The world is diverse and so are its people. Each person has unique and different talents and skills. All the same, each person has distinct interests. Accordingly, we pursue the dreams of our lives through different paths. Plumbing is one of such unique paths that you can follow if you have an interest in it. And the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the profession to grow in the years to come. Anyway, Just like the diversity of professions, there is a diversity of tools that every professional has to use. Each profession has gotten specific tools. In fact, the tools of a plumber are also in a class by themselves. If you have the enthusiasm for plumbing, you must have a clear picture of the tools of a plumber. The main objective of this article is to enlighten you with all you need to know about them.
The Importance of the Tools of a Plumber
You might think that it is merely the skills and the knowledge that create a good plumber. As a matter of fact, a good plumber is a blend of plenty of things. The skills and knowledge of the profession play important roles. That’s obvious. But there are so many other things that take the spotlight. Among them, the tools of a plumber appear to be the most predominant.
In our day-to-day life, we come across situations where we need a plumber to do some repair or maintenance in domestic plumbing systems. Is it always because the house owners do not have an idea about the problem? Besides, it can be because the owner does not have the right tool to do that. On such occasions, it is not the plumbers’ skills that matter. It is the tools. So, the tools of a plumber indirectly are one reason for the plumbers to have good demand.
Anyway, why do plumbers have to use the very tools? Well, plumbers do need specific tools to perform various tasks accurately. Without proper tools, it would take ages for plumbers to perform a particular task. Further, it is the tools that have eased the work of plumbers. Simply, technical and strategic plumbing would only be delusional if it was not for the availability of the right tools. Tools are that much important for plumbing.
With the proper use of tools, plumbers can comfortably complete the plumbing tasks in superior quality. Also, they can easily meet the requirements of their clients without much effort.
Tools of a plumber
Alright. You would be in need to know about all the tools of a plumber if you have the enthusiasm. It is time we got to know what they are. Basically, we can classify the tools of a plumber under several categories.
- Basic Plumbing tools for Pipework
- Other tools needed for Pipework
- Cleaning Equipment
- Safety Gear
No doubt you would like to know about them meticulously. Not to worry! You can read all about them in-depth.
Basic Plumbing Tools for Pipework
What does plumbing mean to you? It is fundamentally pipework, right? Indeed, almost all the tools of a plumber are to ease pipework and to do them quite methodically to arrive at a classy output. In other words, these are the apparatus that technically assist plumbers. So, what are they?
- Wrenches
- Hacksaw
- Hole Saw
- Plumber’s Torch
- Pliers
- Tube Blenders
- Press-fitting Systems
- Metal File
- Thread Seal Tapes
- Ratcheting Pipe Threader Set
- Faucet Keys
- Pressure Test Gauges
- Borescope
- Caulk Gun
It goes without saying, knowing the tools by name is not adequate at all. You must have prudence as for these tools. Do not worry! You can read all about them.
1. Wrenches
Indisputably, wrenches play a major role in the career of a plumber. Fundamentally, we use wrenches to hold, twist, or turn an object. With the help of wrenches, we can torque to an object easily. Nevertheless, among the tools of a plumber, there are different types of wrenches. There is so much to know about each of them.
- Pipe Wrench
- Adjustable Wrench
- Basin Wrench
- Torque Wrench
- Internal Pipe Wrench
- Strainer Lock Nut Wrench
- Shower Valve Socket Wrench
- Hex Key
- Faucet Valve-seat Wrench
- Garbage Disposal Wrench
It looks pretty interesting, does not it? All the same, it would turn out to be even more interesting when you get to know from top to bottom about each of those wrenches.
Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is indeed a must-have among the tools of a plumber. Spectacularly, no plumber can carry out any plumbing task if he or she does not have a pipe wrench. In other words, if you are going to plumb, never ever forget this tool. This is the most prominently used type of wrench.
Mainly, pipe wrenches are used to tighten and loosen nuts and fittings on pipes. Usually, plumbers use two of these wrenches together. One of them is used to hold a pipe in place whereas the other is used to rotate the nut.
