In this informative article we will discuss about the ddifferent types of plumbing tools and discuss about the necessity and working of those tools.
What Are Plumbing Tools?
Plumbing is a system that moves liquids using pipes. It also use other tools like valves for different purposes. It’s commonly used for waste removal, providing drinking water, and heating/cooling systems.
Plumbers face many challenges. They face problem with working in tight spaces. They also have to deal with health risks. Whether it’s for homes or businesses, plumbing requires special tools and skills. Here, we’ll explore the 25 most useful tools plumbers need for a successful project.
Plumbing Tools Types
- Plumber’s wrenches
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Basin wrench
- Faucet key
- Internal pipe wrench
- Torque wrench
- Safety tools for plumbers
- Drain cleaning gloves
- Goggles
- Flashlights
- Heat shields or pads
- Plumbing tools for pipe work
- Hacksaw
- Hole saw kit
- Mole grip
- Tubing cutter
- Plumber’s torch
- Thread sealing tape
- Pliers
- Press fitting system
- Bucket
- Ratcheting pipe threader set
- Drain cleaning tools for plumbers
- Plungers
- Hand Auger
- Snake Machine
- Hydro jetting machine
- Drain Inspection camera
Plumber’s Wrenches
The wrench is the tool most associated with plumbing, and no plumbing toolkit is complete without one. There isn’t a single all-purpose wrench, so it’s important to have different types in your toolbox.
#1 Adjustable Wrench
Also called an adjustable pipe wrench or Stillson wrench. It is used to grip or bend pipes and round bars. It’s great for tightening and loosening hexagonal nuts. It is also used for fittings on pipes. Wrenches come in various sizes. Plumbers often prefer the 6-inch and 10-inch versions.
#2 Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is the largest wrench. It is ideal for tightening and loosening nuts and fittings on pipes. Plumbers often use two pipe wrenches at once. One to hold the pipe steady and the other to turn the fitting or nut. These wrenches come in different lengths. Experienced plumbers typically have a full set for different tasks.
#3 Basin Wrench
This tool is also known as a sink wrench. It is used for turning fasteners in tight spaces. It is used where a regular wrench can’t reach. Shaped like a T, it’s designed for working on faucets. The clamp-like mechanism on one end helps plumbers access hard-to-reach areas.
#4 Faucet Key
Faucet keys aren’t traditional wrenches. They’re essential plumbing tools. These small, X-shaped tools are used to open and close spigots and sillcocks. There are adjustable models available to fit different stem sizes. For example 1/4″, 9/32″, and 5/16″.
#5 Internal Pipe Wrench
An internal pipe wrench is used by plumbers to remove pipe plugs, fittings, small nipples, and broken threaded ends. It’s also handy for removing old, rusted fittings from galvanized pipes. This tool grips the inside of a pipe or fitting. It also has markings for different pipe sizes. It can also be used with a hex body for better control.
#6 Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is used to tighten nuts and bolts. It is done to a specific torque. This helps in ensuring they’re tightened to the correct tension. This avoids over-tightening or damaging the joints. The no-hub torque wrench is especially useful for plumbers. It is also usefull for pipe fitters when installing pipes, couplings, and no-hub cast-iron work, like soil pipes.
Safety Tools for Plumbers
Plumbers often face the risk of injury on the job. There are various tools that help protect them. They greatly reduce the chances of accidents.
#7 Drain Cleaning Gloves
Drain-cleaning gloves are a common and essential tool for plumbers. They are typically made from leather, PVC (rubber), or synthetic materials. These gloves are important because plumbers often handle materials that most people would rather not touch with bare hands.
There are also various types of heavy-duty gloves available. They protect plumbers’ hands. They also improve grip on smooth objects. Also they offer additional benefits.
#8 Goggles
Goggles are important in protecting plumbers’ eyes from liquid or chemical splashes. They also protect from irritating mists. Vapour and harmfull gas leaks are also blocked. When working on plumbing projects, they shield harmful materials. Since plumbers often need to inspect leaks, soldering, and other hazardous tasks, having goggles in the toolbox is very useful.
#9 Flashlights
Plumbers often have to work in dark spaces, like basements, so it’s a smart idea to always have a flashlight on hand.
#10 Heat Shields or Pads
Using the right safety equipment is crucial. Especially if soldering is a regular part of your job. It protects both you and the homeowner. It’s wise to include reliable heat shields and pads in your plumbing toolkit. They help prevent heat damage or fires during soldering tasks.
Plumbing Tools for Pipe Work
If you’re a plumber, your toolkit will mostly include a variety of equipment that are made especially for doing work with pipes easily. Today, plumbers have access to different tools and techniques for repairing, replacing, and installing pipes in tight spaces.
