43 Best Plumbing Tools for Your Business - Plumber Magazine

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When starting a plumbing business, it’s easy to feel out of your element, overwhelmed by the wide variety of necessary tools. Use this best plumbing tools guide to discover the top 43 tools needed to get started.

In this best plumbing tools guide, you’ll discover:

• The best plumbing tools needed to get started
• Professionally recommended, trusted tools and brands

By taking advantage of this complete guide, you’ll be able to save money and buy only the most necessary, best plumbing tools that business owners know and love.

The Essentials: Best Plumbing Tools

When buying the best plumbing tools for the business, remember it’s unnecessary to buy everything at once. Generally, it’s best to start with a few main services you’re great at and become known for them. Then, gradually add more services as you can afford additional tools.

While you’ll need to pick and choose tools based on on the plumbing services you choose to offer, here is an extensive list of the best plumbing tools needed for your business:

Tools for clearing clogs

1. Borescope

You’ll need to see what and where the problem is using a borescope (i.e., pipe and drain inspection camera). Plumbers should use a borescope before and after clog removal to ensure the line is completely clear.

• Klein Tools Borescope
• Milwaukee Borescopes
• RIDGID Borescopes

2. Drain auger

One of the fastest, most efficient ways to clear sewer line clogs is by using a drain auger. Rather than using a manual drain auger, drum machines are the fastest, most efficient choice.

• Milwaukee Drum Machines
• RIDGID Drum Machines

3. Drain snakes

Opposite to drain augers, drain snakes are used to clear internal clogs (e.g., sinks, bath tubs, etc.). When a plunger can’t get the job done, drain snakes are great at clearing clogs. Keep in mind, while cable machines are great for hair, hard blockages and retrieval clogs, you’ll need to use an air gun for slow drains and grease clogs. You might even need a toilet and urinal auger.

• Milwaukee Sink Machines
• DEWALT Snake Drain Kit
• RIDGID Sink Machines

4. Jetters

A jetter sprays water at a high pressure to clear soft stoppages (e.g., grease, hardened sewage, hair buildup, sand, etc.), whereas hard stoppages (e.g., roots) need to be physically removed with a cable machine (like the ones mentioned above). While you can eventually purchase trailer and truck-mounted jetters later on, these portable machines will likely be a better option if you’re a newer business.

• General Pipe Cleaners Jetters
• RIDGID Waterjetting Machines
• MyTana Jetters

5. Plungers

While a plunger is an obvious essential tool for plumbers, take a look at some top-of-the-line options:

• JS Jackson Supplies Professional Toilet Plunger
• Korky BEEHIVE Max Toilet Plunger

Pipe working tools

6. Acid flux brush

An acid flux brush (a small, disposable, multipurpose brush) is typically used in the plumbing industry to apply acid flux for pipe soldering.

• MSC Direct Acid Brushes
• Oatey Acid Brushes

7. Assorted pliers

Plumbers use pliers every day. A wide assortment of pliers is needed to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts that are smaller than a wrench can grip. Plus, they’re great for tight spaces when you can’t squeeze in a wrench.

Since a wide variety of pliers are needed (i.e., locking pliers, needlenose, etc.), it’s important to have an assorted set of pliers to tackle any job. In order to save money and space in your toolbox, consider purchasing combination tools where possible. Grab what you need and choose from these top professional pliers options.

• DEWALT Pliers
• Klein Tools Pliers
• Milwaukee Pliers

– Mole grip pliers

In addition to a collection of assorted pliers, you’ll also need mole grip pliers. Mole grips (i.e., locking pliers) keep metal parts in position during welding. For example, a plumber seals copper piping by using a plumber’s torch to solder it. These are a few mole grips to choose from:

• DEWALT Push-Lock Pliers
• Milwaukee Locking Pliers

– Tongue and groove pliers

Lastly, you’ll need tongue and groove pliers (i.e., Channellocks, multi-grips, water-pump pliers) for the majority of plumbing jobs. These are commonly used to turn and hold nuts and bolts, grip or rotate irregular objects, and clamp materials.

Take a peek at some of the best tongue and groove pliers for professional plumbers:

• Channellock Tongue and Groove Pliers
• Crescent Tongue and Groove Pliers
• Milwaukee Tongue and Groove Pliers (10-inch and/or 12-inch)

8. PEX crimping tool kit with tube cutters

Crimped (i.e., pressed) plumbing connections are created using a powered crimping tool to attach copper tubing with the special copper fittings. While these are PEX crimping tool kits, they’re technically a two-in-one because they also include tube cutters (another tool needed):

• IWISS PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Kit
• Milwaukee Short Throw Press Tool Kit With PEX Crimp Jaws

9. Deburring and reaming tools

Plumbers use deburring tools to remove burrs from modifications to pipe edges. Reaming tools are used to enlarge pipe holes or openings.

