What Tools Does A Plumber Need?

What Tools Does A Plumber Need?

Starting on a new career path sometimes means investing in equipment that will help you to do your job. The best plumbers have a wealth of tools, some of which are specifically designed for this type of trade. When you first qualify, it’s important to put together a tool kit that will see you through every working day but what to put in it? What tools does a plumber need?

You will need a variety of specialist tools to work as a plumber and since the job involves lots of aspects like pipe work, clearing and installation, you’ll need something for every occasion. From wrenches to cutters, hacksaws to plungers and everything in between, a plumber’s toolkit is one of the most diverse in the trade. 

In this guide, we will be walking you through all of the most essential tools you will need to be a successful and effective plumber.

Tap Spanner Set

Many would refer to the tap spanner as a type of wrench but it isn’t the same thing although it is used for opening and closing. You will use your tap spanner to open and close spigots and because of the variation in spigot sizes, you will need a set of tap spanners that come in different sizes. Usually, a set will contain spanners in 9, 11, 12, and 13mm; it’ll also feature a tommy bar which is used to turn the keys. 

Pipe Wrench

You will need a wide selection of wrenches to work as a plumber but the pipe wrench will be the heaviest and largest in your arsenal. These tools are used to loosen and tighten nuts on a variety of pipes and fittings and are something that you will get a lot of use out of. 

Normally, you would use two pipe wrenches at the same time. One of these will hold the pipe you are working on in place while the other is used to turn the nut in the direction you require. 

Much like many other types of tool, the pipe wrench comes in a range of sizes so you will need to be prepared to invest in a set that allows you to complete as many jobs as possible. 

Basin Wrench

Another of the most common wrenches you will use as a plumber is the basin wrench which is designed for working on taps. This is a t-shaped device with a clamping mechanism on the end. This mechanism makes it easy for the plumber to get into a tight space and work on nuts to ensure correct function of the tap and stop it from leaking. 

Adjustable Wrench

Yes, you’re going to need yet another wrench but since these tools come in all shapes and sizes, it’s essential that all plumbers have each different type as this will allow them to tackle any challenge that arises. The adjustable wrench is designed to be used to loosen and tighten hexagonal shaped fittings and nuts. 

Much like other types of wrench, they come in a choice of sizes so you’ll be expected to have a range. However, for the most part, a plumber will almost certainly need a six inch and a ten inch adjustable wrench. 

Plastic Pipe Cutters

One of the things that you will regularly do as a plumber is work with plastic and copper pipes; these are some of the most common types. But when working with these materials, you need a reliable way to cut them. You’ll often find yourself needing to remove and replace these pipes as well as cutting them down to size and a decent set of plastic pipe cutters will be essential for this job. Once again, you will find that there are lots of different types, so be sure to shop around and make sure you choose a set that works well for you. 

Plunger

You will find that when you attend a job at someone’s home, they will probably have a plunger; it’s one of the most common household tools. However, you should never rely on this and as a plumber, it’s essential to have some of your own.

You’ll definitely need a heavy duty plunger which creates a lot more suction than those that you would typically find around the house. This is important for professional work. 

Hacksaw

When you think about saws, you wouldn’t instantly put them into the toolbox of a plumber. You’d be more likely to expect a joiner or a carpenter to use this type of equipment. However, these are important tools for plumbing professionals and you should choose one that is robust and reliable. 

A hacksaw is used for things like cutting pipes, screws, bolts, nuts and other things. Since these fittings are rather tough, there’s a good chance that you will get through a lot of blades so it is also important to have a good stock of replacements in your tool kit.

Pliers

Just like your wrenches, you will get a lot of use out of your pliers so it’s a good idea to invest in a reliable set. These might be relatively small tools but they will come in super handy for working with nuts and bolts that your wrenches would be too big for. What’s more, owing to their smaller size, they’re great when you have to work in a confined space, which is something you will be doing very often.

Plumbers Torch

One of the most frequent jobs you will be doing as a plumber is sealing copper pipes and this is done by soldering. The best tool for this is a plumber’s torch as it is compact and yet applies an intense amount of heat. Furthermore, plumber’s torches are very accurate so you’ll be able to do extremely precise work.

Hand Auger

When you are working to clear a drain of a blockage, you will need a tool to help you access the clog, even if it is further down in the system. This is where your hand auger comes into use as it is designed to help you drive a cable down into the drain for clearing the blockage. 

