what tools does a plumber use

The Essential Plumber Tools

1. Pliers. Pliers are probably the most used tools in a plumber’s arsenal. They offer leverage and allow you to move and...
2. Wrenches. High on the list of plumbers’ tools are wrenches, and there are three that are quite necessary. Pipe...
3. Plumber’s putty. Also known as caulk, this is a simple but effective tool. Plumbers’ putty stabilizes...

Full Answer

What are the basic tools used in plumbing?

The Essential Plumbing Tools List: 35 Different Types & Their Uses

• Wrenches. When you’re tightening or removing nuts and bolts in the plumbing, you’ll need all sorts of wrenches.
• 12. Pliers. ...
• Clearing Clogs. Clearing clogs is another standard, necessary part of a plumber’s job. ...
• Safety Equipment. Plumbing usually isn’t seen as a dangerous profession. ...
• Other Essential Plumbing Tools and Items. ...

What are basic plumbing tools?

What Are the Basic Plumbing Tools?

• Plungers The plunger is one of the most important plumbing tools, and one of the most affordable. ...
• Plungers. ...
• Tongue-and-Groove Pliers The versatile tool known as tongue-and-groove or Channellock pliers, are a favorite of local plumbers. ...
• Tongue-and-Groove Pliers. ...

More items...

What tools do you need for plumbing?

• Tubing cutter
• Propane torch
• Fitting brush or emery paper
• Flux (and brushes)
• Solder
• Copper fittings

What equipment does a plumber use?

What Tools Do Plumbers Use?

• Wrenches. Plumbers would really struggle to do their job without the humble wrench, and you'll find wrenches of all shapes and sizes in a plumber's toolkit.
• Pliers. ...
• Plunger. ...
• Hose Cutter. ...
• Soldering Tools. ...

What is the most common tool used by plumbers?

Among the typical tools of plumbers, a pipe wrench is known as the most important tool that is used for basic plumbing purposes. You can say that pipe wrench loosens and tightens pipes, additionally, helps to fit the pipelines.

What tools does a beginner plumber need?

0:074:22The 10 tools you NEED when starting as a PLUMBER! | GOT2LEARNYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTools. So starting with number one the adjustable. Pliers your adjustable pliers are as stable forMoreTools. So starting with number one the adjustable. Pliers your adjustable pliers are as stable for your edc. You'll be using them for many things such as screwing nuts tightening small pipes.

Which five tools are most common to plumbing?

FIVE ESSENTIAL PLUMBING TOOLS EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVEToilet Auger. The toilet auger is one of the most commonly used items in the plumber's tool kit. ... Flange Plunger. ... Plumber's Snake Or Sink Auger. ... Faucet Valve Set Wrench. ... Adjustable Pipe Wrench. ... Contact Horizon Services.

What are the six category of plumbing tools?

A plumber must have knowledge about the different types of wrenches and where to use them specifically. Wrench also helps in tightening of nuts and bolts in the plumbing work....WrenchesOpen-end Wrench.Adjustable Wrench.Combination Wrench.Box-end Wrench.

What tools should a plumbing apprentice have?

The 10 Tools You'll Need As an Apprentice PlumberStep 1: THE ADJUSTABLE PLIERS. So starting with number one, the adjustable pliers. ... Step 2: THE ADJUSTABLE WRENCH. ... Step 3: THE TAPE MEASURE. ... Step 4: THE TORPEDO LEVEL. ... Step 5: BOX CUTTER/UTILITY KNIFE. ... Step 6: A MARKER. ... Step 7: THE HAMMER. ... Step 8: MULTIBIT SCREWDRIVER.More items...

What are the 4 types of plumbing?

There are five main types of plumbing pipe materials that are still in use today: copper, galvanized steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)....PVC Pipes. ... PEX Pipes. ... ABS Pipes. ... Copper Pipes. ... Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes.

What do plumbers use to clean drains?

A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.

What kind of wrench does a plumber use?

Pipe Wrench Basically, this all-too-familiar tool tightens and loosens pipes, and fittings. The serrated teeth of these wrenches help the wrench keep a firm grasp on the fixture—good plumbers will wrap a cloth around the jaws of the wrench as to not damage your fixture's finish.

What do plumbers use to clean drains?

A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.

Do plumbers use drills?

A plumber uses a hole saw attached to a power drill or a right angle drill for cutting holes through metal, PVC or wood to route plumbing components.