• ACME Tools Reed Pipe Reamers and Pipe Deburring Tools
• RIDGID Reamers and Deburring Tools

10. Emery cloth

An emery cloth is an abrasive material mostly used to smooth the edges of copper piping. All plumbers need a roll of emery cloth on hand.

• Oatey Fine Aluminum Oxide Abrasive Roll
• Norton Fine Aluminum Oxide Utility Cloth Roll

11. Hacksaw

Typically, plumbers use hacksaws to cut pipes and other metal.

• RIDGID Pro Arc Saw
• Milwaukee High Tension Hacksaw

12. Hole saw kit

A hole saw kit is commonly used to drill large-diameter holes. Choose from any of these top hole saw kits to best suit your needs:

• DEWALT Hole Saws
• Milwaukee Hole Saws
• RIDGID Hole Saw Kits

13. Metal file and brush

Plumbers use metal files to smooth rough edges. Then, brushes are used to remove remaining residue. Next, with PVC pipe glue, plumbers can get a watertight seal. Here are some basic metal file sets (even if you don’t choose one of these sets, be sure to choose a set with a flat file, a half-round file, and a brush):

• Kapoua Metal File Set
• Preciva High Carbon Steel Multipurpose File Set

14. Pipe and tubing cutters

Depending on the pipe, a pipe cutter can be used instead of a hacksaw to get a faster, cleaner, more uniformed cut on a pipe. Take a look at a few options for pipe and tubing cutters:

• Milwaukee Pipe and Tubing Cutters
• RIDGID Pipe Cutters

15. Plumber’s torch

Propane torches are typically included in beginner’s kits, but professional businesses often purchase higher quality plumber’s torches with regulators and tips best suited for specific jobs. A plumber’s torch is used to add piping for a new fixture, repair leaking valves and replace old pipes. Here’s a quick look into a few top-notch plumber’s torches:

• Bernzomatic High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
• LEXIVON Butane Torch Multi-Function Kit
• Worthington Trigger Start Propane Torch

16. Press fitting systems

Even though it’s been around for more than 40 years, press fitting is still considered a new plumbing technique. Due to the safety regulations and permits in place for soldering, plumbers are increasingly choosing press fitting systems instead. Plus, press fitting decreases the chance of fire and injury because of the open flame. In addition, compared to soldering, press fitting systems save time in cutting, prepping and connecting pipes. Also, there’s less downtime because, unlike soldering, you don’t have to wait for a pipe to dry. Take a look at a few of the best options for press fitting systems:

• DEWALT Press Tool Kit
• Milwaukee Force Logic Press Tool Kit

17. Ratcheting pipe threader set

A ratcheting pipe threader is used to cut threads into the end of a pipe, which gives pipe joints a watertight seal. These are a few great ratcheting pipe threader set options:

• DEWALT FLEXVOLT Cordless Pipe Threader Kit
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Pipe Threader Kit

18. Swaging and flaring tools

Swaging and flaring are similar processes that gradually widen the end of a tube to create new connections. By the way, if you don’t already have one, don’t forget to have a deburring tool for this process.

Here are a few flaring tools to consider:

• Husky Heavy-Duty Pro Tubing and Flaring Tool
• RIDGID Flare Tool

Also, here are a few swaging tools to consider:

• Husky Professional Swaging Tool
• Klein Tools Professional Steel Swaging Punch

Plus, here’s a flaring and swaging kit:

• Imperial Flaring and Swaging Kit

19. Thread sealing tape, plumber’s putty, and putty knife

Thread sealing tape (i.e., PTFE tape, Teflon tape or plumber’s tape), a polytetrafluoroethylene film tape, is used to seal pipe threads and can be cut to specific sizes and wound on a spool. These are a few thread sealing tape choices:

• Harvey Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber’s Tape
• Hercules Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber’s Tape
• Oatey Fastape Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber’s Tape

Also, much like plumber’s tape, plumber’s putty is used to seal and prevent leaks around things like toilets, sinks, drains and tubs. Here’s a look at some of the top plumber’s putty options:

• Hercules Gasket and Pipe Thread Sealant
• RectorSeal Teflon Pipe Thread Sealant
• RectorSeal Tru-Blu Pipe Thread Sealant With PTFE

In addition to plumber’s putty, you’ll also need a putty knife to install the putty. Take a peek at a couple great putty knives:

• Anvil Putty Knives
• Husky Putty Knives

20. Tube and pipe benders

A tube and pipe bender is used to create accurate and consistent bends in copper, steel and aluminum tubes and pipes.

