When servicing homeowners, plumbers are constantly faced with a number of challenges, such as navigating small spaces, avoiding health hazards, and a variety of other challenges. Whether you are a residential plumber or a commercial plumber, these challenges require the right plumber tools and a specific skill set. Below, we’ll take a look at the 28 best tools for plumbers while on the job.
We’ll start out with a list of plumbing tools you can find at any commercial plumbing supplier’s store, and then we’ll take a deeper dive into each tool for plumbers afterward.
Now let’s take a deeper dive into each tool on this plumber’s tools list.
Best Plumbing Tools For Pipe Work (Pipe Tools)
1) Tubing Cutter (“Pipe Cutters”)
A tool used by plumbers to cut through plastic tubing, with each one having its own cutting range.
2) Hacksaw
Plumbers typically carry hacksaws so that they can cut through a variety of items, including nuts, bolts, pipes, and screws. Make sure you keep spare blades around too!
3) Hole-saw kit
A hole saw is used to cut perfectly round holes in a variety of materials.
4) Mole grips
Used to hold metal parts in place during welding, such as when a plumber is using a plumber’s torch to seal copper pipes by soldering them.
5) Pipe and tube benders (“Pipe bender”)
This plumber tool is used to bend a range of piping and tubing instead of creating a fitting.
6) Pliers
These are used every day by plumbers. Easily tighten or loosen nuts and bolts that wrenches can’t grab onto.
7) Plumber’s torch
A plumber’s soldering torch is a handheld tool used to apply heat to a precise area of piping, allowing you to seal new piping for installs and replacements.
8) Press fitting systems
Iron Pipe Size (IPS) press fitting systems enable plumbers to press a connection onto a pipe, resulting in a watertight connection or seal.
9) Flashlight
Plumbers are commonly required to go into dark spaces, such as basements, so having a handy tool like a flashlight is always a good idea.
10) Thread-sealing tape (“Plumber’s Tape”)
Thread sealing tape is used to patch or prevent leaks in piping.
11) A bucket
Even when the water is turned off in the home, there is still going to be some water leakage, so it’s smart to keep a bucket around.
12) Ratcheting pipe threader set
This plumber tool allows you to cut threads into pipes so that it can accept pipe fittings when joining pipes together.
13) Reaming Tool
A deburring tool that is used to remove burrs and rough edges from the inside of threaded pipes after they have been cut. Smooth out the inner surface of the pipe, ensuring a clean and secure fit for pipe fittings.
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Plumber’s Wrenches
14) Pipe wrench
Plumbers use pipe wrenches to tighten and loosen nuts and fittings on pipes. Two of these are often used together, one for holding a pipe in place and the other for rotating a nut or fitting.
15) Adjustable wrench (“adjustable pipe wrench”)
Also known as an adjustable spanner or crescent, is a tool used to loosen or tighten a nut or bolt.
16) Basin wrench (“Sink wrench”)
A T-shaped tool that plumbers use specifically on leaky faucets. Its unique design allows plumbers to turn fasteners in hard-to-reach places and tight spaces that would otherwise be impossible to reach.
17) Faucet key
An X-shaped tool that plumbers use to open and close spigots and sillcocks.
18) Torque wrench
A tool used to apply a specific torque to a nut or bolt.
19) Internal pipe wrench
Commonly used to remove old rusted fittings on galvanized pipe.
Plumber Drain Cleaning Tools
20) Plungers
A plumber tool, which includes cup plungers, flange plungers, and accordion plungers used to clear up blockages in drains or pipes, is commonly used in the household toilet.
21) Hand auger
A hand auger has a long, flexible metal wire with a corkscrew auger attached on the end used to unclog drain lines.
22) Snake machine (“Plumber’s Snake” or “Drain Snake”)
A flexible and slender drain auger is used to clear particularly difficult clogs.
23) Drain inspection camera
A camera that allows the plumber to see any issues with a specific pipe. Usually used on sewer lines.
24) Hydro jetting machines
An extremely effective method of clearing up drains and sewer lines. It comes with hose attachments that will blast water pressure into drain lines and sewer lines.
Plumbing Safety Tools
25) Gloves
Used every day by plumbers, allows your hands to always have a strong grip and not stain your skin with hazardous materials.
26) Goggles
Goggles protect your eyes from any hazardous materials you come into contact with while working on a plumbing job.
27) Heat shields or pads
Protects plumbers and the surrounding environment from any heat damage or fire during soldering.
Plumbing Business Essential Tools
In addition to the essential professional plumber tools needed for plumbing work, running a successful plumbing business requires additional high-quality tools to effectively manage operations and provide excellent service to customers. Here are some important plumbing business tools:
28) Plumbing Software
In today’s digital age, it’s important for plumbers to utilize technology to streamline their business operations. Plumbing software like ServMan by WorkWave can help you manage your schedule, track jobs and invoices, communicate with customers, and keep all your important information organized in one place.
Partnering with ServMan by WorkWave
ServMan by WorkWave is a comprehensive ERP software designed specifically for field service businesses, offering a wide range of benefits that can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity. Here are some key advantages of using ServMan by WorkWave:
1. Streamlined Communication: Allows you to easily communicate with your clients, staff, and vendors through automated messaging features. This ensures that everyone is kept informed and up-to-date on important information.
2. Enhanced Scheduling: Create and manage schedules for your field services with ease. This helps you optimize your workflow and ensure that appointments are efficiently organized.
3. Customer Management: Provides a centralized platform for managing customer information, including contact details, service history, and preferences. This allows you to provide personalized service and build strong relationships with your clients.
4. Billing Automation: Offers billing automation features that help streamline the invoicing process, reduce errors, and ensure prompt payment. This saves you time and effort while improving cash flow for your field service business.
5. Reporting and Analytics: Provides valuable insights through detailed reporting and analytics tools. This allows you to track key performance indicators, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your business.
Closing Thoughts
Having the right plumbing tools is essential for any plumber to successfully tackle various jobs. From basic, indispensable tools like wrenches and pliers to specialized equipment and specialty tools like drain inspection cameras and hydrojetting machines, it’s important to have a well-rounded toolkit.
Additionally, incorporating technology like plumbing software such as ServMan by WorkWave can greatly benefit your plumbing business. This software can help streamline operations, improve communication, increase customer satisfaction, and simplify job quoting. By utilizing these essential plumbing tools and software, plumbers can work more efficiently and effectively, ultimately leading to a successful and thriving business. Schedule your free demo today!
