What Tools Do Plumbers Use? – An Overview Of Essential Plumbing Tools?

For plumbers, having the right tools is crucial for completing tasks efficiently and effectively. From fixing leaks to installing new fixtures, having a well-equipped toolbox ensures plumbers are ready to tackle any job that comes their way. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 25 essential plumbing tools used by professionals in the field. These tools are tried-and-true, and trusted by plumbers for their reliability and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned plumber or just starting out in the trade, understanding the importance of these tools and how to use them effectively can make all the difference in delivering top-notch service to clients. So, let’s dive in and discover the must-have tools that every plumber should have in their arsenal.

25 Essential Plumbing Tools Used by The Plumbers

If you’re looking to tackle plumbing tasks efficiently, having the appropriate tools is key. Whether you’re a homeowner doing small repairs by yourself or a plumbing professional, the right tools can make your work smoother and more effective. With a wide array of plumbing gadgets out there, it’s essential to focus on the foundational tools that have stood the test of time. In this guide, we’ll explore 25 essential elemental plumbing tools for any toolbox. These tools are trusted by plumbers and homeowners alike for their reliability and versatility, ensuring you’re equipped for a variety of plumbing tasks with ease.

The Wrenches

When it comes to plumbing, the wrench is an iconic tool. A plumber’s arsenal isn’t complete without it. However, there isn’t just one wrench for every job. Plumbers often carry a variety of wrenches to tackle different tasks effectively on-site.

1. Pipe Wrench

The pipe wrench is a staple tool in any plumber’s arsenal, renowned for its robust design and versatility. Designed with serrated jaws, this wrench provides a firm grip on pipes and fittings, allowing plumbers to manipulate them with ease. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Connecting or disconnecting threaded pipes and fittings.
    • Versatile Grip: Its adjustable jaw accommodates various pipe sizes, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of plumbing fixtures.
    • Enhanced Leverage: The long handle provides additional torque, making it easier to tighten or loosen stubborn fittings.
    • Durable Construction: Constructed from sturdy materials, pipe wrenches withstand the rigors of demanding plumbing tasks, ensuring longevity and reliability for plumbers.

2. Basin Wrench

When it comes to working in tight spaces, plumbers rely on the basin wrench to tackle faucet installations and repairs beneath sinks. Here’s why it’s an essential plumbing tool:

• • • Best Used For: Installing, removing, and repairing sink faucets.
    • Compact Design: Its slim profile and long handle facilitate access to cramped areas, such as behind or under sinks, where traditional wrenches struggle to reach.
    • Efficient Operation: The vertical handle allows plumbers to easily tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, streamlining faucet maintenance tasks.
    • Secure Grip: The specialized jaw design ensures a secure grip on nuts, minimizing the risk of slippage and potential damage to plumbing fixtures.

3. Adjustable Wrench

Versatility meets convenience with the adjustable wrench, also known as the crescent wrench, a must-have for plumbers tackling various pipe fittings and fasteners. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Loosening and tightening pipe fittings and fasteners of various sizes.
    • Adaptable Jaw: The adjustable jaw accommodates different nut and bolt sizes, eliminating the need for multiple wrenches during a plumbing job.
    • Ease of Use: Plumbers can quickly adjust the wrench to fit the desired size, saving time and effort on the job.
    • Ample Torque: The longer handle provides ample leverage for turning stubborn fittings, ensuring efficient and effective plumbing repairs.

4. Faucet Key

When outdoor water valves need attention, the faucet key, also known as the sillcock or hose bib key, steps in to control the flow. Here’s why it’s a crucial plumbing tool:

• • • Best Used For: Turning water on or off from outside a structure, particularly for winterization or construction projects.
    • Specialized Design: The key’s square or pentagon-shaped end fits seamlessly into outdoor spigot valves, enabling precise control of water flow.
    • Convenience: Plumbers can swiftly access and manipulate outdoor faucets without the need for makeshift tools, enhancing workflow efficiency.
    • Preventative Maintenance: By facilitating easy water shutoff for winterization or repairs, faucet keys help safeguard plumbing systems from potential damage due to freezing temperatures or leaks.

