SHTF Plumbing Parts Kit

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10/10/20245 min read

What to Include in a SHTF Plumbing Parts Kit: Essential Supplies for Emergency Repairs

In a "Sh*t Hits the Fan" (SHTF) scenario, maintaining your water supply is crucial for survival. Plumbing issues can lead to major problems, such as water shortages, leaks, or even contamination. Preparing a well-stocked SHTF plumbing parts kit ensures you can handle these challenges on your own, even without access to professional help. This guide outlines the essential items to include, covering everything from the right tools and fittings to extra piping.

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1. Know Your Supply Pipes: Diameter and Type

Before assembling your SHTF plumbing kit, it's essential to know the specifics of your water supply pipes, as different types require different tools and fittings. The most common pipe materials you'll encounter in a home are:

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): Flexible, durable, and increasingly popular for water supply lines.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Affordable and widely used for cold water and waste lines.
Copper: A traditional choice, especially in older homes, known for its longevity and corrosion resistance.

Tip: Check the diameter of your pipes, as this determines the size of the fittings and tools you'll need. Standard household pipes are usually ½-inch or ¾-inch, but measuring your pipes ensures that your kit is tailored to your specific setup.

2. Brass SharkBite Ball Valve

A SharkBite ball valve is one of the most versatile and useful items to include in your kit. SharkBite fittings are designed to connect PEX, copper, and CPVC pipes, making them ideal for emergency repairs when you may not know exactly what type of pipe you're dealing with.

Brass ball valves offer reliable shut-off control, which is especially important in an emergency. If a pipe bursts or a leak occurs, you can quickly shut off the water supply at the damaged section.
SharkBite valves are easy to install without special tools, simply pushing onto the pipe to create a watertight seal.

3. Couplers for Various Pipe Types

Couplers are essential for connecting two sections of pipe or repairing a broken line. Make sure to have a variety of couplers for different types of pipe in your kit:

SharkBite couplers: For quick, tool-free connections between PEX, copper, or CPVC pipes.
PVC couplers: If you have PVC pipes, include solvent weld couplers to connect or repair lines.
PEX couplers and crimp rings: If your home uses PEX pipes, you'll need these to connect pipe sections securely.

Having the right coupler for each pipe type in your system ensures you can make fast and effective repairs.

4. Pipe Cutters

To repair broken or damaged pipes, you'll need a reliable pipe cutter. Keep cutters for each pipe type in your kit:

PEX pipe cutters: Specifically designed to cut PEX tubing cleanly without crushing or deforming it.
Copper pipe cutters: For making precise cuts in copper piping, allowing for clean, burr-free edges that ensure proper fittings.
PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw: For cutting through rigid PVC piping. A hacksaw is a more versatile option if you don’t have a dedicated PVC cutter.

Having these tools allows you to quickly size and prepare new pipe sections or remove damaged ones.

5. Extra Supply Line Pipe (3 10ft Sections)

Your kit should include extra piping to replace damaged sections. A common rule of thumb is to keep at least three 10-foot sections of the type of pipe used in your home. This amount should cover basic repairs or replacements without being too bulky to store.

PEX: Flexible and easy to work with, PEX is a good choice for both hot and cold water lines.
PVC: Ideal for cold water or drainage systems. Make sure to store the appropriate adhesive and primer if using PVC.
Copper: If your home uses copper piping, stock up on a few extra lengths to prepare for replacements.

6. Teflon Tape and Pipe Dope

Both Teflon tape and pipe dope (thread sealant) are essential for ensuring leak-free connections in threaded pipe joints.

Teflon tape (also called plumber’s tape) is used to wrap around the threads of pipes and fittings, creating a tight, leak-proof seal.
Pipe dope can be applied to threads in gas or water lines to further prevent leaks and ensure a tight fit.

Having both in your kit ensures you can deal with threaded connections confidently.

7. Pipe Clamps and Repair Tape

In a crisis situation, fast fixes may be necessary, and having the right materials for temporary repairs can buy you time.

Pipe clamps: These are used to temporarily seal small leaks or hold a patch in place until a more permanent repair can be made.
Self-fusing repair tape: This type of silicone tape wraps tightly around a pipe and fuses to itself, forming a watertight seal over small leaks or cracks. It's an excellent stopgap measure.

8. Assorted Fittings and Adapters

Having a variety of elbows, tees, and adapters for your specific pipe type allows you to reroute or extend lines as needed. These fittings can help you navigate tricky repairs or install new lines where necessary.

SharkBite fittings are a versatile choice as they work with multiple types of pipe and require no special tools.
Stock up on PVC elbows, tees, and adapters if you have PVC pipes, along with the necessary solvent and cleaner for bonding joints.
PEX fittings and clamps are necessary if your water system relies on PEX pipes.

9. Hose Clamps

Keep several hose clamps on hand for securing flexible hoses to plumbing lines or stopping leaks at connections. Hose clamps are adjustable and useful for a variety of quick fixes, especially when dealing with makeshift repairs.

10. Plumber’s Wrenches and Adjustable Pliers

You will also need a set of plumber’s wrenches and adjustable pliers to handle pipe joints and connections. These tools allow you to grip and tighten fittings securely and can help you remove stubborn connections.

11. Waterproof Epoxy Putty

For temporary patching of leaks, cracks, or holes in pipes, include a tube of waterproof epoxy putty in your kit. This putty hardens when exposed to water and can create a strong, watertight seal in emergencies. It's particularly useful for sealing small leaks in hard-to-reach areas.

12. Bucket and Towels

While not a plumbing tool, having a bucket and absorbent towels in your kit is essential for managing leaks or draining pipes before repairs. The bucket can collect water, while the towels help contain spills and keep your work area dry.

Conclusion

An SHTF plumbing parts kit is essential for anyone preparing for long-term self-sufficiency. By having the right tools, fittings, extra pipe, and emergency repair supplies, you’ll be ready to handle unexpected plumbing issues without needing outside assistance. Make sure to tailor your kit to the types of pipes in your home, keep essential tools handy, and ensure you have enough replacement materials to cover any situation that may arise. With a well-stocked kit, you can maintain your water supply system even in the most challenging times.