As a plumber, you need the best tools that you can put your hands on when implementing your skills and expertise. Top plumbing tools not only will they make your work easier, but also help you in doing an excellent job while saving a lot of money in the long run.
In this article, we will provide detailed information regarding the best plumbing tools, the essentials, specialties, and the overall best tools you should have in your day to day working life.
Plumbing and Its Importance
Plumbing is essential to your home. Plumbing service assures you of the right flow of water in your home with no inconveniences.
Not only does plumbing revolve around water-related services, but it also involves installation and maintenance of the heating systems, water boilers, furnaces, washing machines, and much more.
A faulty faucet in the house would mean excess moisture inside the house, causing the growth of the molds and fungus. Likewise, a clogged sink or toilet would interfere with smooth running your daily chores. To ensure that business in the household is running as usual, and different plumbing systems are operating optimally, you ought to have the right and the best tools in hand.
We have grouped up the tools into six distinct categories, giving you the freedom to jump around through the different plumbing tool categories.
- Pliers
- Plungers
- Pipe wrenches
- Saws and cutters
- Tube and plastic pipe cutters
- Safety tools
Pliers
Pliers are an important set of tools that comes in handy not only for the plumbers but also for some other professionals. They have proved as one of the best tools in plumbing. There are two types of pliers that you as a plumber are likely to fall in need of splint joint pliers and the vise grip pliers.
Splint joint pliers
Splint joint pliers are the pliers with an angled head with one handle that can slide up or down for the size of the grab change. If you want to try matching the exact size of the pipe without having to carry different wrenching of different sizes, Splint joint pliers are the right tool for you.
With that in mind, as a plumber, you only need to carry Splint joint pliers as the single-channel lock with the adjustable head rather than multiple pipe wrenches.
Vise grip pliers
They are also known as vice grip pliers as the mole grip pliers that are useful in holding on to items that are difficult to hold, e.g. Pipes. One significant part of this pair of pliers is that it provides you with a locking mechanism that grips the item in place for you.
Plungers
Plungers are classic and one of the best plumbing tools used in unclogging drains. They come in handy when you least expect them and making them part of your life is not something debatable. Plungers come in three different types: cup plungers, flange plungers, and accordion plungers.
Cup plungers
Cup plungers are known by another name as the sink plunger. They are the plungers that come to mind whenever plumbers think of unclogging. Cup plunger works only on flat surfaces since they need to lay flat over the drain to create a proper vacuum to deal with clogs.
There are double benefits of the double suction effect, also referred to as the positive and negative pressure when you use it on the proper surface. When you are forcing the cup plunger down, that when the positive pressure comes about while the negative pressure comes about when you pull it upwards.
Flange plungers
The flange plungers are known as the toilet plungers that are great tools in carrying out any sink related task, not only toilets. They differ from cup plungers with an extra soft rubber flap that folds out from the inside of the cup.
However, they have one advantage over the regular cup plunger: you can hold the flap inside the cup and use it as a regular plunger. Although they can both serve the sink and toilet-related task, make sure you have two separate flange plungers for safety and better hygiene.
Accordion plungers
If you have flange plungers and they are far away from helping you out, the accordion plunger comes in handy. They are made of hard plastic and they are hard to use, although they provide you with enough pressure to unblock those pesky toilets.
Following the hard plastic used to make accordion plungers, you are likely to damage your toilet if you are not careful.
Wrenches
With no doubt you can’t perform any plumbing, having no wrenches in your tools bag. They come in different shapes and sizes but most probably the ones you are likely to use include pipe wrench, basin wrench, faucet seat wrench, faucet keys, and hex key set.
Pipe wrenches
A pipe wrench comes as an adjustable pipe wrench with serrated teeth on its jaws, giving it extra adherence during gripping of the pipes and pipe fittings. With this kind of wrench, you don’t need any big introduction, so you have no reason to miss this wrench in your tools bag.