Pipe Work

Plumbers rely heavily on a range of tools to work efficiently with different types of pipes like polyethylene, PVC, drain pipes, and copper tubing. They utilize modern techniques to handle repairs, alterations, replacements, and installations in tight spaces within homes. These tools and methods are essential for ensuring smooth plumbing operations and addressing various piping needs effectively.

5. Hacksaw

A versatile cutting tool, the hacksaw is a plumber’s go-to for handling pipes and materials that require manual cutting. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Cutting pipes by hand during installation and repairs, especially in situations where a pipe cutter won’t suffice.
    • Flexibility: Ideal for cutting through various materials, including metal and plastic, making it adaptable to different plumbing scenarios.
    • Precision Cutting: Offers plumbers greater control due to its handheld operation, enabling precise cuts around obstacles or oddly shaped pipes.
    • Handy Backup: Acts as a reliable backup when power tools are unavailable or impractical, ensuring uninterrupted workflow on plumbing jobs.

6. Tubing Cutters + Plastic Pipe Cutters

For plumbers dealing with copper or plastic piping, tubing cutters and plastic pipe cutters are indispensable tools for precision cutting. Here’s why they’re essential:

• • • Best Used For: Removing, replacing, and resizing copper and plastic pipes with accuracy and efficiency.
    • Ease of Use: Designed for handheld operation, these cutters are user-friendly for both novice and experienced plumbers, ensuring hassle-free pipe manipulation.
    • Versatility: Available in various models, plumbers can choose the cutter that best suits their needs, whether for tight spaces, large diameters, or specific materials.
    • Clean Cuts: Produce clean, burr-free cuts, minimizing the need for additional finishing work and ensuring optimal pipe fitting and sealing.

7. Plumber’s Torch

When it comes to quick and durable pipe repairs, the plumber’s torch is an invaluable tool in a plumber’s toolkit. Here’s why it’s essential:

• • • Best Used For: Joining or repairing copper and steel pipes and fittings with a watertight seal.
    • Localized Heat Source: Provides precise heat application, melting solder wire or paste to create strong, permanent connections between pipes and fittings.
    • Efficiency: Offers rapid heating and cooling, allowing plumbers to complete soldering tasks quickly and effectively.
    • Durability: Produces durable seals that withstand the rigors of plumbing systems, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements.

8. Thread Sealing Tape

For creating watertight seals between threaded pipes, a plumber’s tape is a simple yet effective solution. Here’s why it’s a must-have plumbing tool:

• • • Best Used For: Creating watertight seals between two threaded pipes, preventing leaks, and ensuring plumbing system integrity.
    • Nonstick Properties: Made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the tape prevents threads from sticking together, facilitating smooth assembly and disassembly of pipe connections.
    • Cost-Effective: Offers an affordable and efficient means of achieving leak-free connections, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
    • Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of plumbing tasks, from residential repairs to industrial installations, making it a versatile addition to any plumber’s toolkit.

9. Adjustable Pliers (Channellock Tongue-and-Groove Pliers)

Versatility meets efficiency with adjustable pliers, also known as Channellock tongue-and-groove pliers, offering plumbers a multifunctional solution for gripping and clamping various materials. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Gripping and clamping nuts, bolts, pipes, fasteners, and fittings of all types and sizes without slipping.
    • Adjustable Jaws: The jaws can be easily adjusted to accommodate different sizes of materials, eliminating the need for multiple sets of pliers.
    • Enhanced Grip: Provides a secure grip on materials, ensuring precise manipulation and preventing slippage during plumbing tasks.
    • Time-Saving: Replaces the need for multiple pliers, streamlining workflow and enhancing efficiency on plumbing jobs.