Generally, the length of the handle of pipe wrenches differ. So, a plumber might have several of these accordingly.
Manufacturers manufacture the teeth and jaws of these wrenches using steel. They may use steel or aluminum to construct the body of the wrench.
However, if you feel your pipe wrench is no longer usable, do not worry. You can buy a teeth-and-jaw kit. Do not waste your money on buying an all-new pipe wrench.
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable Wrench is another kind of wrench that plumbers have to use. We also call it an adjustable spanner, shifting spanner, shifter, or crescent wrench.
In an adjustable wrench, there is a fixed jaw as well as a movable jaw. The fixed jaw is capable enough to withstand stress far better than the movable jaw.
Plumbers use adjustable wrenches for different tasks. But basically, these are also used by plumbers to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. These wrenches grip pipes tightly with their sharp teeth. On most occasions, we find hexagonal nuts. In fact, adjustable wrenches are ideal to deal with them.
Adjustable wrenches are also available in various sizes. Hence, it is much advisable to have a few in various sizes.
However, you should use adjustable wrenches only on galvanized steel and iron. If you use them on small and tiny marks, you would surely get teeth marks on the pipe at the end. You would not like that, would you?
Basin Wrench
The basin wrench is another main wrench that a plumber frequently has to use. Some call it the sink wrench.
It is a T-shaped gadget. It has a long shaft and a pair of jaws. And it has gotten a traverse handle on the other end.
Majorly, plumbers use basin wrenches, especially on faucets. However, it allows plumbers to reach narrow and confined spaces simply because of its specific design. If not, there would be no other way to perform such tasks.
Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is yet another in the box of tools of a plumber. In the main, plumbers use torque wrenches to apply a specific torque on a nut or a bolt. The importance of using torque wrenches is that it allows the plumber to use the exact amount of torque to suit the requirement.
Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, there are many types of torque wrenches. There are electronic torque wrenches, programmable torque wrenches, mechatronic torque wrenches, hydraulic torque wrenches, and pneumatic torque wrenches. Plumbers can choose the torque wrench that suits them the most.
Internal Pipe Wrench
The internal pipe wrench is another useful tool for a plumber. Usually, there can be occasions that plumbers have to replace rusted fittings. The internal pipe wrench is the tool that must be used then.
With the use of this tool, plumbers can remove broken threaded ends of pipes, and rusted fittings on galvanized pipes.
The specialty of this tool is that it grips the inside of a pipe.
Strainer Lock Nut Wrench
The strainer lock nut wrench is another helpful tool in the tool-box of a plumber. These are designed for strainer locknuts. Plumbers can quite easily install and remove strainer lock nuts with the use of these wrenches.
Shower Valve Socket Wrench
The name of this wrench is indeed suggestive. The shower valve socket wrench is basically for the installation and removal of shower valves, tub fittings, and nuts. Hence, whenever there is a problem with regard to a shower, a plumber needs a shower valve socket wrench. That is for sure.
Hex key
Some may refer to the hex key as Allen key or Allen key wrench. It is an L-shaped tool. The arms are unequal. One end of this wrench consists of a hexagonal rod.
This is primarily a tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. You can hold this tool from the long arm and twist it to drive them.
These are available in different sizes. So, a plumber or any other professional who uses these has to choose the right sized hex key that fits the specific socket size.
However, a kit of hex keys usually consists of half a dozen hex keys of different sizes. With the size of the socket, the length of the key also increases. So, it is much easier to choose the appropriate hex key. It is the length of the long arm that you must consider.
Anyway, the set of hex keys is a must-have of any plumber.
Faucet Valve-seat Wrench
This is another type of wrench that a plumber can make use of. There can be instances that a particular seal has cracked as a result of drying up. So, there would probably be a leak. Then, a plumber has to remove it. This is the perfect tool that any plumber can use on such an occasion to install a new seal.
