Lifestyle

Types of Products Every Plumber Should Have on Hand

July 1, 2024

By: Viraj Shah

Suppose you’re a professional plumber, an apprentice, or even a homeowner with plumbing knowledge. In that case, there is a short list of critical tools to repair and maintain sinks, showers, toilets, and other standard plumbing systems. Far from a complete plumber’s toolset, the following tool categories are the absolute critical basics.

Wrenches

Every good plumber will have a pipe wrench. But you’ll need more than this one iconic plumber’s tool. Essential plumber’s wrenches include:

Pipe Wrench: The quintessential plumber’s tool, the pipe wrench is needed on almost every plumbing job.
Basin Wrench: Designed specifically for faucets, the T-shape handle and specialized clamp provide maximum leverage in cramped spaces.
Adjustable Wrench: The simple wrench will be useful in many basic applications.
Faucet Key: These plumbing necessities are not technically wrenches but are suitable for sillcocks and spigots.
Garbage Disposal Wrench: This is the standard tool for unclogging garbage disposals. You’ll be surprised how many times it comes in handy.
Basin Wrench: Explicitly designed for faucets, the T-shape handle and specialized clamp are ideal for getting maximum leverage in cramped spaces.
Adjustable Wrench: The simple adjustable wrench will be useful in many basic applications.
Faucet Key: These plumbing necessities are not technically wrenches but are suitable for sillcocks and spigots.
Garbage Disposal Wrench: The common tool needed for unclogging garbage disposals, you’ll be surprised how many times these come in handy.

Pipe Work Tools

Pipe work will make up a large amount of your time. For this, you’ll need the following tools.

Hacksaw: Needed for cutting pipes, you will be unable to complete many jobs without a hacksaw.
Pipe Cutters: Many plumbing pipes are made of relatively soft plastic, and pipe cutters will do the job.
Plumber’s Torch: A requirement for soldering copper pipes.
Thread Tape: Seals must be strong for good plumbing work to be complete, and sealing tape makes this easy.
Pliers: A good pair of slammer pliers will fit into many tight spots.

Clog Clearing

No plumber is properly equipped without clog-clearing tools like the following.

Plunger: Oftentimes, a simple plunger will solve issues all by itself.
Hand Auger: When you need to drive a cable through a pipe, a hand auger will break up any clogs that might be in the way.
Snake: Snake machines are large, motorized augers with a much longer reach. Homeowners may not need these, but professional plumbers certainly do.

Safety Gear

Every professional plumber needs to take personal safety seriously. Avoid injury and contamination with these basic personal safety items.

Goggles: Chemicals, debris, and biological contaminants are all potential dangers on any plumbing job. Goggles will protect your eyes from all of these.
Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves are a requirement to protect yourself from contaminants. But they are also an important defense from electrical hazards, cuts, and abrasions.
Heat Shields: Heat shields are for your protection and that of the surrounding area any time you’re working with a torch.

Miscellaneous Essentials

Plumbing work includes a lot of odd fixtures, features, components, and tasks. Every house is different, especially older ones. These tools will help you to be ready for the unexpected.