What kind of wrench does a plumber use?

Pipe Wrench Basically, this all-too-familiar tool tightens and loosens pipes, and fittings. The serrated teeth of these wrenches help the wrench keep a firm grasp on the fixture—good plumbers will wrap a cloth around the jaws of the wrench as to not damage your fixture's finish.

What are three specialty tools needed for installing fixtures?

Wrenches and pliers. Clockwise, from upper left: tub-strainer wrench, slide-nut or sliding-jaw pliers, basin wrench, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, strap wrench (won't mar polished pipe), and no-hub torque wrench. Pipe wrenches tighten and loosen threaded metal joints, such as 3⁄4-in.

What do plumbers use to repair?

If you work as a plumber, pipes appear prominently on your plumbing tools list. Modern plumbers use a variety of tools and techniques to repair, alter, replace, and install piping in various (and usually tight) spaces around the home.

What tool do plumbers use to work on faucets?

Pipe wrenches come in various lengths, and prepared plumbers typically work with an entire set of these tools. 2. Basin Wrench. The basin wrench is a T-shaped tool plumbers use specifically to work on faucets.

What is the largest wrench used by a plumber?

1. Pipe Wren ch. The pipe wrench serves as a plumber’s largest wrench. Plumbers use these heavy tools to tighten and loosen nuts and fittings on pipework. They typically use two of these wrenches together—one to hold a pipe in place and the other to rotate the nut or fitting in the appropriate direction.

Why do plumbers save money?

They save plumbers time and money in the long run, because plumbers can make connections with them in less time than it takes to weld or solder the pipes.

What is an adjustable wrench?

The adjustable wrench tightens and loosens hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipes. These wrenches come in a variety of sizes, but plumbers most often have the 6- and 10-inch versions on hand for the next job.

Why is it important to use safety equipment when soldering?

If soldering is a regular part of your day-to-day, then it's critical to use the proper safety equipment to protect yourself and the homeowner. Complete your plumbing tools list with reliable heat shields and pads. They help to protect plumbers and the surrounding environment from heat damage or fire when soldering is necessary.

What do trade professionals use to work out estimates?

Fewer trade professionals rely on a clipboard and pen-and-paper to work out estimates and scribble out invoices. Instead, they're armed with a vibrant digital tablet to help them better sell their products and services to homeowners, streamline paperwork, reduce mistakes, and capture payments on the spot!

What is a crimping tool?

A pipe crimping tool is a must have if you really want to call yourself a plumber, or if you want to take care of the plumbing projects in your home.

Why is it important to drill holes in plumbing?

When carrying out the plumbing of a new home, it’s important to have one by your side to drill all the necessary holes for pipes to pass through. It’s an essential drill for electricians and plumbers.

What is a Ridgid pipe cutter?

This cutter by Ridgid is designed to cut both hard and soft copper, aluminum and brass pipes and tubings.

What is reciprocating saw?

A reciprocating saw is a multi-purpose saw you can use to cut different type of materials during your plumbing projects, provided you equip it with the right type of blade. You can cut steel pipes, pvc and other type of pipes easily with it. 22. Wireless Endoscope inspection snake camera.

What is the best tool to remove a broken nipple?

1. Nipple extractor. This is one of the most useful plumbing tool every plumber or even a homeowner should have for simple plumbing repairs. With this ½ inch Nipple extractor , you have a very useful tool for extracting or removing broken pipe nipples and fittings from galvanized or gas piping.

What is a power drill?

Without doubt, a power drill is an essential tool every craftsman needs in his toolbox. There’ll always be the need to drill holes and drive screws. With a good power drill (preferably cordless) in your hands, you’ll be able to take care of such needs during your plumbing projects.

Can a plumbing plier replace a plier?

This single adjustable plumbing plier can replace your whole set of pliers. You can adjust the size of the V-jaws which allow you to grip and clamp different sizes of nuts, bolts, pipes, fasteners and fittings without slipping.

What kind of saw do plumbers use?

A plumber can use a hole saw to cut around holes through various materials like wood, metal, and masonry.

What do plumbers do?

As a plumber, you’ll be asked to work on pipes, whether it is a leaking pipe or a new installation. Below are some of the tools that will help you on the job.

Why do plumbers need to wear eye protection?

As a plumber, you will need this to protect your eyes from flying metallic chips, fragments, particles, and other hazardous materials.

