The average plumber needs to have reasonable expertise with a diverse range of tools. An average plumber uses several tools for a job, ranging from hammers to measuring tape. Some of these are essential enough to make it into the plumber’s everyday toolbox. There are a few ‘special’ tools that most plumbers may not have to use for common plumbing problems but need to have them handy just in case.
Listed below are 37 everyday plumbing tools & essentials that you should have handy at all times.
1. Copper Tube Cutter
Every plumber needs access to a compact copper tube cutter that can reliably cut the most common sizes of copper tubing. Bonus point if it fits in your toolbox. This is where a modern copper pipe cutter comes in, it is a faster, convenient, and cleaner way of cutting pipe that a traditional hacksaw. Click here to see our product range
2. Water Pump Pliers
Everyday plumbing applications tend to have lots of irregularly shaped objects that can be used for holding and turning nuts and bolts with larger diameters regardless of their shape. Water pump pliers have a robust jaw profile thanks to their serrated angular design. Click here to see the products.
3. Air Testing U Gauge Kit
To carry out air test for drains and sewers to ensure they comply with building regulations, plumbers need an Air Testing U Gauge Kit. The kit should contain all items necessary items including a tee piece, U gauge, and hand bellows pump.
4. Solder Capillary Lead-Free Wire
Most plumbing projects involve soldering of copper pipes which is made possible by lead‐free wire. Solder is mostly used in electronic repair, so make sure you choose plumbing solder that is strong enough to solder copper plumbing pipes. Choose lead‐free solder to ensure the water is safe for drinking purposes. Click here to view our product range.
5. Solder Capillary Leaded Wire
If you are sealing pipes that won’t be running any drinking water, you may use leaded wire. It strongly holds together two pipes and creates unbreakable bonds that will stand the test of time reliably. Click here to view our Solder Capillary Leaded Wire.
6. PVC Pipe Cement
PVC cement is a non‐drip thixotropic chemical solvent that fuses different pieces of pipe to create leak‐ proof joints. Each type of PVC requires different cement. The most common pipe is made of polyvinyl chloride and requires PVC cement. When it is applied to the pipe, the PVC cement forms a powerful joint that is stronger than the surrounding ipe and fittings. Click here to view the products.
7. Pipe Sealing Cord
An indispensable plumbing tool that is significantly more reliable than traditional sealing methods, pipe sealing cord requires no cure time and results in a full pressure seal in an instant. More importantly, it can be re‐adjusted up to 45 degrees without causing any leakage whatsoever. Click here to for Pipe Sealing Cord.
8. PTFE Tape
Also known as ‘plumber’s tape, PTFE tape is a highly versatile lubricating material and thread sealant that is used to reliably stop pipe leaks. Most plumbers use PTFE tape as a preventative measure when joining two or more pipes. PTFE tape gives extra protection against the risk of future leakage and is extremely safe due to being chemically inert.
9. Super Fire 2 Torch
If you want to solder copper pipes together, you’ll need a gas torch that can produce a powerful flame, has a strong build quality, and easily ignites your choice of gas (propane, MAP or PRO disposable cylinders). Super Fire 2 Torch is a great tool that lets you deliver high‐temperature flames with relatively less gas.
10. Plastic Pipe Cutter
Whether you’re a plumber or a keen DIY person, you will need to cut a pipe at some point in your project. This is where a pipe cutter comes in handy. It should be able to cut various plastics such as MDPE, PE, hep20, PP, and P‐EX.
11. Flux Brush
Along with solder, flux is a key part of joining two pipes together in a process known as ‘sweating’. Flux brush is an acidic paste that draws in the solder after the application of heat using a blow torch. This will attract the solder to fill into the seam between the two copper pieces you want to join.
12. Silicone Lubricant Grease
Silicone grease is mostly to create lubrication and preserving rubber parts such as O‐rings. It is so common in plumbing that most people simply prefer calling it ‘plumber’s grease’. Whether it is o‐rings, water filter housing threats, or faucet fittings, silicone lubricant is an essential tool.
13. Drain Test Plug
Among the various methods of testing pressure in dry waste and venting stack vents (DWV), drain test plugs are the most reliable and robust. They are usually made of zinc‐plated material to resist corrosion while having the strength of steel.
14. LS-X Leak Sealer
LS‐X is a fast‐acting silicone paste that allows plumbers to seal external leaks. It can be used for both cold and hot water pipes, including potable water. One important feature is that they don’t contaminate drinking water.
15. Drain Rod Tools
It is important to have access to a wide selection of rain rods to unblock sewers and drains. A drainage rod kit should ideally include rods that measure 30 feet in length. They should ideally come paired in a waterproof carry bag. Click here to see our Drain Road Tools.
16. Drill Snake
Drill snakes or plumber’s snake is a tool that is used to remove clog‐causing blockage deep inside pipes. Some clogs are just too stubborn for your everyday plunger, which is where drill snakes work best.