Garbage Disposal Wrench
The name itself says it. A garbage disposal can get blocked. If you have one, you would know for sure. In such cases, this is the tool that you need to have. You do not have to be a professional plumber to make use of this. All you have to do is to insert an end of this into the bottom of the garbage disposal and turn it. It can easily do the job for you.
2. Hacksaw
There cannot be a plumber who does not use a hacksaw. A hacksaw is mandatory among the tools of a plumber. This as you would most probably know is a toothed saw. And it is used for cutting purposes. You can easily cut something using the hacksaw by pushing and pulling it to and from.
Typically, people used hacksaws to cut metal. But it is possible to use hacksaws for various cutting purposes. Let it be wood, plastic, or any material like that. You can use the hacksaw. Hence, a hacksaw is one of the carpentry tools as well as one of the tools of an electrician.
As for plumbing, plumbers have to use hacksaws to cut through numerous items such as pipes, nuts, bolts, and screws.
There can be pipes, tubes, nuts, and bolts with rust. There would not be any possibility to remove them. If so, you would ten to one have to cut it apart for which you would have to use a hacksaw.
Needless to say, there may be times that a plumber has cut new pipes to get the right length. Then also, it is mainly a hacksaw that a plumber would use.
You would also feel that it is right calling this specific cutting tool a hacksaw. Hack means a rough cut or blow. So, the hacksaw is the saw that we can use for rough cuts.
Hacksaws are also available in different sizes. It is up to the plumber to choose the most suitable size for a specific task.
Further, there is something that you need to know if you use hacksaws. It is that you need to have spare blades with you. What you are cutting can be rougher than a hacksaw can handle.
3. Hole Saw
Hole saws are also known as hole cutters. This is a ring-shaped cutting instrument with a saw blade. Hole saws are used in drills.
As the name itself says, we can use the hole saw to create a hole in a workpiece. The specialty is that we do not have to cut up the core to make a hole.
The depth that we can cut something has limits when plumbers are using hole saws. This tool has a cup-like metal cylinder. Its depth decides the depth to which we can cut something.
Hole saws are available in various diameters. Plumbers can opt for the ideal-sized one.
Also, there are adjustable hole saws also. If a plumber uses them, there is no need to use have a number of hole saws. Hole saw circle cutters are also available. They are made with a few adjustable teeth on a platform with a pilot bit.
You can cut plastic, metal, or wood using a hole saw. For a plumber, the most predominant use of a hole saw is to cut holes in floors or walls to run pipes through them.
For the same purpose, plumbers would have to use drill bits if they do not use holes saws. In fact, drill bits take a lot of time. So, apparently, using hole saws is much more efficient and quicker than using drill bits.
4. Plumber’s Torch
The plumber’s torch is another major item among the tools of a plumber. If we tell you about this tool, it is a hand tool used by plumbers to apply heat to a specific area.
Soldering is one main part of a plumber’s job when it comes to fixing pipes. You know that metal pipes, especially copper pipes are sealed using solder. Of course, you need heat to melt up the solder. This is why a plumber needs a tool of this sort.
But why cannot a plumber use a normal torch for this task? As a matter of fact, it is implausible to say that plumbers can reach every place where there are pipes. A plumber’s torch is actually smaller than a standard torch. So, it becomes quite convenient for a plumber to reach tight places.
Another advantage of using plumber’s torches for plumbing is that they give you the ability to apply heat to a precise part of a pipe.
Thus, with the use of plumber’s torches, plumbers can seal up copper piping effortlessly.
5. Pliers
Sometimes, plumbers can confront situations that no available wrench is capable enough to grab. But plumbers do need to loosen and tighten such tiny nuts and bolts. What is the alternative for such occasions? It is obviously using pliers. These come in handy, so it is pretty easy for a plumber to use them. Anyway, there are a few types of pliers
Channel Locks
The American company Channellock manufactures a variety of pliers. This specific plier used by plumbers is one of them.
We also call them tongue and groove pliers. These have adjustable jaws. You can adjust them and lock them so it is easy to get the right size of the plier we need to cater to your requirement.