10. Deburring Tool

For achieving smooth and seamless pipe surfaces, plumbers rely on deburring tools to remove burrs resulting from cutting and drilling. Here’s why they’re essential:

• • • Best Used For: Removing burrs from metal or plastic pipes to prevent erosion and ensure a smooth surface finish.
    • Erosion Prevention: Smoothens pipe edges to prevent erosion and maintain optimal flow within the plumbing system.
    • Improved Aesthetics: Creates a professional finish, enhancing the appearance of pipe installations and repairs.
    • Longevity: Helps extend the lifespan of pipes by eliminating sharp edges that could lead to premature wear and tear.

11. Press Fitting Systems

Revolutionizing pipe joining methods, press fitting systems offer plumbers a modern alternative to traditional soldering techniques. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Joining stainless steel and copper pipes in water supply lines and heating systems with efficiency and reliability.
    • Mechanical Pressing: Utilizes mechanical press technology to securely join pipes without the need for soldering, minimizing installation time and labor.
    • Watertight Sealing: Incorporates sealing elements like EPDM rubber to ensure watertight connections, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.
    • Ease of Use: Simplifies the pipe joining process, making it accessible to plumbers of all skill levels and enhancing overall workflow efficiency.

Clearing Clogs and Blockages

Plumbers often encounter blockages in drains, which can disrupt the smooth flow of water. They’re adept at handling stubborn clogs in various plumbing fixtures like sinks, showers, toilets, and garbage disposals. Drain cleaning is a routine task for plumbers, who rely on specific tools to ensure the homeowner’s plumbing remains clear and functional.

12. Plungers

Plungers are essential manual tools used by plumbers to clear clogs and blockages in drains, toilets, and pipes by utilizing air pressure. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Clearing out clogs and blockages in drains, toilets, and pipes.
    • Two Types: Plumbers typically use two types of plungers: cup plungers, designed for drains on flat surfaces like shower drains and sinks, and flange plungers, featuring a rubber extension optimal for fitting to and unclogging toilets.
    • Versatile: Effective for a wide range of plumbing fixtures, including sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets.
    • Manual Operation: Requires no external power source, making plungers a convenient and accessible solution for immediate clog removal.

13. Hand Auger

A hand auger, also known as a drain snake or drain auger, is a handheld device plumbers use to break apart and clear clogs deep down a drain. Here’s why it’s essential:

• • • Best Used For: Clearing clogs in smaller drains such as hand basins or kitchen sinks.
    • Handheld: Compact and portable, allowing plumbers to maneuver and operate it easily in tight spaces.
    • Hand Crank Operation: Driven by a hand crank, allowing plumbers to control the speed and direction of the cable as it navigates through the drain.
    • Effective: Breaks apart and removes stubborn clogs that are difficult to dislodge with other methods, ensuring optimal drainage flow.

14. Snake Machine

When clogs prove to be particularly stubborn or deep, plumbers turn to snake machines, larger motorized versions of hand augers. Here’s why they’re essential:

• • • Best Used For: Dislodging deep or stubborn clogs that hand augers may struggle to reach or remove.
    • Motorized Operation: Equipped with a powerful motor, providing the necessary force to break apart and clear challenging clogs.
    • Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of drain sizes and types, making it a versatile solution for various plumbing scenarios.
    • Efficiency: Offers efficient clog removal, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted plumbing systems.

15. Drain Inspection Camera

A drain inspection camera is a vital tool for plumbers to locate blockages, inspect pipes for damage, and identify potential drainage issues. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Locating blockages, inspecting pipes for corrosion, cracks, and other damages.
    • Small and Powerful: Compact camera attached to a long cable with an LED light, allowing plumbers to navigate through drains and visually inspect pipes.
    • Precision Inspection: Provides clear visuals of pipe interiors, enabling plumbers to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem.
    • Preventative Maintenance: Helps detect issues early on, allowing for timely repairs and minimizing the risk of costly plumbing emergencies.

