Get a Grip on Drain Problems: The Benefits of Having a Drain Wrench
Sometimes it feels like the plumbing in your home is trying to make life harder. Clogged drains, leaky faucets, and other problems can be a real hassle to deal with. The good news is, you don’t have to be a professional plumber to keep your drains running smoothly. All you need is a quality drain wrench, and you’ll be able to tackle just about any plumbing project with confidence.
In this post, we’ll cover the different types of drain wrenches available and why they’re essential for at-home plumbing jobs. With the right drain wrench, you can get a grip on any plumbing problems and keep your drains running smoothly!
What Is a Drain Wrench?
A drain wrench is a plumbing tool that can loosen and tighten drain nuts (the hexagonal-shaped nuts that connect the drain pipe to the trap). It’s the ideal tool for working on sinks, showers, and other drain assemblies. Drain wrenches are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of drain assemblies. The most common type of drain wrench is the straight-bladed steel wrench, but variations such as the offset head, ratcheting head, and adjustable head wrenches are also available.
Benefits of Using a Drain Wrench
A drain wrench offers several advantages when fixing drain problems. First, it allows for easy access to hard-to-reach places, providing a secure grip on the nut. Secondly, it provides more leverage than an ordinary wrench or pliers when loosening or tightening a nut. Finally, because of its long handle design, you can use it with a borescope or video camera to inspect the interior of a pipe without having to remove it.
How To Use a Drain Wrench
Using a drain wrench is relatively easy once you understand its basic mechanics. Before starting, make sure that you have the right size wrench for the job. It should fit snugly around the nut while being able to turn freely. If necessary, use some lubricant on the nut so that it turns more easily.
To loosen a nut with a drain wrench, apply slow, steady pressure in the counterclockwise direction until you feel it start to give way. Once it’s loose enough to remove by hand, you can then unscrew it all the way out. To tighten a nut with a drain wrench, apply steady pressure in the clockwise direction until it’s tight enough that you can’t turn it any further by hand.
Helpful Tips for Operating a Drain Wrench
When operating a drain wrench there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure safe and effective use of the tool. First, always wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses when working with plumbing tools as they may contain sharp edges or other hazardous materials. Secondly, always keep track of where each nut has been before installing them back so that everything is properly lined up again afterward. Finally, never use excessive force when loosening or tightening nuts with the wrench as this could cause damage to both the tool and your plumbing system.
Where to Purchase a Drain Wrench
Drain wrenches are available from most hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon or home improvement stores for purchase at an affordable price point ranging from $15-$25 depending on the style and size needed for your specific sink or tub setup. Be sure to read customer reviews if you can before making your purchase so you can be sure you’re getting a good product.
Conclusion
Having a quality drain wrench on hand is essential for any at-home plumbing project. Not only can it provide access to hard-to-reach places, but it also offers more leverage than an ordinary wrench or pliers. Plus, it can work alongside a borescope or video camera to inspect the interior of a pipe. With the right drain wrench, you can easily get a grip on any plumbing problems and keep your drains running smoothly!