#11 Hacksaw
Plumbers often use hacksaws to make precise cuts in pipes, and electricians sometimes use them to cut conduit. Plumbers encounter various materials that need cutting, including pipes, nuts, bolts, and screws.
The name “hacksaw” comes from the historical difficulty of cutting with these saws, but improvements in tooling have enhanced their cutting accuracy. Using a hacksaw can be challenging, so plumbers must ensure their blades are secured tightly.
#12 Hole Saw
A hole saw is a handy tool for cutting. It is usually used to perfectly cut round holes in various materials. It is used when a hole is needed for a drainage or waste pipe. Hole saw makes it easy to cut to the exact size with minimal effort.
#13 Mole Grip
Mole grips are metal pliers that can lock in place. They are typically made of hardened steel. They have a fixed upper jaw and handle. The lower jaw and handle are adjustable. These grips are mainly used to hold metal parts. The parts are held steady during tasks like welding. They are also used when a plumber is using a torch to solder and seal copper pipes.
#14 Tubing Cutter
Professional plumbers who work with copper or plastic piping know that pipes often need to be removed. They are sometimes even replaced, or resized. A tubing cutter is perfect for cutting pipes. With the help of this they can be cut upto a specific length. “Tube cutter” and “pipe cutter” are terms often used interchangeable. Each cutter type has a different cutting range. This makes them especially useful for cutting through plastic tubing.
#15 Plumber’s Torch
Plumber’s torches are popular among both professionals and DIY homeowners. It is small and hand-held tool. It lets plumbers apply intense and focused heat. This is done to solder and seal piping for installation and repair. Propane torches are affordable and easy to use. Many professional plumbers upgrade to a quality torch head with interchangeable tips and a regulator to control gas pressure.
#16 Thread Sealing Tape
Thread seal tape, is often called as Teflon tape. It is also called plumber’s tape, or PTFE tape. It is a versatile film tape used by plumbers. It is used to seal pipe threads and prevent leaks. High-quality thread seal tape is temperature-resistant. It stretches for a snug fit. They never dries out. They make it ideal for long-lasting seals.
#17 Pliers
Plumbers use pliers daily for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. This is necessary because they are too small for a wrench. These smaller tools fit easily in a plumber’s hand. This makes it easy to work in tight spaces where a wrench can’t reach.
#18 Press Fitting System
Securely connecting pipes is essential in plumbing. Press fitting is a method that uses electro-mechanical pressing machines to join pipes. Pressing permanently deforms the fitting onto the pipe. This creates a strong mechanical joint. An O-ring ensures a watertight seal. This method saves plumbers time and money. It allows quicker connections compared to welding or soldering.
#19 Bucket
In plumbing, even after shutting off the water, some leakage is likely. So it’s smart to keep a bucket handy. This will help to catch any excess water.
#20 Ratcheting Pipe Threader Set
A ratcheting pipe threader cuts threads into a pipe. It allows it to connect securely with fittings. This tool has a pump-action handle. This turns a thread-forming die. It then helps in cutting threads onto the pipe. It accepts various dies to thread different pipe sizes. It is also called a manual ratchet threader.
Drain Cleaning Tools for Plumbers
Plumbers often clean drains. Clogs are sometimes caused by blockages inside the pipe rather than the pipe itself. Skilled plumbers know how to clear tough clogs. They know how to keep the right tools on hand. Some essential tools are described below.
#21 Plungers
A plunger is one of the most common plumbing tools. It is used to clear blockages in drains or toilets. Many homeowners have basic sink or toilet plungers. This is why plumbers need heavy-duty flange and cup plungers in various sizes. These create much stronger suction. Choosing a high-quality plunger is essential. They’re simple, affordable, and effective tools for the job.
#22 Hand Auger
The hand auger is also known as a plumber’s snake or drain snake. It is used to clear clogs from drain lines. It consists of a long and flexible metal wire. It alo has a corkscrew end to break up blockages. Today’s hand augers come in various models. Also they have many feature options for plumbers to consider. A drain snake or auger is ideal for smaller drains. They are generally suitable for kitchen sinks or bathroom basins.
#23 Snake Machine
A snake machine is like a bigger, stronger version of a hand auger. Known as a plumber’s or drain snake, it’s used to clear tough clogs that a plunger can’t handle.
#24 Hydro Jetting Machine
This is a highly effective tool for cleaning out sewer and drain lines. It blasts high-speed or high-pressure water through pipes using special hose attachments.
#25 Drain Inspection Camera
Nowadays most plumbers use inspection cameras, or borescopes. This was once considered advanced technology. These small cameras on flexible cables can go deep into drains and sewer lines. They are used to check for clogs or damage. High-end models now even connect to smartphones. This makes them easy for small plumbing businesses to use.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap! I hope I covered everything about the “Types of Plumbing Tools.” If I missed anything or if you have questions, feel free to comment. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with friends!