Basin wrench
Basin wrench is a wrench that comes as the first option when dealing with kitchen toilet-related plumbing services. It is purposely intended to help you as a plumber install kitchen and bathroom sinks. It reaches tight spaces because of its long shaft and helps to reach under the sink to either loosen or tighten the mounting nuts on the sink.
Faucet seat wrench
Faucet seat wrench is a wrench made of rust and corrosion stainless steel designed to help plumbers in removing faucet seats. As the specialty tool, it is meant for specific use and may not be versatile for other cases.
Faucet keys
The faucet key also commonly known as the sillcock keys is helpful when doing faucet installation but also important for other things such as the water coolers. A faucet key is an outdoor water spigot, hose bibb, faucet, or valve attached to the exterior of the building.
Hex keys
Hex keys also known as the Allen keys come in handy during the installation of the faucets or setting up shower valves. Don’t be surprised to come across different hex screws that need a proper turning and failing to have hex keys can be such a disgusting thing.
Saws and cutters
As a plumber, you may do some cutting, shaping, and tubing, and piping more often than you would think. That’s the most appropriate time you need plumbing tools to do a perfect job while making the difference between successful, masterly done piping work and disappointment. The following saw and cutters are the best tools you also need to include in your tools bag.
Hacksaw
It is a saw with fine teeth and mainly made to cut through metals and also works fantastically on the pile and plastic. It is wise to have it in your tools bag as well for cutting and trimming purposes.
Junior hacksaw
This is the smallest hacksaw in the family of hacksaws and comes with the smallest frame, allowing you to operate in those places you find hard to reach.
Hole saw kit
As a plumber, it may require you to run your piping through plasterboards, plastic, metal, and wooden studs. For you to see that you make the right incision in such material, it recommendable to have a hole saw kit. All you need to do is attach the hole saw kit to a drill, and you are ready to go.
Tube and plastic pipe cutters
As the name suggests, they are tools used to cut pipe. Tube and plastic pipe cutters work the same as the hacksaw but one advantage of these tools makes them stand out. They are cleaners, faster and neater. If you find that your tube cutters are not the right size for the large pipe, let that not stress you as you have an option to use a hacksaw.
Pipe and tube benders
It would be such a disappointment when you want to bend your pipes or tube and you don’t have the right tools in hand. Just imagine the hassles involved in figuring out what can clap down the pipe and other inconveniences. If you find yourself in such an annoying situation, pipe benders are the tool you need.
Metal file
Plumbers, who often use a hacksaw to cut pipes, mostly find the edged rough, and smoothing them can be an uphill task if you don’t have the right tool. Metafile fits well in such a situation in ensuring smooth edges of the cut pipe. If you don’t use a hacksaw for cutting pipes, you can forget about having the metal file in your tool bag.
Safety tools
Plumbers commit themselves to solve their family problems or other people’s challenges, and this does not mean they should never mind about their safety. As a plumber, it is your responsibility to make sure you are safe while trying to keep others safe as well. For that reason, we will highlight the safety tools you should include in your tools bag.
Gloves
With gloves on, you are assured of a better and tight grip on the pipe while protecting you from injuries, including cuts and bruises. It is good to invest in durable and long-lasting gloves and save some buck in the long run. It may cost you a lot because of the high upfront payment but worth it when you consider the frequent cost of buying them now and then.
Goggles
Your eyes as the plumber are the most important part of your body when at work, without eyesight, it wouldn’t be possible to see or do anything. With goggles, it guarantees your eye safety as no debris will find its way to your eyes. While cutting pipes, soldering pipes, or inspecting leaks, you don’t have to worry about them if you have your goggles on.
Knees pads
Plumbers may spend most of their time under their knees while checking on the sinks and faucets. Over time, the stress you put on your knees may significantly cause health-related problems to your knees over even any other part of your body. Knee pads are ideal for protecting your knees and should be included in your tools bag. Unfortunately, knee pads are the most assumed tools, even by professional plumbers.
Heat shields
Heat shields are also vital in ensuring the safety of property like floors. When plumbers are soldering a few things such as the loose pipes, in one way or the other, the solder may fall on the floor and end up damaging it. With a heat shield, you are certain that your property is protected from any damage.
