When it comes to plumbing, having the right tools and equipment can make all the difference. Whether you’re a new plumber looking to increase your inventory or a seasoned professional setting up new pipes and fixtures, investing in the best plumbing tools and equipment is essential.
With so many options available on the market today, finding reliable items can be tricky; luckily, we’ve done some of the work for you! In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes a good tool or piece of equipment for plumbing projects—so read on to learn more about selecting and using high-quality products that will see you through any repair job.
Identifying the Basic Tools You Need in Your Plumbing Kit
Plumbing problems can be a real pain, but having the necessary tools on hand can make all the difference in a quick and efficient repair job. Assemble your plumbing kit with a few basic must-haves, including a basin wrench, pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, plunger, and pipe cutter. For more specific needs, consider adding a pair of channel lock pliers, Teflon tape, and a faucet puller.
10 Best Plumbing Tools for Any Job
- Pipe Wrench: A pipe wrench is an essential tool for any plumbing job. Its adjustable jaw holds and grips the pipes securely while you work, allowing you to turn them without fear of slipping or breaking the connection.
- Basin Wrench: The basin wrench is designed specifically for nuts and bolts in tight spaces like under sinks and behind toilets. Its long, adjustable handle makes it easier to reach and provides more leverage than other wrench types for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.
- Sewer Camera: Sewer cameras give a close-up, real-time view of the inside of the sewer lines, allowing them to identify any issues such as clogs, cracks, or collapsed pipes. One of the best sewer cameras for plumbing on the market is the Gen-eye GP. This affordable and durable camera has long been a favorite amongst professional plumbers due to its ability to take crisp, clear images from up to 330 feet away. Another excellent choice for the best sewer camera is the RIDGID SeeSnake Micro CA-300. This tiny camera is capable of fitting into the tightest spaces and taking high-resolution images up to 200 feet away.
- Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench is a versatile tool with many applications in plumbing. It can be used to loosen and tighten nuts, hold pipes in place, and adjust valves. It works by using two jaws that can be adjusted to fit a variety of sizes.
- Tongue-and-Groove Pliers: Tongue-and-groove pliers are specifically designed for plumbing tasks. They feature two adjustable jaws that can fit into tight spaces and their spring loaded design makes gripping easy.
- Tubing Cutter: Tubing cutters are essential tools for plumbers, allowing them to quickly and accurately make cuts in copper, plastic-coated copper, aluminum or thin-wall tubing. Depending on the type of tubing cutter chosen, they can cut through a variety of sizes ranging from 1/8 inch up to 2 inches in diameter. Tubing cutters work by tightening a hardened-steel wheel around the tubing, then rolling it along the length of the tube until it cuts through.
- Flaring Tool: A flaring tool is used to create flares on the end of copper piping for connecting pipes and valves. Flaring is the process of creating a conical shape on the end of a tube or pipe, usually made from copper or steel. This allows two pieces of tubing to be connected together more securely and without leaking. Plumbers use specially-designed flaring tools that come in various sizes and shapes for different tubing and pipe diameters. Some of the most popular flaring tools include a double-flaring tool, a single-flare tool, and a universal flaring tool.
- Pipe Threader: A pipe threader makes it easy to create threads on the end of a pipe. This tool is especially useful for creating threaded connections that will not leak or come loose over time. Pipe threaders come in various sizes and configurations and are typically powered by an electric motor. Typically, the threader will have a reciprocating arm that rotates in either direction to create threads on the inside of the pipe.
- Drain Snakes: Drain snakes, also known as plumbing augers, are tools used by plumbers to clear clogs in pipes and drains. The device consists of a long wire with an auger at the end that is inserted into the drain and rotated to mechanically break up or remove blockages. The three best drain snakes on the market today are the Ridgid K-45AF Autofeed Drain Cleaner, the Cobra Products Cable Drum Machine, and the General Wire Spring Mini-Rooter XP.
- Pipe Vise: A pipe vise is an adjustable tool that holds a piece of pipe in place while you work on it. It is essential for any plumbing job as it allows you to make precise cuts or connections without fear of slipping or breaking the pipe.
Determining the Right Tools for Your Jobs
When it comes to plumbing, having the right tools can make all the difference. Therefore, it is important to choose reliable brands that offer a wide range of products that are suitable for all types of plumbing tasks.
Here we will review some of the best plumbing tool & equipment brands available on the market:
- Ridgid: Ridgid is one of the leading names in plumbing tools and equipment. They offer a wide range of products that includes some of the best drain snakes, power tools, hand tools, pipe wrenches, pressure washers, reamers, water pumps and more. All their products are made to be durable and reliable so you can count on them to get the job done.
- Irwin: Irwin is another leading brand when it comes to plumbing tools and equipment. Their products range from standard hand tools to advanced power tools, and they also provide a variety of accessories such as pneumatic fittings, vacuum pumps and more. All their products are designed for contractor-grade performance so you can trust them to be reliable while working on any plumbing project.
- RYOBI: RYOBI is a well-known brand that produces high quality tools and equipment for DIYers and professionals alike. They offer an extensive range of products including some of the best drain snakes, power tools, hand tools, pipe wrenches, pressure washers and much more. All their products are designed to provide maximum performance, so you can count on them to do the job right.
- Milwaukee: Milwaukee is another trusted brand that produces high-quality plumbing tools and equipment. From hand tools to power tools, their range of products covers most plumbing tasks. Their products are tested for quality assurance so you can trust them to be reliable while completing any kind of project.
By choosing one of these reliable brands, you can be sure to have the right tool for the job. All the products are designed and tested for durability and performance, so you can count on them to get any plumbing job done with ease.
Plumbing Tools and Equipment: Conclusion
After reading through this blog post, it’s clear that having the right tools for the job is essential for doing plumbing projects correctly and safely. At first, building a plumbing kit may be a daunting task, but with this guide in hand, you’ll have all the information you need to collect the best quality tools and supplies that are budget-friendly.
Moreover, understanding how each tool works and what it can be used for aids in proper equipment use and safety. Additionally, knowing specialty tools and their accessories deepens your potential DIY project success as it allows you to tackle more specialized tasks. Ultimately, once you have the necessary tools in place, you’ll be prepared to tackle any plumbing job with confidence!
