Plumbing Tools & Techniques 2

Question 1

What tool is used to make flared connections on soft copper or aluminum tubing?

Accepted Answer

Flaring tool

Answer

A flaring tool creates a cone-shaped flare at the end of soft copper or aluminum tubing, which creates a leak-tight mechanical seal when compressed by a flare nut fitting.

Question 2

What is a basin wrench used for?

Accepted Answer

Reaching and tightening faucet mounting nuts in tight spaces under sinks

Answer

A basin wrench has a long handle with a pivoting jaw that allows tightening or loosening the faucet mounting nuts in the cramped space between the sink basin and the wall.

Question 3

What tool measures the flow rate of water coming from a pipe or fixture?

Accepted Answer

Flow meter or bucket-and-stopwatch method

Answer

Flow rate can be measured with a dedicated flow meter or by the bucket-and-stopwatch method, where you time how long it takes to fill a known volume.

Question 4

What is a drain snake (plumber's snake) used for?

Accepted Answer

Clearing clogs in drain lines by physically breaking up or retrieving blockages

Answer

A drain snake (auger) is a flexible cable that is fed into a drain line to break up, retrieve, or push through blockages that cannot be cleared with a plunger.

Question 5

What is the purpose of flux when soldering copper pipe?

Accepted Answer

To clean the metal and prevent oxidation, allowing solder to flow into the joint

Answer

Flux cleans the copper surface, prevents re-oxidation during heating, and promotes capillary action that draws molten solder into the joint for a complete fill.

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Plumbing Tools & Techniques 2