• RIDGID Heavy-Duty Pipe and Tubing Bender (1/2-inch and/or 3/8-inch )

21. Assorted wrenches

Much like pliers, plumbers commonly use wrenches every day for pipe working. Most notably, the adjustable pipe wrench is one of the main wrenches used by plumbers to tighten and loosen nuts and fittings in pipes. Here’s a condensed list of common wrenches needed:

– Adjustable pipe wrench

• Klein Tools Adjustable Pipe Wrench
• Milwaukee Adjustable Pipe Wrenches
• RIDGID Pipe Wrenches

– Adjustable wrench

• DEWALT Adjustable Wrenches
• Klein Tools Adjustable Wrenches
• Milwaukee Adjustable Wrenches
• RIDGID Adjustable Wrenches

– Basin wrench

• Milwaukee Basin Wrenches (1 1/4-inch and/or 2 1/2-inch)
• RIDGID Basin Wrench

– Faucet key (i.e. sillcock key)

• Husky 4-Way Sillcock Key

– Faucet seat wrench

• Husky T-Handle Faucet Seat Wrench

– Garbage disposal wrench

• Garbage Disposal Jam-Buster Wrench

– Internal pipe wrench

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• Husky Internal Pipe Wrench Set

– Shower valve socket wrench

• Husky Shower Valve Socket Wrench

– Strainer locknut wrench

• Gardener Bender Locknut Wrench Tool Kit
• Husky Locknut Wrench

– Torque wrench

• DEWALT Torque Wrenches
• Milwaukee Torque Wrenches

Miscellaneous tools

22. Bucket

Whether you’re unclogging a garbage disposal or sink, buckets are a useful, affordable tool to have on hand. Since the bucket is mostly used to hold waste, there’s no need for an expensive bucket. A large, plastic, 5-gallon bucket is the perfect size to fit everyday needs.

• Home Depot 5 Gallon Homer Bucket

23. Carpenter pencils and markers

Depending on the surface you need to mark for cutting, sawing or measuring, you’ll need carpenter pencils and markers. For carpenter pencils, Home Depot’s are an affordable option that will work great. As for markers, Pro Sharpies will do just fine.

24. Caulk gun and silicone caulk

Plumbers use caulk guns and silicone caulk to seal gaps and cracks on the job.

Have a look at some top caulk guns:

• DEWALT Cordless Adhesive Dispensers
• Milwaukee Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Guns
• RIDGID Caulk and Adhesive Gun

25. Jab saws

Primarily used for cutting through drywall, plumbers need jab saws to get to pipes and tubing behind walls. These are a few great options for professional jab saws:

• DEWALT Jab Saws
• Milwaukee Jab Saws
• Klein Tools Jab Saw

26. PEX pipe expander and fittings

In the plumbing industry, PEX pipe expanders and fittings are primarily used for residential hot and cold water supply lines. Expander fittings are ideal for hard-to-reach areas because they reach more easily than other systems. Take a look at some PEX pipe expander and fittings tool kits:

• DEWALT Cordless PEX Expander Tool Kit
• Milwaukee ProPEX Expansion Tool Kit

27. Pressure gauges

Pressure gauges (i.e., compressed air test gauges) are commonly used by plumbers to check for leaks in water piping without having water in the pipes. Take a look at a few pressure and test gauge options:

• DANCO Increment Compressed Air Test Gauge
• HOME-FLEX Pressure Test Gauge
• Winters Instruments Water Pressure Test Gauge

28. Spray lubricants

In order to fix certain plumbing problems, you’ll sometimes have to use a spray lubricant to take the object apart and get to the root of the problem. For example, if there’s a clogged showerhead that’s not easily fixable, you’ll likely use spray lubricant to safely and easily remove the showerhead to find and fix the problem. 

Here are the best choices for spray lubricants:

• WD-40 SPECIALIST Penetrant With E-Z Reach
• WD-40 SPECIALIST Long-Lasting White Lithium Grease

29. Stubby screwdriver

As you’re often working in tight spaces, stubby screwdrivers will help to navigate to those hard-to-reach places. This is one of the top stubby screwdrivers:

• Klein Tools 8-in-1 Multi-Bit Adjustable Length Stubby Screwdriver

30. Tape measure

As one of the most commonly used plumbing tools, a quality tape measure should always be included in any tool bag.