In the main, when plumbers need to hold one pipe and unscrew another, they can use two channel locks.
Slip-Joint Pliers
We can use the names water pump pliers or groove pliers to refer to this type of pliers. Plumbers can use slip-joint pliers or tightening and loosening purposes. Also, slip-joint pliers are useful for the plumbers to grip other tools during work.
Slip-joint pliers are also adjustable. So, you can get the optimum width out of it.
Anyway, as pliers are basically helpful to perform a task in some tiny place, it is advisable to purchase the smallest pliers. They would make your work much easier.
Mole Grips
Here we come to another type of plier. You can also call them locking pliers. Mole grips are tools with adjustable jaws. These pliers are specifically for holding certain objects tightly.
A plumber may need one of these mainly when he is performing a soldering task. Also, plumbers can use these to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts as well.
Generally, the grip of these plumbers is much stronger than that of other pliers. Yet, the jaws do not close more than the set point. It can be finely adjusted. Hence, we have the ability to control how much the jaws should close. Also, they remain closed until we do any change. That is indeed an advantage.
6. Tube Benders
Next, let us take a look at tube benders. Some may call them pipe benders. However, there are instances that plumbers need to bend pipes into certain shapes to fit certain circumstances. Specifically, you might need to bend pipes in corners. This is the tool that any plumber can use for such a purpose.
It does not matter whether it is a plastic pipe or a copper pipe. This is the equipment suitable to bend any of those.
There are various types of tube benders. They can be human-powered, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic.
Anyway, a tube bender is largely helpful and assistive for any plumber.
7. Press-Fitting Systems
Conventionally, plumbers are used to solder pipes when they need to connect two pipes. But using press-fitting systems is a much easier method. Nowadays, plumbers widely use them as well.
If you choose to solder or weld in order to make the connection, it would take a lot of time. As a matter of fact, press-fitting systems would do the job very quickly. So, with the use of these, a plumber can save both his time and labor. Just think how much time you can save if you are working on a massive plumbing project.
Further, it does not require professional skills to a high caliber to use press-fitting systems.
There is another important advantage of using press-fitting systems. It is that you can definitely count on the connection. When you solder, you would not know if the connection is perfect. But in this case, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you can say that the connection is secure.
Whatever you do, your protection and safety are the most important. Using press-fitting systems provide additional protection. Soldering can indeed be risky. It generates heat and burns are possible. But there is no danger at all if a plumber is using press-fitting systems. It generates no heat.
As it happens, it is incredibly easy to do repairs with press-fitting systems. You cannot solder pipes if they are wet. But even if they are wet, it is not an issue if you are using press-fitting systems. So, without shutting-down the operations, you can carry out your maintenance.
Thus, it is indeed useful even if you have to spend some extra money on buying them. It is of course a lucrative investment.
8. Metal File
This is another one among the useful tools of a plumber. The metal file or rather the file is a tool that is useful for a number of professions. Certainly, woodworkers need a metal file. Plumbers also surely need one.
The primary purpose of using a metal file is to remove fragments of material from a workpiece in order to smoothen it. As for plumbing, plumbers need a metal file to smoothen the edges of pipes after cutting them. It does not matter whether the pipes are made of plastic or metal. However, using metal files is probably the fastest and most efficient way to do this.
Files are available in various sizes and shapes. Accordingly, they have distinct names.
- Mill files
- Flat files
- Hand files
- Square files
- Triangular files
- Rat-tail files
- Round files
Each of these files caters to different purposes.
However, metal files contribute immensely to the proper finishing of any work. Hence, you definitely need to have a metal file to complete your plumbing task. If not, it would remain half-done.
9. Thread Seal Tapes
Unlike some tools that are common to many professions, it is only plumbers who use thread seal tapes. So, you may indeed call them plumber’s tapes. Some call them Teflon tapes.
Of course, plumbers use them to seal pipe threads. The main purpose of using thread seal pipes is to prevent any leak that can occur. Usually, it is the custom to apply thread seal tapes three times around a thread. So, always keep that in mind. Applying thread seal tapes more than that can possibly be a hazard.