Safety Tools

Skilled plumbers understand the risks involved in their work, but they also know the importance of using the right tools for safety. Various tools are designed to protect plumbing professionals and reduce the likelihood of accidents. These essential safety tools should always be part of any plumber’s toolkit to ensure a secure and accident-free work environment.

16. Safety Goggles

Safety goggles are vital personal protective equipment (PPE) for plumbers, providing essential eye protection against various hazards present in the worksite. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Protecting your eyes from strong chemicals, dust, and other debris encountered during plumbing tasks.
    • Comfortable Fit: Well-fitting goggles sit comfortably over the eyes and can be worn over prescription lenses if necessary, ensuring maximum comfort and protection.
    • Adjustable Straps: Securely fasten the goggles before beginning work by adjusting the straps as needed, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
    • Essential Safety Measure: Help prevent eye injuries caused by exposure to hazardous materials, ensuring the safety and well-being of plumbers on the job.

17. Gloves

Work gloves are essential for protecting plumbers’ hands from blisters, cuts, and other minor injuries that can occur during extensive manual labor. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Protecting hands from blisters, cuts, and other minor injuries while working with plumbing tools and materials.
    • Comfortable and Flexible: Well-fitting gloves offer a comfortable fit and allow for a full range of motion in hands and fingers, enhancing dexterity and productivity.
    • Preventive Measure: Minimize the risk of hand injuries caused by repetitive tasks or accidental slips while handling tools and equipment.
    • Enhanced Safety: Serves as a crucial layer of protection, ensuring plumbers can work confidently and safely in various plumbing environments.

18. Heat Shields/Pads

For plumbers engaged in soldering tasks, heat shields and pads are essential safety equipment to protect against heat damage and fire hazards. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Protecting plumbers and the surrounding environment from heat damage or fire during soldering tasks.
    • Critical Safety Measure: Essential for preventing burns and injuries caused by exposure to high temperatures during soldering operations.
    • Reliable Protection: Shield plumbers and nearby surfaces from heat-related accidents, ensuring a safe and controlled working environment.
    • Enhanced Workmanship: Enable plumbers to focus on soldering tasks with confidence, knowing they’re adequately protected from potential hazards.

19. Hard Hat

A hard hat is a crucial piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to safeguard plumbers and workers from head injuries in hazardous environments. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Protecting your head from the impact of falling objects, low structures, and projectiles commonly found on worksites.
    • Head Injury Prevention: Shields the head from potential impacts, reducing the risk of head injuries caused by falling debris or accidental bumps.
    • Proper Fit: Ensure the hard hat fits properly by adjusting the ratchet system, providing a snug and secure fit for optimal protection.
    • Safety Standard Compliance: Essential for compliance with safety regulations and standards, ensuring a safe working environment for plumbers and construction workers alike.

Other Essential Plumbing Tools

In the dynamic world of plumbing, innovation never ceases. From revamped hardware to cutting-edge technologies, there’s a constant stream of new tools and solutions empowering plumbing professionals to elevate their craft and enhance their business operations.

20. PEX Pipe Expander & Fittings

PEX piping revolutionizes plumbing with its resilience and flexibility, and a PEX expander tool plays a vital role in its installation. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Widening the mouth of PEX piping to insert metal fittings, ensuring a secure and watertight seal.
    • Efficient Installation: Expedites the installation process by seamlessly fitting metal fittings into PEX piping without the need for glues or solvents.
    • Perfect Seal: Creates a perfect seal as the PEX piping retains its original shape, firmly closing in on the fitting, preventing water leaks or seepage.
    • Reliable Performance: Ensures long-term reliability and durability of plumbing systems by facilitating secure connections between PEX piping and metal fittings.

21. Crimpers

Crimpers are versatile tools essential for joining multiple pieces of metal or other materials in various plumbing applications. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Joining multiple pieces of metal or other materials by deforming or squeezing them to hold them together securely.
    • PEX Plumbing: Crucial for PEX-related plumbing tasks, ensuring secure connections between PEX piping and fittings.
    • Versatility: Widely used across different types of piping systems, including copper, stainless steel, and other materials.
    • Precision: Provides precise and uniform crimping, ensuring leak-free connections and optimal performance of plumbing systems.

