There are a few tools that all homeowners should have. After all, you don’t have to be an experienced contractor to address minor issues around the house. Having the right equipment on hand — and knowing how to use it — means you won’t have to call a plumber or electrician for every little problem. Here are a few of the most useful tools to include in your kit.

Which Tools Should You Have at Home?

1. Screwdriver Set

You can use a screwdriver to complete countless tasks around the house, from replacing switch plates to tightening cabinet hinges. Look for a set that includes both flat- and Philips-head varieties, and add a hammer to the mix, as well.

2. Fire Extinguisher

Have a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home. This is the only way to ensure you can respond promptly should sparks ignite. Don’t forget to invest in quality smoke detectors, too, and check their batteries periodically to ensure they’re always in working order. If your home is relatively old, an electrician can update the entire smoke alarm system so that it’s wired throughout the house.

3. Basin Wrench

If you’ve got a basin wrench on hand, you won’t have to call a plumber whenever you need to tighten or loosen the nuts on a faucet. With its long shaft, this wrench can get in cramped, narrow spaces, thereby allowing you to work on hard-to-reach bolts under the sink.

4. Sink & Toilet Plungers

Every home should have two plungers. A cup plunger allows you to clear clogs in sinks, showers, and tubs, while a flange plunger will work in toilets. Having both available will prevent you from having to hire a plumber to perform simple jobs you can do yourself.

5. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit isn’t a tool in the traditional sense, but anyone who plans on doing home repairs should have one. Whether you buy or make the kit, it should include gauze, bandages, gloves, alcohol swabs, eye wash, antibiotic ointment, anesthetic spray, over-the-counter pain relievers, aloe vera gel, tweezers, and scissors.

While the above equipment is incredibly handy, it won’t help you solve every problem that arises. When facing an issue you don’t know how to tackle, turn to H & N Plumbing, Heating & Electrical in Fennimore, WI. This family-owned and -operated business is a full-service plumbing, electric, and heating contractor that has been serving residents of Grant County since 1958. To request an estimate for furnace repairs or AC maintenance, visit their website. To talk to a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech, call (888) 822-3258.