Nonetheless, it is always advisable to go for a high-quality tape. They are very durable. And they can survive temperature fluctuations. If it is a low-quality tape that you have used, it is more likely to wear down.
10. Ratcheting Pipe Threader Set
Alright, what is the ratcheting pipe threader set for? It is mainly to threads on pipes. Use of the ratcheting pipe threader set helps you ensure the threads last long. They make high-caliber threads.
11. Faucet Keys
The faucet key is an X shaped tool. The main purpose of using a faucet key is to open and close spigots and sillcocks. But anyway, we do not technically consider it a wrench.
12. Pressure Test Gauges
Plumbers use pressure test gauges to check leaks and water pressure problems. Although plumbers may not have to use them frequently, it is pretty useful at times.
13. Borescope
A borescope is a small camera with a flexible cable. You can insert the camera into a pipeline and get a clear view of it. The specialty is that you can connect a borescope to your smartphone.
14. Caulk Gun
This is a tool that should be among the tools of a plumber when he or she has to repair seals around sinks and tubs. Although this is a very small tool, it is immensely useful on such occasions.
Other Tools needed for Pipework
Apart from the basic plumbing tools, there are some other tools that a plumber needs to have. In actual fact, these tools are not directly plumbing tools. Besides, they are essential for plumbers. Without them, a plumber cannot perform the plumbing tasks properly. So, what are they?
- Tape Measure
- Putty Knife
- Flashlight
- Bucket
- Screwdriver
Doubtlessly, you might be eager to read more about each of them. Not to worry! Let us get to know about them in detail.
1. Tape Measure
You may know for sure that any field-worker needs a tape. Naturally, a plumber also needs one.
Measuring is of course the most important part of a profession like plumbing. If the plumber mistakenly takes a wrong measurement, it can affect the plumbing work a lot. Hence, the need to take accurate measurements pave the way to have a tape measure in the box of tools of a plumber. It is not because of anything else, but because a good start is half the battle.
On which occasions do plumbers need the help of a tape measure? Mainly, plumbers have to get measurements of certain places to get a specific idea about the length of pipes needed. Measurements can be on walls or floors. So, there can be many occasions that a plumber would have to use a tape measure. Thus, it becomes one of the tools of a plumber.
2. Putty Knife
Mainly to apply or remove caulk and toilet wax residue, plumbers can use this tool. Even though the putty knife is a small and cheap tool, it is indeed really helpful.
3. Flashlight
Of course, we can do no work like plumbing if we do not see what we are doing. To perform the tasks properly, a plumber must see the plumbing systems pretty well.
Perhaps, there are occasions that plumbers have to do work in poorly lit places. Plumbers might have to work underground or on ceilings. They are literally dark places. Without properly seeing the pipes, it is really hard for a plumber to plumb.
In fact, they need a good source of illumination. Thus, it is necessary for a plumber to have a flashlight with him. A good vision unquestionably paves the path for a perfect job. That is for certain.
4. Bucket
You need to avoid leakages that can be caused for a moment while you are plumbing. Hence, it is wise to have a bucket for a plumber. Besides, most of the time, a plumber would be able to find one when needed from his or her workplace.
5. Screwdriver
A screwdriver is an essential tool in the box of tools of a plumber. Plumbers face numerous occasions that they have to use screwdrivers. Whenever there is a screw to be driven, it is the screwdriver that becomes helpful.
However, if it is a place that it is hard to work with an ordinary-sized screwdriver, plumbers may use stubby screwdrivers as they are small in size and easy to handle. Especially, when it is tough to reach a particular place with an ordinary screwdriver in hand, a plumber would have to use a stubby screwdriver.
Cleaning Equipment
Not unexpectedly, cleaning tools are part of the tools of a plumber. Not only plumbers but homeowners should also have to use them.
