To begin, it is important to note that in some states, laws are in place which prohibits home owners from engaging in their own bathroom plumbing. Check with your local municipality to make sure there aren’t any restrictions against this practice in the area were you reside.

In any plumbing job, safety is the key. Be sure to disconnect the electrical source by turning off the power to a fuse or breaker box. Wear goggles, headgear, and gloves. Tools have insulated handles so hold them by the handles to reduce injury or electrical shock. Likewise, rubber-soled shoes should be worn at all times.

Though no job is the same it is important to have a few basic tools. Below are a few of the most commonly used.

1. Pipe Wrenches – You’ll need an 18-inch, 14-inch, and 10-inch.
2. Basic Wrenches – In order to make gripping faucet attachments easier be sure to pick up a few with swivel jaws and long handles.
3.Tubing Cutters – Get yourself a standard-sized model as well as a mini in order to ensure you’ll be able to cut through pipes even in tighter spaces.
4. Plunger – One with a heavy rubber head and good suction.
5. Level – To ensure pipes are level.
6. Torch – In case you need to solder pipes. A low cost simple torch should usually do the trick.
7. Drill – You’ll always find a use.
8. Magnet – To help remove metal objects from clogged drains.
9. Cola is useful for removing rust.
10.Wire Brush – Helps remove debris prior to soldering pipes.

Aside from clogged sinks and toilets, one of the biggest bathroom plumbing problems are frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can damage your home by bursting and effectively flooding your home in minutes. Be sure to regularly inspect all outdoor pipes as well as those under sinks and in unheated crawl spaces. Preventing this problem is fairly simple and consists of covering the pips with foam rubber or insulation and securing the job with tape. If you’ve found a pipe to have already frozen, make sure to open the faucet prior to thawing in order to allow the blockage to move out through the pipes.

While many jobs can be accomplished with little more than common sense, there will always be those that will ultimately require an experienced professional. Don’t hesitate to ask for help as it just may end up saving you a more costly repair down the road.