If you own a plumbing business, adding water heater maintenance to your repertoire of services is an excellent way to attract more clientele. However, before offering water heater work on your handyman resume, make sure you have a few essential tools for the job. Here are some of the items you will need to perform this task efficiently.

What Do You Need for Water Heater Maintenance?

1. Drive Ratchet

As you will need to remove anode rods from the appliance, a 1/2-inch drive ratchet is an excellent tool for this. While you can use a wrench, a drive ratchet is easier on your hands and will save time. This type of ratcheting wrench locks in one direction, allowing you to turn the handle backwards, without retightening the bolt.

With a traditional wrench, you have to frequently move it to continue unscrewing the bolt. You will also want a 1-1/16 inch socket for removing the anode rods after loosening them.

2. Crescent Wrench

A crescent wrench is essential for loosening drain valves. You likely already have one of these in your plumbing kit, since these wrenches are common for most plumbing fixtures. Thanks to the spiral screw, you can easily open the lower jaw to accommodate different sizes of nuts.

3. Pipe Wrench

This heavy-duty tool is necessary to loosen metal plumbing fittings and pipes. While you likely already have one in your toolkit, consider investing in a larger one for use on water heaters. This is necessary as the pipes can be wider, requiring stronger, bigger wrenches. This tool gives you a better grip because it has serrated edges, making it useful for especially stubborn fittings.

4. Tongue & Groove Pliers

Much like when you are inspecting a sink under a counter, water heater maintenance may require you to squeeze into tight spaces. When you cannot move your arms or adjust your body to reach an area, this tool will come in handy. The angle of the jaws allow you to reach behind an object for maintenance in confined spaces.

If you need tools or supplies to enhance your plumbing business, contact Withamsville Winnelson of Cincinnati, OH. They have been providing affordable plumbing and water heater repair parts and appliances since 1997. This wholesale supplier is locally owned and operated, and known for friendly service. For questions about their products, call (513) 753-1121. Visit them online for more information about their products.