Check out one of these top-of-the-line tape measures:

• Stanley Tape Measure
• Lufkin Tape Measure
• Milwaukee Tape Measure
• DEWALT Tape Measure
• Tajima Tape Measure

31. Tool belt and tool pouch

Since plumbers need to carry various tools to job sites as well as fit into tight spaces, it’s important to have a portable tool belt and tool pouch.

Take a look at some of the top tool belts for professionals:

• Husky Tool Belts (one with suspenders and/or one without)
• McGuire-Nicholas Leather Contractor’s Apron
• Milwaukee General Contractor Work Belt With Suspension Rig

Also, these are a few tool pouches to consider:

• Husky Utility Tool Pouch
• MagnoGrip Maintenance Tool Pouch

32. Toolbox

Due to the fact that you likely won’t be able to fit all of the necessary job tools into a tool belt or pouch, you’ll need a toolbox to lug around unexpected plumber tools.

Here are a few toolboxes to think about:

• DEWALT Toolboxes
• Milwaukee Tool Boxes (modular, rolling, 3-drawer)
• RIDGID Tool Boxes (cart, tool box, and tool storage)

33. Washers and O-rings

Plumbers use O-rings (i.e., rubber rings) to put around pipes and work with washers to seal up gaps so that water can’t escape.

Here is a top option for washers:

• DANCO Washer ProPack

Also, this is a top choice for O-rings:

• DANCO O-Ring Kit

Plumbing safety and PPE

Plumbing safety and PPE is important to protect you, your employees and your business. Plus, there are legal requirements involving plumbing safety and PPE. When in doubt, always check with the local government to ensure you’re adhering to regulations and are following proper procedures.

In addition to acquiring the proper certifications and following government guidelines, it’s also important to know OSHA guidelines. Plus, it’s also a good idea to get a head start in taking OSHA safety training courses. 

In order to prevent injuries, it’s important to buy the best quality equipment you can afford. Additionally, you’ll need to conduct routine equipment inspections to ensure the equipment works, it’s being kept in top shape, it’s routinely disinfected, and it’s being thrown away after exposure to chemicals and toxins.

In addition to proper PPE, it’s also important to keep a fully stocked first aid kit on hand for injuries. Also, it’s a good idea to train your plumbers in first aid and CPR.

34. Back and knee protection

Since you’ll be working in tight spaces, in awkward angles, and with heavy equipment and piping, it’s essential to have heavy-duty kneepads or a skid-proof kneeler to support, cushion and protect the knees.

In addition, back support is important as well for preventing injuries when climbing ladders or handling heavy equipment and materials.

35. Detection equipment

It’s important to have reliable detection equipment for carbon monoxide, smoke and gas.

36. Face masks

Wear a disposable face mask for sawing and sanding. Consider heavy-duty respiratory equipment when many germs or chemicals are involved.

37. Flashlights and headlamps

Whether you’re working in an attic, crawl space or under the kitchen sink, it’s essential to have proper lighting.

38. Gloves

Protect hands against chemicals and other potential hazards. Use heat-insulating, leather gloves and wear latex gloves underneath the leather gloves for protections against biohazards in drain lines.

39. Goggles or safety glasses

Depending on the job, it’s important to protect your eyes against chemicals, germs and debris, which can potentially harm your eyes.

40. Hard hats

Whether you’re walking through an attic or maneuvering through a crawl space, it’s important to protect your head from falling debris and solid objects.

41. Heat shields and pads

When soldering, it’s essential to have heat shields and pads to protect yourself and the surrounding area from heat damage and fire.

42. Nonskid work boots with protective toes

Considering the wet environments plumbers work in, it’s important to have nonskid work boots that protect against slipping and falling. Plus, considering the hazardous spaces plumbers work in combined with the heavy equipment and materials involved, it’s important to have work boots that also have protective toes.

43. Uniforms

For the ultimate protection of the team as well as maintaining a professional appearance, uniforms are an essential part of plumbing PPE and safety.

The No. 1 plumbing tool to add to your business

Out of everything previously mentioned, FieldEdge is the No. 1 plumbing tool to add to your business. Using this software, you’ll have the power to reach goals sooner so your plumbing business can grow faster than ever.

Here’s how the best plumbing software can transform your business:

• Easy quoting in the field
• Track every job, every step of the way
• Take FieldEdge anywhere using the mobile app
• Create long-term customers by leveling up customer service
• Take advantage of instant scheduling, dispatching service, lead management/CRM, invoicing and billing

By choosing FieldEdge, the sky’s the limit of what you can accomplish.

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