CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN?

DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN!

Have basic plumbing supplies on-hand.

Plumbing problems have a nice way of sneaking up on us when we least expect them. There’s the leaky faucet at midnight that drives you crazy and the toilet that won’t flush at the “critical moment”. With that in mind, we think you’ll agree when we say that it pays to be prepared. Here are a few simple plumbing supplies to have on-hand on your property so that you don’t get caught with your pants down, so to speak.

Easy-fix repair kits

Most plumbing appliances will allow you to use a repair kit to fix basic problems. These can include handles for faucets and flush valves for toilets. Most repair kits will come with the parts necessary for the job and a set of instructions to assist you. These are relatively inexpensive and can be found at Lowes or Home Depot and most other hardware stores along with most of the items in this list.

Toolbox

It’s always a good idea to have a box of trusty tools around and not just for plumbing problems. Make sue that your toolbox has all the essentials including the following:

• Hammer
• Wrenches (crescents, pipe wrench, ratchets of various sizes)
• Screwdrivers (Phillips, flatheads)
• Screws (assorted)
• Bolts (assorted with nuts and washers)
• Level

Be sure to keep your toolbox in an accessible area and put all the tools back in the box after use. Trust us, nothing is more frustrating than going on a treasure hunt for the lost screwdriver at four in the morning.

Plumber’s Putty and Pipe Epoxy

These have similar uses and are only designed as quick fixes when you don’t have a lot of time or options. Plumber’s putty can be used as a temporary seal for leaky hoses or other joints or pipes. It comes in plastic tubs, in various sizes. If anything, it will delay the problem long enough for you to call the plumber.

The pipe epoxy on the other hand is different. It is designed to bond to both wet and dry surfaces. This is ideal for temporarily sealing holes in pipes and hoses. However, be careful- epoxy is very potent and can be difficult to remove, so be conservative in how much you apply.

Drain Snake

Although it sounds kind of scary, a drain snake is really just a flexible metal coil that you can “snake” down a clogged drain to free up whatever it is that’s down there. Basically it does a plunger’s job, only it does it much better. These can be purchased for around twenty dollars at hardware stores. It's an almost invaluable tool for every property maintenance manager.

This is a decent list, but don't limit yourself. Feel free to add whatever kinds of tools or supplies that are necessary to get the job done. We can guarantee though that even with these basics, you'll feel better being prepared.