Do You Know What This Plumbing Equipment Is Used For?
By: Talin Vartanian
4 min
Image: Jupiterimages / Stockbyte / Getty Images
About This Quiz
The job of a plumber often involves using tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, saws and reamers for a variety of household jobs. Some of these jobs include creating pipe threads, using a camera to identify a clogged pipe or removing water elements. These types of jobs require specialized tools that are specific to a plumber's needs.
Tools that a plumber typically uses involve closet augers, plungers, pipe saws and tube benders. While costs, shapes and sizes may vary depending on the tool, a skilled plumber will know how to utilize most of these tools and equipment. While some tools may also look the same, most are used for specific purposes. For example, a cartridge puller is used to pull out cartridges from valves, while a handle puller is used to remove faucet handles that are corroded.
While these tools are a no-brainer for a plumber, we want to test your knowledge with this quiz! Don't worry if you get stuck either, as each quiz will provide you with a hint if you need it. So don't be shy, take this quiz now and see how well you do!
Name this type of equipment that is used for smoothing out edges.
Channel lock
Hose cutter
Metal file
After pipes are cut, the edges are often sharp and rough, which could be both dangerous and not very aesthetically-pleasing. Metal files help to smooth out these edges.
Pipe wrenches are used to adjust pipes through loosening or adjusting. The jaws of the wrench can also be shortened or lengthened depending on the size of the pipe.
Tubing cutters do what their name says: they cut through tubes. These cutters are also ideal for a wide variety of materials, including copper, steel and aluminum.
This popular plumbing tool is used to solder pipes together. Can you name it?
Clutch jaw
Pipe freezing spray
Switch pack drum
Propane torch
Propane torches are used to solder pipes together through a fine flame. For extra precaution, a plumber may also use a fire-resistant cloth in conjunction with a propane torch.
Name this plumbing tool that can easily pull faucet handles.
Plunger
Adjustable wrench
Inspection camera
Compression sleeve puller
Compression sleeve pullers are great for fixing faucets, as they help to detach faucet handles from valve stems. They're also used to pull compression nuts from stubborn tubes.
Name this tool that is used for adjusting nuts and bolts.
Pipe fitting reamer
Adjustable wrench
Adjustable wrenches are great for tightening or loosening a variety of nuts and bolts. The jaws of this tool can also be adjusted depending on the size of the bolt.
This type of tool is used to support pipes, can you name it?
Drain stick
V-head pipe stand
V-head pipe stands are used to support a variety of pipes if a plumber needs to work on them. These stands are typically shaped like a tripod and can be adjusted in height.
Used for thin-wall conduits, these screwdrivers can both ream and smooth using hooded blades. Conduit screwdrivers also feature a cushioned grip to alleviate discomfort.
What's the name of this plumbing tool from the photo?
Jig saw
Junior hack saw
Camera head dome
Internal pipe wrench
These types of wrenches features a hex body that is used for taking out pipe ends and broken pipe threads. These are also often made with steel construction.
A drain cleaner can be manually powered for cleaning any type of clogged drain. It can also be attached to a drill for power-operated use. It's also sometimes referred to as a snake.
These are typically made from carbon steel and are used for safely holding the body of a basket strainer in place. These are also lightweight to carry and easy to use.
Basin nut wrenches are used to tighten, loosen and adjust nuts and bolts of varying sizes. These also feature a pivoted reversible jaw and T-Torque power.
This tool helps to smooth out conduits. Can you name it?
Tubing cutter
Hole saw
Basin wrench
Conduit reamer
Conduit reamers attach to screwdrivers to help smooth out conduits that are thin in material. It also works with both round and square-shaped screwdrivers.
This tool is ideal for fixing garbage disposers. Can you name it?
Garbage disposer wrench
Jammed garbage disposers are no match for these types of tools. Garbage disposer wrenches help to unclog garbage disposers, while keep plumber's hands at a safe distance.
Strap wrenches are great for plumbing jobs that involve tub spouts and water filters. The straps are also self-locking and are adaptable to any surface and shape.
If faucet handles are giving you trouble, a plumber may extract them using a handle puller. The adjustable grip fingers of this tool can also fit on just about any type of handle.
This type of wrench is best used with a ratchet to get rid of harsh water heater elements. These are also designed with heavy duty construction for long-lasting durability.
What's the name of this tool that can cut through pipes and tubes?
Pipe cutter
A plumber can cut through just about any type of pipe with a pipe cutter. These are simply attached to the pipe, and are turned to the side to cut the pipe.
A faucet seat wrench is ideal for getting rid of eroded seats within faucets, showers and hose bibs. These are also fairly inexpensive and come in both square and hexagon shapes.