commonly used type and can be used for cutting pipes of various materials, including copper, PVC, and steel. Mini cutters are designed for cutting pipes in tight spaces, while rotary cutters are used for cutting pipes in hard-to-reach areas.

Pipe Wrenches

Pipe wrenches are used for turning pipes and fittings. They come in different sizes, with larger ones used for bigger pipes and smaller ones used for smaller pipes. Pipe wrenches have adjustable jaws that can be used to grip the pipe or fitting tightly, allowing it to be turned without slipping. They are commonly used in plumbing work to tighten or loosen fittings.

Tube Benders

Tube benders are used for bending pipes and tubes to the required angle. They come in various sizes and shapes, including manual benders, hydraulic benders, and electric benders. Manual benders are suitable for small-scale plumbing jobs, while hydraulic and electric benders are used for larger-scale projects.

Plumbing Tools for Leak Detection and Repair

Leaks are a common problem in plumbing systems and can lead to significant damage if left unchecked. Several plumbing tools are used for leak detection and repair, including leak detectors, pipe repair clamps, and sealants.

Leak Detectors

Leak detectors are used to detect leaks in pipes and fittings. They come in various forms, including electronic leak detectors, liquid leak detectors, and infrared leak detectors. Electronic leak detectors use sound or vibration to detect leaks, while liquid leak detectors use a special liquid that changes color when it comes into contact with water. Infrared leak detectors are used to detect leaks in hard-to-reach areas.

Pipe Repair Clamps

Pipe repair clamps are used to repair leaking pipes. They come in different sizes and shapes, including split repair clamps and full-circle repair clamps. Split repair clamps are used to repair leaks in pipes that are still in use, while full-circle repair clamps are used to repair leaks in pipes that have been shut down.

Sealants

Sealants are used to seal leaks in pipes and fittings. They come in various forms, including tape sealants, thread sealants, and pipe dope. Tape sealants are used to seal pipe threads, while thread sealants and pipe dope are used to seal pipe fittings.

Plumbing Tools for Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains are another common problem in plumbing systems. Several plumbing tools are used for drain cleaning, including plungers, drain snakes, and hydro-jetting machines.

Plungers

Plungers are the simplest tool used for unclogging drains. They work by creating suction to pull out clogs. They come in different sizes, with larger ones used for toilets and smaller ones used for sinks and showers.

Drain Snakes

Drain snakes, also known as augers, are used to remove clogs from drains. They come in different lengths and sizes, with handheld ones used for small clogs and larger ones used for more significant clogs. Drain snakes work by being inserted into the drain and either breaking up or pulling out the clog.