The Best Plumber Tools
RIDGID K-4208: The most powerful compact sectional machine for plumbers
RIDGID K-4208 is a plumbing machine that gives plumbers a more compact choice without using a lot of power. It is the most powerful compact machine of all time boasting a three-quarter horsepower motor. RIDGID K-4208 will give you 700 RPM out of it, enough to withstand tough root systems in the machine of both 2 inches and 8 inches rated drain diameter.
Its size is part of a great deal with the latter dropping 30% off of the K-1500 even though the drop is significant, it does not change the durability of the tool. With the high strength square steel tubing that makes up the frame, RIDGID K-4208 becomes a stable platform to work from.
Features
- A new tool-free clutch system allowing you to easily swap 5/8 inches and 1-1/4 cables on the fly
- It is field serviceable to get back in the game quickly
- Shortened break period
- Uses reservoirs to catch fluids for draining water
- Its prices range from $2499 – $3600, depending on the options
- It has a 2 inches- 8 inches diameter
- Its cable speeds up to 700 RPM
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- RIDGID K-4208 weighs 55 pounds
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to remove
- Value for money
Cons
- It May does not last for long
Icrimp Ratchet PEX
Icrimp ratchet PEX is compatible with stainless steel clamps made by any manufacturer to make PEX connections from 3/8 inch to 1 inch. You can also use it for a cinch single ear hose clamp, provided the ears length and width are within the opening range of the jaws.
Its current design makes it more operational such that you can cinch clamps and remove them from the pipe to let you reuse the pipe fitting, cost-effective, and convenient. It is also made of durable and long-lasting high-quality stainless steel with a forging process to make sure they integrate it with mechanical property and long service life.
With Icrimp ratchet PEX, you can cinch and remove function and it is a factory change with no requirement for a calibration tool. It is an all in one kit used in PEX pipe installation and it includes one packet of cinch and removes tool, one packet of PEX cutter, 20 packets of ½ inch clamps, and 10 packets of ¾ inch clamps.
Features
- Universal tool making it compatible with stainless steel clamps from a different manufacturer.
- Innovative design makes it more functional
- All in one kit for PEX pipe installation
Pros
- Cost-effective
- The cutter cuts PEX easily
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Requires a lot of strength to operate
IWISS comb angle Head PEX pipe crimping tool kits
PEX copper crimp ring tool is a 2 in 1 tool made to secure 1.2 in and ¾ in. and comes without the copper crimp rings into pace within PEX piping systems. There are no loose components, jaws to change, or adjustments to be made for the creation of either size connection.
However, connections may be made using the Go/No-Gauge that is included. It also has the capability of the comprehensive piping system that is composed of brass fittings, poly alloy fittings, manifold, Valves, Fasteners, Tools, and tubing designed for implementation in water delivery systems both simple and complex.
Features
- Ideal tools for PEX plumbing projects
- Lightweight and strong
- Factory calibrated tool
- Polished crimp jaw that ensures no damage
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to use
- Fits into tight places
Cons
- Hard to get the tool pen
TACKLIFE Drain Auger, Automatic Drain Snake
TACKLIFE Drain Auger is another great tool that comes equipped with a maximum of 560 RPM, a speed that can be adjusted by a press of the button to the various speeds according to the user. It has a large torque that makes the load-bearing capacity sturdy, fulfilling the demands of the heavy loads.
It can be used for multiple purposes for drainages like kitchen, bathroom, bathtubs, utility sinks, shower drains, and downspouts.
TACKLIFE Drain Auger compared to traditional and drain augers, the versatile shaft has an automatic telescopic function, meaningless work, and facilitates the most demanding work easily.
Another feature that makes TACKLIFE Drain Auger unique is the flexible shaft that is replaceable and available in the market as an aftermarket product on Amazon. If you experience any challenge in replacing the shaft, the manufacturer has ordered customers to contact them as soon as possible and within 24 hours, they will respond.
