Plumbing Tools List: Essential Tools You’ll Need For Plumbing

Do you know what the best tools for plumbing are? Click here to learn about the essential plumbing tools you’ll need to get the job done.

According to statistics, 10% of homes in the US have water leaks that waste about 90 gallons each day. The most common leaks are dripping faucets, worn toilet flappers, and leaking valves.

Fixing plumbing issues requires knowledge of navigating pipe systems and the correct tools to do the job efficiently. The right plumbing tools will ensure you have an easier job and increase productivity.

You require a wide range of tools to be ready to tackle any plumbing issue that your customers might have efficiently.

Keep reading to know the best tools for plumbing.

Wrenches

Plumbers use wrenches to tighten or loosen pipe fittings. But, the pipe fittings often vary in size, making it impossible to find a one-size-fits-all wrench.

You will need to buy a few wrenches in different shapes and sizes. That way, you can always have the perfect size tool for each customer’s needs.

When buying wrenches, always check on their style and designation. Some of these plumbing tools use metrics, while others use standard measurements.

It would help if you had both types of wrenches since these are the standard measurements.

Pipe Wrench

You will use pipe wrenches to tighten or loosen pipe fittings. The plumbing tools curve at the top, and you can tighten the wrench jaws to grip the pipe fitting better.

The serration on the wrench jaws makes it easy to adjust threaded pipes. Ensure the pipe wrench you pick has a comfortable handle and the adjustable jaws fit a variety of pipes.

Adjustable Wrench

Though like pipe wrenches, the only difference with adjustable wrenches is that their wrench jaws are of a different shape. The tool has an open end allowing them to grip and tighten nuts and bolts.

Since you will encounter many nuts and bolts in different sizes, it’s also good to have a variety of adjustable wrenches.

Basin Wrench

Also known as a “sink wrench,” a basin wrench is suitable for installing or uninstalling sink faucets. The tool has an adjustable head with a long handle allowing you to reach hard-to-reach tight spaces.

The basin wrench you choose should allow you to turn clockwise and anti-clockwise to aid in tightening and losing faucets.

Torque Wrench

A torque wrench will aid you in tightening nuts, bolts, and screws efficiently. Make sure you add a torque wrench to apply the appropriate torque for a leak-proof, long-lasting project.

Internal Pipe Wrench

You will have a messy experience when trying to remove old broken fittings. But, a set of internal pipe wrenches will make these jobs relatively easy.

When you fit these tools well, you can easily grab the inside of a fitting and rotate it out without exposing any other part to damage.

Faucet Key

A faucet key is a plumbing tool that you will use to control water flow through outdoor faucets. You will find two types of faucets, namely sillcock, and cross.

The tools are relatively cheap and will fit snugly into any toolkit due to their small size. Though you will need a specific type of faucet key for a task, most experts choose their faucet key based on their preference.

That’s because any faucet key can complete the essential functions.

Saw and Cutting Tools

Accessing pipes will be, at times, challenging. You often have to cut through walls and pipes to fix or replace old plumbing systems.

Some of these cutting tools are very sharp, so always exercise caution when using the tools. You may need extra safety features, so remember to buy some when shopping for saws and cutting tools.

Hacksaw

Plumbers often use hacksaws to cut through PVC pipes, but you can also use them to cut through wood or plastics. The C-shaped frame design is the most common type of hacksaw currently on the market.

The frame supports a thin blade that you will easily replace when blunt. Ensure the saw you choose has a sturdy frame to act as a nice handle to prevent your hand from slipping while cutting through items.

Such a hacksaw will save you time when you have to replace the blade at work.

Tube Bender

As the name suggests, the plumbing tool bends pipes by forcing them into a new shape. You should apply enough force to the material to get the form you want.

Though you can also do the work manually, a tube bender will make the process faster and preserves the pipes’ integrity. Buy a pipe bender that you can use on many materials.

Pipe Cutter

The handheld tools aid plumbers in cutting through metal pipes – in a few instances, pipe cutters are more efficient than hacksaws.

You can buy pipe cutters in various designs, each cutting through a specific pipe.

Metal Files

The plumbing tools have grooved teeth that aid in smoothening metal surfaces. Note that you will file different materials in different ways.

So, you need to buy different metal files and learn other filing techniques.

Personal Protection Plumbing Tools

Each tool you will use will have its safety risks. But, you can quickly mitigate the risks by using some protective equipment.

Gloves

Disposable gloves are essential for protecting your hands from hazardous materials. But, the best option is to buy durable waterproof gloves since you can reuse them.

Work gloves are great for protecting your arms when using some power tools.

Goggles

You have to protect your eyes and lungs with goggles and masks. There are hazardous elements in the plumbing industry, such as sulfur dioxide, solvents, and asbestos.

Ensure your mask and safety glasses are high-quality with a high safety rating.

Knee Pad

A pair of knee pads will help protect your knees from hard surfaces. But, most plumbers sometimes find it a hassle wearing individual knee pads.

