The Professional Plumbing Tools List

Let’s start with the basics. No matter the job you’re on, you’ll need hand tools.

Plumbing hand tools are essential for efficient plumbing tasks. They can include but are not limited to pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, pliers, basin wrenches, pipe cutters, threaders, reamers, and benders. These tools enable precise work and ensure the smooth functioning of plumbing systems.

Plumber Wrenches: The Power of Variety

The wrench is synonymous with plumbing, an essential tool that no plumber can do without. A well-equipped plumber understands the need for multiple wrenches as they tackle different tasks on the job site.

Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is an indispensable tool in the world of plumbing. It boasts a sturdy, adjustable jaw that tightly grips and loosens nuts and fittings on pipework with unwavering precision. Plumbers often use a dual-wrench technique, one to hold the pipe in place and the other to turn the nut or fitting in the proper direction.

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An adjustable wrench, also known as an adjustable spanner or crescent wrench, is used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. Plumbers typically use the 6-inch and 10-inch models because they are made for hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipelines. Believe me. You’ll want to have this in your toolbox.

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As a plumber, you’ll frequently be working on sinks and faucets. You’ll need something to quickly and efficiently disconnect it. The Basin Wrench is a vital tool plumbers use to reach confined spaces and adjust the nuts that secure faucets, preventing leaks and ensuring proper functionality. With its T-shaped design and clamp-like feature, the Basin Wrench is indispensable in accessing tight plumbing maintenance and repair areas.

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This small X-shaped tool isn’t your typical wrench, but it’s essential for your plumbing jobs. This faucet key is critical in opening and closing spigots and sillcocks. There are adaptable models available for dealing with various stem fittings. Our  expert Pasco pick  offers a tool for valves ¼”, 9/32”, 5/16”, and 11/32”. Don’t get caught not having one of them. You’ll regret it.

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To ensure everyone’s safety, a torque wrench is extremely helpful. You have to be careful when tightening nuts, bolts, and pipe fittings because if you hulk out and tighten them too much, you could break them, and if you don’t secure them enough, they could fall out and cause a leak. Usually, torque wrenches are used solely to tighten, but our  expert Milwaukee pick  offers four drive controls to loosen the nut or bolt quickly.

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Internal pipe wrenches are crucial in extracting broken threaded ends, small nipples, pipe plugs, and fittings. Specifically designed to grip the inside of pipes or fittings, these tools provide a reliable means of removal.

Now, you may wonder why you need an internal pipe wrench because if something just breaks off, why couldn’t you grab some needle nose pliers and wiggle it out? You can do that, but it’ll take longer, and you don’t want to chance cutting yourself on some rusty metal you can’t see.

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As a plumber, you will constantly work in and around pipes. You’ll want to keep stock in tools that make your life a little easier when working on pipes, and that’s why we have provided you with a wide range of tools and methods to save you time and money.

Eventually, you’ll run into a job where you must cut tubing. Again, you could use your handy knife or hacksaw, but it won’t be as accurate or safe. A tubing cutter provides a quicker, cleaner, and more consistent cut for various pipes.

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When the going gets tough, and you’ve run out of options or don’t have the right tool, the hacksaw will come to your rescue. As stated above, this tool can cut through various hardware, from screws, nuts, bolts, studs, and pipes.

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Now that we have tools for cutting pipe and tubing, we need something to help you cut access holes for the places you’ll be fixing and reinstalling materials for pipework or plumbing. This handy tool can be called a hole cutter, made up of a cup-shaped metal cylinder. Typically, a drill bit is used alongside the hole saw to align the circular hole and prevent the saw from sliding, while the open-ended side of the hole saw features a toothed edge for cutting.

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Sometimes, you don’t need or want to cut the pipe or tubing; instead, you need to bend them into shape. This  RIDGID tube bender  accurately and consistently bends copper tubing. Plumbers tend to use this instead of trying to create a fitting, as it’s easier to just bend the material, if possible, around the obstacles.

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Plumbers use a tube bender to eliminate the need for fittings, similar to how a pipe bender is utilized. You can save time by easily maneuvering the tubing around an obstacle. The  RIDGID stainless steel tube bender  consistently bends copper and steel tubing.

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Before you get the torch, you need something to hold the material in place. Mole grips or locking pliers are what you need. You don't want it to slip if you’re trying to bend or solder metal piping. With these  Milwaukee grips  , you can easily do the job without compromising your safety.

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Now that you’ve got your locking plier grips, you should have your portable torch kit. Welding equipment is essential for plumbing work as you often need to add new fixtures, fix leaking valves, and replace rusted pipes. Choosing the right torch is vital because this tool is one that you don’t want to cheap out on. A good torch will save you time and money in the long run.