17. Silicone Tape Yellow
When stainless steel pipes start corroding due to exposure to air, it is convenient to seal them with anti‐ leak silicone tape instead of replacing the whole pipe. This saves money, time, and labour. It is important to make sure the pipe is fully wrapped with the tape for best results. Click here to view Silicone Tape.
18. Plumber’s Mait
Plumber’s Mait is used to create seals around drains and faucets. Simply pull the mait into the shape of a ring that matches the circumference of the faucet fixture and install it into place. This will create a watertight fit and prevent any leaks.
19. Jointing Compound
Bonding agents like jointing compounds allow plumbers to create strong seal gaps between tiles, slabs, and pavers. The solution is easy to use, stays in place, and looks great, making it a convenient alternative to conventional cement mortar.
20. Soldering and Brazing Pad
Soldering & Brazing Pads are heat resistant mats that allow plumbers to work with solder, flux, and propane gas. It is ideal to create permanent abut reversal connections between copper pipes.
21. Auto Blowlamp
Auto blowlamps are designed with ergonomics in mind, this is why they are lightweight, versatile, and comfortable to use. Their flame can be adjusted via a nozzle on the brass burner. The gas cartridge is compatible with both propane and butane gases.
22. Propane Torch with Hose
Mobility is a common problem with traditional gas torches. This problem is now solved thanks to the propane torch that comes with a 5‐meter hose for increased mobility. Click here to view the product.
23. Monument Waste Cleaner
If the sink, bath, or basin is draining slowly due to clogs and waste, you can use a Monument Waste Cleaner to remove the waste straight away. They come equipped with galvanised steel wire and a comfortable grip for ease of use.
24. Multi-Bender
This is an easy‐to‐use Multi‐Bender that is lightweight, robust, and portable. It is ideal for use in plumbing applications such as making an angle between 0 to 135 degrees while circumventing obstacles.
25. Adjustable Wrench Wide Jaw
Some nuts are extra wide and refuse to come off using traditional adjustable wrenches. This is where a Adjustable Wrench comes in. It is designed for maximum productivity with increased capacity for use in confined environments. The ergonomic handle doesn’t dig into the palms as you apply force.
26. Butane Propane Gas Cartridge
Every plumber needs mobile gas cartridges that can safely store highly pressurised gases such as butane and propane. These cartridges should be durable enough to carry around in different environments. The gas cartridge should ideally comply with EN417. Click here to see our products.
27. Monoblock Tap Spanner Set
Most chrome plated spanner sets that can fit almost all current monoblock securing bolts. Each set should ideally contain 9, 11, 12, and 13 mm spanners along with a tommy bar to easily turn each spanner. Click here to view the product.
28. Abrasive Mini Strips
Abrasive Mini Strips are waterproof, tough, and last for long. Most plumbers prefer them over emery, steel wool, and sandpaper. They can be used in both dry and wet conditions, typically containing 10 per pack. Click here to see our Abrasive Mini Strips.
29. High-Pressure Propane Regulator
Click here to see our High Pressure Propane Regulator, this tool allows you to create flames of varying size with high efficiency. The adjustable bar can vary pressures between 0 to 6 bars for quality results. It is made of high‐quality brass for longer usage.
30. Contract Air Duster
A Contract Air Duster comes in handy when it comes to removing dirt and debris from hard to reach areas. It is non‐flammable and can be sprayed from any angle. It works best on PCBs, electrical equipment, and clean burner jets.
31. Universal Drain Clearing Rod Set
A Drain Cleaning Rod Set is a must‐have tool that allows plumbers to clean drains. These rods only rotate in a clockwise direction. Each set contains 10 rods, one double worm screw, one rod plunger, and one drop scraper.
32. Standard U-Gauge Manometer
The most common application in plumbing jobs is to reliably measure the gas pressure of domestic and commercial appliances. A Standard U-Gauge Manometer allows you to measure gasp pressures. A Rothenberg seat also includes a Velcro strip to allow plumbers to keep the U‐gauge at eye level.
33. Stillson Type Pipe Wrench
This pipe wrench works best on soft metal pipes and fittings that feature a rounded surface. Both jaws feature deep grooves for extremely strong grips to latch on to copper, aluminium, and other metal surfaces. Click here to view the product.
34. Replacement Radiator Bracket
If you want to replace worn‐out brackets on most radiators, make sure they are made of galvanised steel and feature easy alignment slots. The brand “Today’s” is a reliable manufacturer popular for high‐ quality Radiator Brackets, they typically come in a pack of 4.
35. Adjustable Wrench Extra Wide Jaws
If you want an extra wide wrench with a 40% wider opening to make, you may want to invest in an Adjustable Wrench. They feature jaws with 15‐degree angles that allow you to access confined spaces with ease.
36. Adjustable 2 Jaw Basin Wrench
2 Jaw Basin Wrenches work best with nuts that are awkwardly positioned, especially if they are hidden under baths or basins. They have sharply milled teeth for stronger grips.
37. Drain Auger
Drain augers allow you to remove those difficult blockages. To use the drain auger, simply insert it into the drain, slowly turning it clockwise. Continue to push it in until you remove the blockage. Drain augers typically have lengths of up to 7.5 meters.
