You could be the most skilled plumber in the world, but without the right plumbing tools your project could be dead in the water.
In this article, we’ll cover the essential plumbing tools every plumber should have in their toolbox. We’ll also introduce you to a bonus tool that can help your business get ahead of the competition.
By the end of this this article, you’ll discover:
- Basic plumbing tools you can’t live without
- The top-recommended plumbing tools successful businesses swear by
In addition, you’ll discover an additional bonus tool to immediately boost your business to the next level!
1. Adjustable wrench
An adjustable wrench is a versatile, all-purpose tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Tightening and loosening nuts and bolts, especially in hard-to-reach places
- Working with pipes of all sizes as well as for tightening and loosening pipe fittings
- Working with other tools (e.g. pliers and screwdrivers) to grip objects, turn screws and loosen nuts
Top Expert Recommendations
2. Pipe wrench
Use pipe wrenches to grip and turn pipes. They are typically made of cast iron or steel and have two serrated jaws to grip the pipe.
Use pipe wrenches for a variety of plumbing applications, including:
- Tightening and loosening the nuts and bolts that hold pipe fittings together
- Cutting pipes by applying pressure to the jaws of the wrench
- Removing pipe by gripping the pipe and turning it
- Installing pipes by gripping the pipe and turning it
Top Expert Recommendations
3. Basin Wrench
The trifecta of must-have wrenches is the basin wrench. It’s a specialized plumbing tool with a rotating, self-adjusting gripping head and long handle. Use this wrench to tighten and remove the mounting nuts of faucet tailpieces. The design makes the tool functional in tight spaces where other tools can’t reach.
Here are some of the best uses for a basin wrench:
- Tightening and loosening faucet nuts in tight spaces
- Removing faucets by using the long handle and rotating head to reach the nuts (even ones located behind the sink)
- Installing faucets by using the long handle and rotating head to easily tighten and loosen the nuts To ensure correct installation
Top Expert Recommendations
- Milwaukee Basin Wrenches (1.25-inch and/or 2.5-inch)
- RIGID Basin Wrench
4. Plumber’s snake
A plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger, is a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew or other type of head on the end. It is used to clear clogs in drains and pipes. Additionally, it can be used to find lost objects such as rings.
Here are some of the best uses for a plumber’s snake:
- Clearing clogged drains (the most common use) in sinks, showers, or toilets
- Unclogging pipes that carry water (e.g. sewer pipes)
- Removing and retrieving lost objects in pipes
Top Expert Recommendations
5. Plumber’s Pliers
Plumber’s pliers, also known as water pump pliers, are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Tightening and loosening nuts and bolts (choose from a wide range of opening sizes to grip nearly any shape)
- Cutting wires, hoses and other materials
- Bending and shaping metal using the serrated jaws
- Removing and retrieving lost objects from pipes
- Providing leverage. The long handles of plumber’s pliers can provide leverage, making it easier to turn nuts and bolts.
Top Expert Recommendations
6. Tape measure
A tape measure is essential for any plumbing job. Use it to measure distances. Additionally, you can also use it to mark lines on pipes and other objects.
Top Expert Recommendations
7. Plungers
Plungers are one of the most simple, but effective, plumbing tools for clearing clogged drains. Plus, the large variety of different sizes makes it easy to find the right plunger for specific jobs.
Even though all plungers create suction to remove or pull clogs from drains, the specific plunger you choose depends on the type of drain you need to unclog.
Top Expert Recommendations
8. Thread Seal Tape
Thread seal tape is used to prevent leaks in threaded pipe connections. It’s very effective for many basic plumbing jobs.
Top Expert Recommendations
- Harvey Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber’s Tape
- Hercules Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber’s Tape
- Oatey Fastape Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber’s Tape
9. Hacksaw
A plumber’s hacksaw is a type of saw that is used to cut metal pipes. It has a thin blade that is designed to cut through metal easily. Use plumber’s hacksaws to cut copper, iron and steel pipes.
Here are some of the best uses for a plumber’s hacksaw:
- Cutting pipes (the most common use)
- Removing pipe fittings
- Trimming pipe ends with a clean cut
- Cutting other metal objects (e.g. bolts, nuts and sheet metal)
Top Expert Recommendations
10. Plumber’s Torch
A plumber’s torch is a tool that uses heat to melt solder or brazing rod. Use it in a variety of plumbing applications, including:
- Soldering copper pipes. Soldering is a process of joining two pieces of metal together using a filler metal that melts at a lower temperature than the metal being joined. A plumber’s torch heat the solder until it melts and flows into the joint, bonding the two pieces of metal together.
- Brazing copper pipes. Brazing is a similar process to soldering, but the filler metal melts at a higher temperature than the metal being joined. This makes brazing a stronger joint than soldering.
- Cutting pipes. A plumber’s torch can be used to cut pipes by melting them. This is a quick and easy way to cut pipes often used when the pipes are too small to cut with a saw.
- Removal of flux. Flux is a substance that is used to clean the surfaces of metal before soldering or brazing. Remove the flux after soldering or brazing by using a plumber’s torch to heat the flux until it vaporizes.
Top Expert Recommendations
- Bernzomatic High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
- LEXIVON Butane Torch Multi-Function Kit
- Worthington Trigger Start Propane Torch
In addition to these ten essential tools, there are a few other tools that can be helpful for plumbers. These include:
- Flashlights
- Buckets
- Safety gloves
- Safety glasses
- First-aid kits
Prepare yourself for any job that may come your way by ensuring that you have these tools available.
Bonus Plumbing Tool to Boost Your Business
Software may not sound like an essential tool for your plumbing arsenal. However, today’s plumber has a myriad of business tools available to them.
Next-level plumbing software is instrumental for any successful business. Plus, the #1 plumbing software does all the heavy lifting to ensure your day-to-day processes (e.g. invoicing, accounting and dispatching) are running smoothly.
FieldEdge allows you to spend less time working in your business and more time working on it. As a result, this allows you to focus on higher level tasks to maximize profits and increase conversions.
Here are some of the reasons why FieldEdge should be loaded onto your tablet or phone:
- The mobile CRM allows your business to be run from anywhere. Use your tablet or phone to create work orders and dispatch techs from any mobile device—saving countless hours. Also, create work orders and dispatch technicians.
- The customer management feature allows your plumbers to review completed jobs. This shows the equipment used and allows you to show customers images of the problem and how it gets repaired.
- Invoicing, accounting and collecting immediate payment allows for easy transactions and better cash flow.
Ensure your plumbers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Book a fieldedge demo to see how we can help plumbers while on the job.
Boost Your Business with the Best Plumbing Tools
Using these expert plumbing tools and product recommendations, you know exactly what you need for even the toughest jobs!
Now you have everything you need to:
- Ensure you have the best plumbing tools ready at a moment’s notice
- Break through your worst bottlenecks, maximize profits and surpass ambitious goals using the best plumbing software
Use these top-recommended expert plumbing tools to soar your business to newfound heights so you can start conquering any plumbing job!