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The tape plumbers swear by– Thread sealing tape, commonly called "plumber's tape," is the go-to remedy for patching up or avoiding leaks in threaded joint connections. This high-quality tape is built to withstand extreme temperatures and never dries out. It stretches for a snug fit, providing excellent coverage. A common practice is to use this tape to create watertight seals on the joints of pipes when they don’t have a rubber seal.

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Working in the bathroom and around water is one of the top descriptions of a plumber. You’ll often be tearing things out to replace or fix pipes, leaks, etc. Eventually, once you finish, you’ll need to put that all back together and seal it again to prevent future problems. That’s where the caulking gun with silicone caulk comes in to close up all the cracks and gaps.

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You will need some pliers when your wrenches can’t do the job. Typically, you can get away with having a small assortment of pliers that you carry around everywhere. One of the pliers should do the job since they can get into tighter places.

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If you’re unable to use your torch or would rather not deal with burning materials while you work, I’d suggest getting a  Press Fitting System  . Instead of soldering, you can connect pipes easily using this tool. Plus, you save time using this system as there is no waiting period for drying after you’ve finished.

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If you need to join copper tubing with specific copper fittings, you’ll need a power crimping tool like this one. When fittings need to be attached quickly, the  Milwaukee press tool with PEX crimp jaws  is the way to go. It’s the fastest tool on the market and crimps 40% faster than other tools. This crimping tool kit will make your life easier as you don’t have to worry if the connection is tight enough because this tool does a full press. Every. Single. Time.

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Deburring tools are essential for plumbers so they can remove burrs from pipe edges after making modifications. These deburring tools ensure smooth and clean finishes, preventing potential disruptions or obstructions within the pipe.

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You can’t have one without the other. If you have a deburring tool, you also need a reaming tool. These go hand in hand when trying to open or widen a pipe opening. This tool makes the mess, and the deburring tool cleans it up.

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Like the deburring tool, a metal file kit helps smooth the edges around pipes that may have become rough from cutting and shaping. The metal file can be used on either metal or plastic, so there is no need to worry about the type of material it’ll be used on.

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A flaring tool is similar to a swaging tool, but you can buy a non-ratcheting or ratcheting one. Flaring is a different shape than a swaging tool and is much shallower. If you need to go deep into a pipe, you’ll need a swaging tool instead.

Our Expert Non-Ratcheting Pick

Our Expert Ratcheting Pick

A  ratcheting pipe threader   is a robust tool that plumbers use to cut threads into pipe ends and make watertight seals for pipe joints. Using this tool, You can establish secure connections that prevent leaks and safeguard the structural integrity of plumbing systems. A ratcheting pipe threader is an essential tool for plumbing professionals since it has precise threading capabilities.

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Powered threaders  offer significant advantages over manual threaders. They are much faster, threading pipes in seconds compared to minutes. This speed is especially beneficial in commercial and industrial settings with high volumes of pipes. Powered threaders also require less physical effort, reducing fatigue. They deliver consistent results with uniform threads due to their steady, even force, while manual threading relies on user skill and effort, leading to potential variations. Moreover, powered threaders enable multitasking, allowing plumbers to attend to other tasks while the machine works on a pipe, increasing overall efficiency.

Our  RIDGID expert pick  can cut right and left-hand threads in seconds, saving you time, effort, and money. Seriously, you don’t want to get caught in the field without this tool.

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Don’t worry. There isn’t actually acid on this brush. This  brush  is called for if you’re doing a lot of soldering. Without this small tool, you couldn’t apply the acid flux needed.

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Drain cleaning tools are essential for plumbers to maintain and restore proper drain flow. These tools include plungers, hand augers, drain snakes, hydro-jetting machines, borescopes, sink machines, and SeeSnake Inspection cameras. Plumbers can efficiently address different clogs and blockages with these options, ensuring optimal plumbing system functionality.

This plunger isn’t like your typical household toilet plunger. A professional plumbers plunger takes it to another level of suction and power. Just in case, you should keep a personal one with you on jobs.

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Plumbers rely on hand augers, a compact and handheld tool, to clear clogs in drains effectively. This tool has a long flexible metal wire with a  corkscrew auger  attached to the end, allowing it to “screw” into the line. You can drive a cable deep into the drain using a hand crank, breaking apart obstructions and restoring proper flow. Hand augers are specialized tools designed specifically for unclogging toilets.

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If you don’t want the mess of touching the cable and you’re dealing with secondary drains, you’ll probably want a  Sink Machine  . These machines are used for internal clogs like sinks and bathtubs. They are effective at unclogging obstructions in cases where a plunger fails. In tough cases, a sink machine can handle deep and stubborn clogs.

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Before tackling a clog or obstruction, getting a visual of what is happening inside the pipes is a good idea. These  SeeSnake inspection cameras  are also great for routine checks. This machine gives you a clear visual of the condition inside the line and gives you and the customer a better understanding of the issue and how to resolve it. Typically, plumbers use a SeeSnake camera inspection to diagnose problems in sewer lines.