When should plumbers have their hoses on?

Plumbers should have them on before they commence any maintenance or installation, no matter the size of the task at hand.

Can a plumber use a torchlight?

Relax, it is not the conventional Torchlight out there. With this tool, a plumber can apply heat to seal up specific areas of a linkage of pipes that are used to convey fluids.

What tools do you use to cut through plumbing?

Not only would it take more time, but you wouldn’t have the power that a powered hand drill would have to cut through the material properly. Power tools you would use for plumbing projects would be power drills (corded or cordless), and plumbing snakes.

What are hand tools?

Hand Tools. The term ‘hand tools’ means tools that are not powered by any electricity. They are actuated by using your hands only. Typical hand tools that you would use for plumbing tasks include hammers, screwdrivers, hacksaws, pliers, and cutters.

What is a tongue and groove plier?

Tongue & groove pliers are an indispensable hand tool that should be in every budding DIY plumber's toolbox. Many larger plumbing fittings have a hexagon shape, and the only way you can get a tool that’s large enough to fit the flats of the hex is by using a set. From our research, the Channellock 460 clearly has earned our choice as the best tongue and groove pliers out there today.

What is the best pipe wrench?

No need to look for which model is the best among the competition – we feel that the title of the ‘best pipe wrench’ goes to the RIDGIG Model 814 Aluminum Pipe Wrench.

How to get rid of a clogged pipe?

Also called a ‘plumbing snake,' the Pro Steel has a 25' long steel cable with a larger, coiled end on it. Stick it in your pipe and crank the handle. The cable will feed out by itself, and the rotating motion of the cable will help it chew through even the toughest pipe clog.

Can you do plumbing without tools?

But you can’t do any job without the right tools! Take a look at our list, and you'll see that everything we have listed can have a purpose in just about any plumbing job within the home. Always use the right (and the best) tools for the right purpose, and may find yourself surprised at how much time and money you may save.

Is plumbing a DIY job?

It is true – many plumbing tasks are not out of the reach of your typical DIY-er. We will make a little disclaimer on that, though. Simple tasks are one thing, but there are ‘professional plumbers’ for a reason. Many jobs require a knowledge level and skill set that the average person doesn't possess.

What is plumber tape?

Plumber's tape is an essential material for preventing leaks at threaded plumbing connections. Often called Teflon tape (although it's not made with Teflon-brand material), plumber's tape is a thin white tape that you wrap around threads on pipes and fittings before twisting the parts together.

What is tubing cutter?

The tubing cutter is an essential plumbing tool if you're working with copper pipe. Copper requires clean, square cuts, and tubing cutters do just that—with much less effort than a hacksaw. It has a thin cutting wheel that cuts the metal and a flat pressure wheel that applies pressure when you turn the tool's knob.

What is a flange plunger?

Image courtesy of Amazon. The flange plunger, or ball or toilet plunger, is a specially shaped plunger used to clear clogs in toilets. It works like a regular plunger but has a flange—an extended rubber flap below the dome of the plunger head—that helps seal around the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl.

How does a compression faucet work?

Compression faucets, the oldest style of faucet, work by compressing a rubber washer against a valve seat in the faucet body. When the washer wears out, the valve seat can become damaged and rough, preventing a complete seal. When that happens, you can remove the valve seat and replace it, using a valve seat wrench.

What is an adjustable pipe wrench?

An adjustable pipe wrench is the quintessential metal plumbing tool. It provides tremendous leverage and grip. It is designed to grip round objects (such as pipes) securely by digging its sharp serrated teeth into the pipe with increasing pressure as the wrench is turned.

What is a channel lock plier?

Image courtesy of Amazon. Channel-type pliers are commonly known by the brand name Channel-Locks, and are also known as slip-joint pliers.The y're similar to regular adjustable pliers but have extended adjustment sections as well as angled jaws, allowing you to grip pipes or other plumbing parts of almost any size.

Do plumbers drive around with specialty equipment?

While professional plumbers drive around with plenty of specialty equipment on their trucks , homeowners can handle more of their own needs with just a handful of plumbing tools. This is because the most common household plumbing repairs are more about the know-how (and replacement parts) than about advanced tools and special techniques. But there are a few specialty items that are indispensable for everyday plumbing jobs. Topping the list are those for the most familiar plumbing problems of all: clogged drains.