Basically, cleaning clogs is the main cleaning process. Clogged drains are awkward and of course, unclogging them is essential. Although house owners also can carry out certain tasks, it might be necessary at times to get the assistance of a plumber. So, what can we use for this purpose?
- Plungers
- Hand Augers
- Snake Machine
- Drain Inspection Camera
- Hydro Jetting Machines
- Drain Cleaning Chemicals
No wonder, you would like to know about each of them much lengthily. It is time you did.
1. Plungers
For unclogging purposes, a plunger is a must. Plungers do the clearing up of blockages in drains and pipes. However, plumbers must choose which type of plunger to use considering the situation.
Cup Plunger
This is obviously the most common type of plunger. This is mainly to unclog showers, sinks, and bathtubs.
Flange Plungers
Flange plungers are especially used to unclog toilets. Its soft rubber flap fits tightly into the hole of the toilet.
Plungers also come in different sizes, so it is up to you to choose the perfect size.
2. Hand Augers
This is yet another cleaning tool in the box of tools of a plumber. With the use of hand augers, plumbers have the ability to drive a cable through a pipe. So, it can clear clogs much easily.
3. Snake Machine
Some may call it the plumber’s snake. These machines were not available before some time. But with the advent of these machines, cleaning clogs is no more difficult. This is actually a hand auger. But it is not a typical one. The snake machine is a motorized version of the hand auger.
Because these are motorized machines, you can use them on much harder clogs. Needless to say, snake machines are much more powerful. Although house owners can manage with a typical hand auger, a plumber would probably need to use a snake machine. But there can be instances where a hand auger would do the job even for a plumber.
4. Drain Inspection Camera
As you would expect, the drain inspection camera is a tool that a plumber can use to inspect a specific pipe. Usually, plumbers use these on sewer lines.
5. Hydro Jetting Machines
At present, the world uses high-pressure water on a large scale. In fact, there are many machines in various fields that use high-pressure water. The hydro jetting machine is an application of high-pressure water in the field of plumbing.
Undeniably, this is the most effective method of cleaning drains and sewer lines. A hydro jetting machine can unclog pipes in no time.
Nevertheless, if you use this machine on fragile and old pipes, there is a possibility that they might break. So, be mindful about that when you are using hydro jetting machines.
6. Drain Cleaning Chemicals
Drain cleaning chemicals are indeed important in the process of cleaning drains. You can use them to clean the clog.
Safety Gear
There is no work with no danger. Unquestionably, there are many hazards in plumbing. But it is possible to minimize the danger of such hazards if we use safety gear. You would be eager to know about them. Here is the chance for that.
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Heat shields
Now, let us get to know about them thoroughly.
Goggles
Plumbing is a profession that there can be threats to our eyes. Mainly, soldering can cause injuries to your eyes. Also, contaminated water and fragments of metal are harmful. So, wearing goggles is the best safety precaution that any plumber can take.
Gloves
There are two main advantages a plumber can gain if he or she wears gloves. One is that plumbers get a very good grip. The second is plumbers getting the ability to reduce the menaces to the hands. You would know that contaminated water and chemicals used in plumbing can cause serious issues. So, it is always better to use gloves.
Heat Shields
Most of the time, soldering can cause burns. Hence, it is necessary to avoid excessive heat. For that, we can use heat shields. It is also essential to avoid damages that can happen to properties. Even for that, plumbers can use heat shields.
The Bottom line
By now, you would be knowing the importance of tools for plumbers and the specific tools used by a plumber for specific purposes. So, never disregard them, if you have even a slight interest in this field. Besides, knowing about them would even help you do your simple tasks at home with the right tool. Thus, good knowledge of plumbing tools is indeed important.
Finally, something to point out. Reading makes a full man. Similarly, tools make a full plumber. So, enjoy plumbing with the right tools!
33 comments
Hello there! Tools play an important and major role in every plumber’s life. You have classified properly every tool in its matching category. Thank you for sharing your deep knowledge of tools, it’s really outstanding. Keep sharing your thoughts like this. I love the way you shared things in posts. Keep posting!!