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Similar to the SeeSnake drain camera inspection machine, a borescope tool provides a visual of the inside of the pipe, except it’s smaller. This visual is typically for behind-the-wall inspections or drain lines no longer than 10ft. You can use this before and after a clog or problem in the wall to ensure everything is clear or fixed.

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Here’s another piece of equipment that you may wonder if you need. Since you have a high-tech drain camera and sink machine, why would you need anything else? The answer is simple—grease and sand buildup.  Hydro water jet machines  are perfect for flushing sand from bellied lines and clearing grease-clogged lines. When you need help breaking up thick clogs, a water jetting machine is what you need.

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With the new technology these days, you’ve got to have some software and business applications on your side. If you’re just starting out, having at least a few under your belt is vital to help your business run smoothly. Even just having a few calculators to speed up the math process will save you time on the job.

Essential miscellaneous tools and safety gear are crucial for plumbers. They include flashlights, toolboxes, tape measures, gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing, and more. These tools and gear ensure precise work and minimize the risk of injuries, enabling plumbers to work efficiently and safely.

Having adequate light is essential for where you’ll be working. Most plumbers have at least one flashlight on them, just in case. Looking through crawl spaces or being up in attics, you need to be able to see what you’re working on.

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Having a bucket available is a smart move. You already know that when working with plumbing, there is bound to be some leftover water or mess. You can store tools or capture excess water or grime with this bucket.

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Pressure gauges are essential for plumbers to diagnose, install, and maintain plumbing systems effectively. They aid in system diagnosis by determining the cause of low water pressure in faucets or showers, indicating if it's due to low pressure in the water supply line. During system installation, pressure gauges ensure the plumbing operates within the correct pressure range, ensuring the proper functioning of components like water heaters and irrigation systems. They also contribute to safety by identifying and addressing overpressure situations that could lead to pipe bursts or fixture failures.

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An emery cloth may be miscellaneous, but you need it in your toolbox. An abrasive material helps smooth the edges of a copper pipe after you’ve finished working on it. Though you may have deburring tools, keeping some emery cloth on hand is always good because emery cloth allows plumbers to address surface imperfections, remove corrosion, and deburr pipe edges, facilitating proper installations, enhancing system performance, and ensuring the safety of both the plumber and the plumbing system.

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A tape measure is something every professional should have. As professionals say, “Measure twice, cut once,” and you can’t measure anything if you don’t have a durable and reliable tape measure.

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The stubby screwdriver is one of those tools you’ll wish you had. It may not get used as often as your regular screwdrivers, but it’ll save you in the long run when you get into a tight spot.

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Now that you’re buying all these tools, you need somewhere to put them all and transport them to job sites. A tough pack-out rolling toolbox is the way to go, and it saves your back. The Milwaukee 48-22-8426 Packout Rolling Tool Box is our top pick for the packout modular storage system. Its durable construction and rolling capability are the perfect foundation for building your customized storage solution. Seamlessly integrate various packout components like organizers, tool bags, hooks, racks, and holders. Create your ideal system configuration to suit your needs with this versatile and convenient toolbox.

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The pack-out toolbox is great for getting all your tools to the job site, but you don’t need all of them at once. Having the essential tools on your person in a tool belt is convenient. It saves you space and time, as you don’t have to walk back and forth for the necessary tools.

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Speaking of saving your back, buying a good back support brace is critical if you want to stay in business. Plumbing is labor intensive, and the weight of your machinery can harm you if you’re not careful.

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You may not think you need them, but with plumbing, you’ll be on your knees frequently as pipes and drains are usually low to the ground. When you have efficient knee stabilizers, you ensure your knees stay as young as you are.

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Having accurate and reliable testing equipment is not only for your safety but also for the customers. Detection of gas and carbon monoxide can save lives if done quickly.

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Plumbing is not without its risks. Whether working with chemicals or soldering pipes together, having the correct mask will ensure you are safe. Use a disposable mask when cutting pipes or surrounded by particles and heavy-duty masks when dealing with chemicals.

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Our Expert Heavy-Duty Pick

Every plumber has a pair of good sturdy gloves. These are essential for keeping your hands safe from chemicals, heat, and sharp objects. Don’t forget these when you’re going on a job.

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Your eyes are invaluable tools. In your line of work, airborne particles are a frequent hazard. Whether it's metal shavings from pipes, drywall, dust, or dangerous chemicals, they pose a serious threat. Protecting your eyes is crucial for maintaining vision and ensuring successful work performance.

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Protecting your head is incredibly important in this line of work. Falling debris can have serious consequences, and unfortunately, too many workers realize that when it's too late. With a hard hat, you’re adequately protected.

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