A kneeling pad is better since you can move it around the place. You can even use it as a cushion to your back when working on the ground.

Flashlight and Head Torch

These tools will aid you in seeing things clearly when working in dark areas like under the bathroom or kitchen sinks. Always have a flashlight or head torch when going to your job site.

Heat Shield

The tool protects you from flames and sparks when using soldering tools or torches. A soldering flame protector is a great option, but you can choose a DIY solution by shielding yourself with sheet metal.

A DIY piece of sheet is a standard solution in many industry forums.

Electronic Plumbing Equipment

You can almost do all plumbing jobs using manual tools. But, electronic plumbing tools are vital contractor tools that will aid you in completing the work faster.

Though there aren’t many electronic plumbing tools, you will find a few that you need in your plumbing tool kit.

Plumber’s Torch

An affordable type of torch you should have is a propane torch – the propane you will be using will also be easy to store. The torch you buy should make the sweating process easier and more efficient.

The torch should also contain an interchangeable tip. That way, you can often replace the tip with a higher-quality one, improving its functionality.

Borescope

A borescope assists a plumber in seeing through hard-to-see areas like behind walls or inside pipes. The borescope you choose to buy must have a wide range of views to see a full scope of the area.

The borescope must also have a high-quality camera to have a high-resolution view.

Cordless Drill

You will need some of the best cordless plumbing tools in your plumbing career. A cordless drill is one of the power tools you need for drilling holes in pipes, walls, wood, and other surfaces faster.

The drill has a very durable rechargeable battery. Ensure the drill you buy has a manufacturer’s warranty – you can easily replace the tool in case of a malfunction.

Right Angle Drills

Also known as a 90-degree drill, a right-angle drill will help drill holes between studs and joists. You can drill holes in varying access spaces.

When plumbing, have a 90-degree drill to make the needed holes for pipes to pass through easily.

Press Fitting Systems

You can use press-fitting systems to reduce your welding and soldering time. Using IPS or Iron Pipe Size press-fitting systems, you can mechanically join tubes and fit them with a seal.

Cordless Drain Clog Remover

In your plumbing career, you need an automatic cordless drain clog remover. That’s because homeowners often experience drain clogs.

The electronic plumbing tool will clear many types of drains like bathrooms, sinks, bathtubs, and downspouts.

Plungers

You will always deal with blocked drains throughout your plumbing career. Plungers will aid you in clearing the blocked pipes by forcing up and down water to try and loosen the clog.

You can either buy a few different plungers or choose to buy one versatile plunger.

Cup Plungers

A cup plunger has a flat bottom; you can use it in unclogging sinks and various flat surfaces. The cup forms a tight seal on flat surfaces allowing an up and down water movement by dislodging air.

Accordion Plungers

An accordion plunger is hard to use since they have a more rigid plastic. After adequately securing this plunger, the rigid design will create a more robust seal, making it the best plunger for some.

Flange Plungers

A flange is similar to the cup plunger, but you will often use it in unclogging toilets. The plunger has an extra plastic piece enabling them to seal against any curved surface.

Other Plumbing Equipment

You will need some additional tools to aid you in completing plumbing tasks efficiently. There are some versatile tools you can use in fixing plumbing issues.

That makes these tools essential in your plumbing toolkit.

Soldering Tape, Wire, and Paste

Soldering tape is an ideal plumbing tool since it is heat-resistant, and you can affix it to metal pipes without the risk of damage to the pipes. Also, use waterproof glue to create a seal on a wet surface.

A tracer wire will aid you in identifying the specific location of any pipe buried in the ground.

Plumber’s Tape

A plumber’s tape will aid you in wrapping around pipe joints when screwing. The tape then forms a watertight seal and efficiently stops leaks from occurring at pipe joints.

Ensure the roll you buy has a large tape quantity to enable it to last long.

Snakes and Augers

You can also use snakes and augers to unclog drains. Snakes unclog drains in the house while augers unclog drains outside the house.

You need both to ensure you can sufficiently tackle any clogs at the job site.

PEX Pipe Expander and Fittings

The plumbing industry has PEX piping as one of the latest innovations. The system is flexible, resilient plastic piping offering excellent reliability and convenience.

The expander looks like a drill allowing you to widen it when you want to insert a metal fitting. The piping regains its original shape, so once you remove the pipe expander, the extended mouth will close on the fitting, and form a perfect seal.

Crimpers

PEX-related plumbing also requires crimpers – you can use them with other piping types. You will use crimping tools to join many pieces of any material together.

The tools can deform one or both pieces to hold each other firmly.

Buy the Best Plumbing Tools in the Market

The above plumbing tips will help you have a successful plumbing career.

Though the list of plumbing tools is not exhaustive, these tools will assist you in fixing most plumbing issues.

Want to buy top-quality plumbing tools?

At Contractor Tool Supply, we will provide you with the latest plumbing tools at the best prices. Our experience in the construction business enables us to advise you on the best plumbing tools to have for your career.

Contact us now to learn more about our services.