Tools & Techniques Flashcards
6 cards from real Plumbing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Tools & Techniques flashcards as text
What tool is used to make flared connections on soft copper or aluminum tubing?
Answer: Flaring tool
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.
What is a basin wrench used for?
Answer: Reaching and tightening faucet mounting nuts in tight spaces under sinks
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.
What tool measures the flow rate of water coming from a pipe or fixture?
Answer: Flow meter or bucket-and-stopwatch method
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.
What is a drain snake (plumber's snake) used for?
Answer: Clearing clogs in drain lines by physically breaking up or retrieving blockages
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.
What is the purpose of flux when soldering copper pipe?
Answer: To clean the metal and prevent oxidation, allowing solder to flow into the joint
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.
What is a pipe bender used for and when is it preferred over fittings?
Answer: Bending soft copper or conduit to change direction without fittings; preferred to reduce joint count and cost
A pipe bender creates smooth directional changes in soft copper or conduit without fittings, reducing the number of potential leak points and the cost of fittings.