There are a lot of different models of hand auger out there and the modern devices have technologically come a long way from their older counterparts. For this reason, it is important to take the time to do your research to ensure you find an auger that fits your needs. 

Another tool that you might need in your kit that is similar to a hand auger is the snake machine. These are motorised as opposed to the hand crank used to operate the hand auger and are much larger. They are designed for handling clogs that are much deeper. 

Air Testing U Gauge Kit

You will need an air testing u gauge kit when testing drains for air to make sure that they fall into line with building regulations. The kit will contain a u gauge, a hand bellows pump and a tee piece.

Solder Capillary Leaded And Non-Leaded Wire

Many of your plumbing jobs will require you to solder copper pipes and this is done through the use of either leaded or non-leaded wire. You’ll normally find solder being used for electrical applications so you must ensure that you source wire which is suitable for use with copper pipes; this means it needs to be very strong. 

Lead free solder wire should be used when working on pipes that are designed for drinking water. However, when you are working on pipes that won’t run drinking water, it is possible to use lead wire which is incredibly strong and will create a bond that is as good as unbreakable. 

PVC Pipe Cement

When sealing pipework, you will need to ensure a joint that does not leak and that’s where PVC pipe cement becomes invaluable. While there are various different types of PVC pipe, you’ll find that they’re usually made from polyvinyl chloride and this needs PVC pipe cement to bond. When applied, the cement will harden and create a joint which is more robust than the pipe itself. 

Plumber’s Tape

You may sometimes hear plumber’s tape being called PTFE tape, after all, this is its proper name. This highly versatile material is a thread sealant that plumbers use to prevent pipes from leaking. If a pipe springs a leak, you can use PTFE tape to stop it in its tracks. However, you’ll find that using it around joints will prevent leaks from happening in the first place.

Crimpers

For PEX plumbing, you will absolutely need a crimping tool but they’re versatile enough to be used with a range of other types of pipe as well. You will use these to join pieces of material, typically metal, together through the act of deforming one piece to hold it to the other. 

Stubby Screwdriver

You may need several screwdrivers when working as a plumber but buying a stubby screwdriver is one of the most important. When you need to tighten screws in a difficult or confined spot, this type of screwdriver is essential. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used to work with a variety of bits. 

PEX Pipe Expander

One of the most modern, innovative and common types of piping is PEX thanks to how flexible and resilient it is. However, when working with this type of piping, you will benefit from a PEX pipe expander. These tools are similar to a drill and are used to make the mouth of the pipe wider. This allows you to put a metal fitting inside. Once the fitting is inserted, the pipe will return to its original shape which creates a seal. 

Borescope

While the borescope used to be considered a top of the range tool that was only carried by very few plumbers, it is now a much more common tool in the kits of plumbers all over the world. The borescope is a small camera on the end of the long cable which is flexible enough to be inserted down into a drain or sewer. They allow you to take a good look at the conditions down there and will show any obstructions. 

There are many borescopes that have compatible smartphone apps which is incredibly convenient for the modern plumber.  

Drain Rod

If you are working on a blocked sewer, then you will need a wide range of drain rods to get the job done. The most basic kit should be made up of rods that, when connected, measure at least 30 feet although there are kits that come in different sizes depending on the type of work you are doing. Moreover, you should make sure that the kit comes with a durable, waterproof bag to make transporting them safe and easy. 

Tools For Safety

As well as having a selection of tools to help you get the job done right, a good plumber will also need some safety equipment. While plumbing is not the most dangerous manual trade job, it does have some hazards so it’s essential to be well equipped. 

Goggles

Since you will spend a lot of your day near to leaks and doing other jobs that could potentially harm the eyes such as soldering, a good pair of goggles is super important. Ensure a comfortable and secure fit and that the goggles are clear enough not to obstruct your vision. 

Gloves 

When you are working as a plumber, you will be exposed to things that you probably won’t fancy touching with your bare hands. This is why a strong, water resistant pair of gloves is essential. You should also make sure that the gloves have a grip pattern so that they do not prevent you from doing your job.

Heat Pads

When you are soldering, you will need to make sure that you have the right equipment to protect the area you are working in as well as yourself. Heat pads are designed for use with your soldering kit and will prevent damage to surfaces.

Conclusion

In order to be the best plumber you can be, you will need a wide range of tools that allow you to handle every type of job. Since plumbing is such a specialised trade, the tools you require won’t be those that you would find in the average toolkit and you’ll need to shop around to buy the highest quality and most reliable tools you can.