 22. Tube Bender

Tube benders are specialized tools designed for bending tubes, rods, and bars, offering plumbers precision and flexibility in pipe shaping. Here’s why they’re indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Bending tubes, rods, and bars without crimping or damaging the material, ensuring smooth and uniform bends.
    • Versatile Applications: Ideal for bending pipes made from copper or stainless steel, catering to diverse plumbing needs.
    • Efficient Installation: Facilitates efficient and precise pipe installation by enabling plumbers to create custom bends as per project requirements.
    • Professional Finish: Ensures professional-looking installations with smooth and accurately bent pipes, enhancing the aesthetics of plumbing systems.

 23. Stubby Screwdriver

Stubby screwdrivers, also known as cabinet screwdrivers, are indispensable tools for plumbers due to their compact design and versatility. Here’s why they’re essential:

• • • Best Used For: Tightening and loosening screws found in tight spaces, such as behind toilets, under sinks, and inside cabinets. Fitting tiny screws, particularly those found on cabinet hinges, with ease.
    • Compact Design: Features a shorter handle and shaft, making them easier to maneuver in confined spaces where standard screwdrivers might not reach.
    • Versatile Applications: Ideal for various plumbing tasks that require precision handling of screws in hard-to-reach areas.
    • Convenience: Offers convenience and efficiency in completing plumbing installations and repairs in cramped quarters.

24. Cartridge Puller

A cartridge puller is an essential tool for plumbers tasked with faucet repairs, particularly in single-handle faucets. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Removing cartridges in single-handle faucets found in showers and some sinks.
    • Efficient Removal: Shaped like a T with two prongs at the end, allowing plumbers to clamp and turn the cartridge to loosen and remove it efficiently.
    • Precise Application: Provides precise control and grip, ensuring the safe and effective removal of cartridges without damaging surrounding components.
    • Streamlined Repair Process: Facilitates the quick and hassle-free removal of cartridges, expediting faucet repairs and minimizing downtime for clients.

 25. Nipple Extractor

A nipple extractor is a valuable tool for plumbers dealing with threaded pipes and fittings, particularly in situations where rust or corrosion makes removal challenging. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

• • • Best Used For: Removing the threaded nipple, a short section of a threaded pipe, when adjustments, repairs, or replacements are necessary.
    • Effortless Removal: Grips the threaded end of the nipple securely, allowing plumbers to loosen and remove it with ease, even in challenging conditions.
    • Prevents Damage: Helps prevent damage to pipes and fittings during removal, ensuring a smooth and seamless repair process.
    • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlines plumbing maintenance and repair tasks by enabling plumbers to tackle stubborn nipple removals efficiently, saving time and effort on the job.

By incorporating these essential plumbing tools into their toolkit, plumbers can enhance their efficiency, precision, and effectiveness in various plumbing tasks, ultimately delivering exceptional service to their clients.

Contact a Professional Plumber for Your Plumbing Needs

At Trusted Plumbing & Heating, our dedication to providing top-notch services and exceeding customer expectations is unmatched. We believe in honesty, integrity, and building lasting relationships with our clients. Our team of skilled and insured plumbers is committed to ensuring your safety and satisfaction in every job we undertake.

What sets us apart from other plumbing companies in the Western Washington area is our unwavering commitment to staying updated with the latest industry developments. We invest in ongoing training for our plumbers to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle any plumbing challenge effectively.

Your happiness is our priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure that you are satisfied with our services and your plumbing system’s performance. So, if you’re looking for reliable and trustworthy plumbing services, look no further than Trusted Plumbing & Heating. Give us a call at (425) 333-2559 or fill out this online form for a quick quote and experience the difference today!