Features
- Rechargeable battery and LED light
- 25 feet replaceable cable
- Large torque and 560 RPM for widely uses
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Great value for money
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to store
- Safe to us, no effort while working
- Ergonomic design
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
- None so far
Ridgid 57003 EZ change faucet tool
Ridgid 57003 EZ is one of the common tools used in installation faucet and sinks strainers with unique cubed inserts providing a variety of common nut sizes and the perfect for most common 2,3,4 and 6 tab mounting nuts.
It is made of short height for clearance in tight spaces and opens slowly to allow for easy access over the existing supply line. Ridgid 57003 EZ is also a wrench for tight shut-off valves and turns to reach angles that stop with no marring chrome.
Features
- Short body for clearance in tight places
- Wrench for tight shut-off valves
- Retainer for 3 or 4 slot strainer baskets
- 5/6 inch welded socket for many single hole mountings
Pros
- Sturdy
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Durable and long-lasting because of heavy-duty material
- Excellent value for every buck you pay
Cons
- It May be hard to use with some users
Drain X drain Auger Pro
Drain X drain Auger Pro is a great tool for the house when you want to unclog any drain including kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, and drainage pipes.
With Drain X drain Auger Pro you can save some coins by doing the unclogging of your sinks yourself. It is easy to use too and comes with a manual with straightforward instruction in infographics. It is designed with durable stainless steel housing with a grip handle for easy use for many years while saving you a lot of hassles.
When you buy the tools, you will get gloves and a drawstring carrying pouch. With the grip handle and the turning know, you can easily and manually unclog your pipe with the thumbscrew, keeping the drain cable secure in its housing, allowing you to drive through the clog, and keeping it secure when not in use.
The drains manufacturer is a product that involves doing it yourself while others may require a professional. All the same, the manufacturer admits that things may get messy and in case they do, you can reach out to them for help as soon as you can.
Features
- A do it yourself and professional installation
- Grip handle and turning know allowing for easy driving
- Comes with an infographic on the manual page and on the product
- Comes with easy work gloves and drawstring carrying pouch
- Thumbscrew keeps the plumbing snake secure in its housing
Pros
- Sturdy, durable, and long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- Great value for money
- Great for plumbing all the drains
- Unique versatility
Cons
- Not recommended for unclogging as it can damage the porcelain.
FAQs
Question: What is the difference between monkeywrenching and pipe wrenching?
Answer: The fundamental difference between the two is that while the jaws of the monkey wrench just straight out, those of the pipe wrench is slightly curved. This gives them a better grip on the objects, with no likelihood of stripping them.
Question: Is there a spray to stop water leaks?
Answer: Yes, rust Oleum LeakSeal clear spray is a watertight, flexible seal that prevents moisture penetration, rust, and corrosion. It is easy to use, the rubberized protective utility is made to fill and seal leaks and cracks.
Question: Can you use bleach to unclog a shower drain?
Answer: Yes, however, knowing how to use bleach to unclog your shower will be helpful, though you might not want to apply bleach on your kitchen, near your food. Carefully pour some bleach into the cup and pour it on your bathtub or shower drain. Allow it to remain there for about 15 minutes and then flush it using boiling water.
Question: What is the best homemade drain cleaner?
Answer: You can mix a half cup baking soda with a quarter cup table salt and pour down the drain that is giving a headache.
Then follow it by pouring one cup of hot vinegar down the drain as well. Cover the drain with a plug or duct tape to prevent the mixture from escaping and allow it to remain there for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes elapses, run hot tap water or pour boiling water down the drain for 30-60 seconds and you will have solved your problem. For the stubborn clogs, you can repeat the process.
Conclusion
Plumbing can be a challenge if you are missing the right tools, but with the guide, is be easier to make up your mind in coming up with tools that are most appropriate for you.
Weight the pros and cons of each tool type and what you need the tool for. Consider your project, needs, and tool durability. With the best and right tools, you can work on almost every project with confidence and definitely deliver.