Picking a thread or drain sealant? Our Teflon tape vs. pipe dope vs. putty guide breaks down which to use where.
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Quick answer: Every homeowner should own a small plumbing kit: a plunger, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, channel-lock pliers, Teflon tape, plumber’s putty, a pipe repair clamp, and a hand drain snake. About $80 total, and it handles the vast majority of home plumbing repairs — saving hundreds in service calls.
The complete homeowner plumbing kit, recommended by a licensed plumber.
The Core Tools
An adjustable wrench and channel-lock pliers cover most fittings. The one tool homeowners always lack is a basin wrench — it’s what makes faucet installs possible in the tight space behind a sink.
The Sealants
Teflon tape for threaded joints, plumber’s putty for fixture bases, and silicone sealant for permanent waterproofing.
The Emergency Items
A pipe repair clamp stops a leak in 60 seconds and a hand drain snake clears most clogs — keep both before you need them.
Supply Lines & Hoses
Old rubber washing machine hoses are a top cause of floods — swap for braided steel. Same for ice-maker water lines.
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- Best Outdoor Faucet Covers for Winter in 2026 (Prevent Frozen Hose Bibbs)
- Best Pipe Insulation for Cold Climates in 2026 (Prevent Frozen Pipes)
- Best Silicone Sealant for Plumbing and Bathrooms in 2026
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FAQ
What plumbing tools should every homeowner have?
A plunger, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, channel-lock pliers, Teflon tape, plumber’s putty, a pipe repair clamp, and a hand drain snake cover most home repairs.
What’s the most overlooked plumbing tool?
The basin wrench — without it, removing or installing a faucet under a sink is nearly impossible.
How much does a basic plumbing kit cost?
Around $80 for quality versions of the core items — far less than a single service call.
For turning pipe and stubborn fittings, you want a real pipe wrench, see our pick for the best pipe wrench for homeowners (a 14-inch covers most jobs).
The two grips you reach for most are covered in our picks for the best channel-lock pliers and adjustable wrench.
More Plumbing Repair Guides
- Fixing a Running Toilet
- Unclogging Any Drain
- Fixing a Dripping Faucet
- Emergency Pipe Repair
- Fixing Low Water Pressure
Recommended Tools & Parts
Everything you need, on Amazon: basin wrench · adjustable pipe wrench · PTFE thread tape · channel-lock pliers.
More Top Picks & Guides
Ready to step up to pro-grade gear? See our best professional plumbing tools buyer’s guide.
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