Best tools for plumbers
What are the best tools for a plumber? As a plumber, it is important to have the right tools for the job. There are many different tools available, and it can be hard to know which ones are best for your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important tools for plumbers and explain why they are useful. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right tools for your own plumbing needs. So, if you are looking for information on plumbing tools, you have come to the right place! Stay tuned.
Top Plumbing Tools List
Plungers
Plungers are one of the basic plumbing tools that clear blockages in drains and toilets. It is also a common tool to find in almost every home. There are different types of plungers suitable for certain jobs. As a professional plumber, this will help you make the right choice when choosing the right fit for the job. You also need to be sure you are using your plunger correctly.
Standard/Cup Plunger
The standard plunger is the most common type of plunger in most homes. This plunger has a straight wood or plastic handle with a rubber cup at the end. The cup plunger works well on flat surfaces and is ideal for unclogging sinks.
Flange Plunger
A flange plunger is similar to a standard plunger; the key difference is the cup at the end of the handle. A flange plunger has a smaller cup known as a flange. The cup size is suitable for unclogging toilet drains since it fits well with the opening. Also, it prevents the plunger from turning inside out when exerting force.
Pipe Wrenches
As the name suggests, this plumbing tool is ideal for tightening and loosening nuts and fittings on plumbing pipes. Most plumbers use two pipe wrenches where one holds the pipe in place while the other tightens the nuts. A pipe wrench has serrated jaws, which promote grip regardless of the pipe material.
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches have a movable end which you can adjust to fit the size of a nut or bolt. The wrench, also known as a crescent or adjustable spanner, is used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. An adjustable pipe wrench is the only tool that can grip fasteners of different sizes.
Pex Pipe Expander
PEX piping was previously used in the automotive and solar industries and later as an innovation in the plumbing industry. Plumbers prefer this technique more than crimping since it has fewer leaks and is durable during extreme cold seasons. These plumbing tools are commonly used in fishing residential cold and hot water supply lines. Also, they are suitable for inaccessible areas.
A PEX expander works similarly to a drill by widening a pipe’s opening, making it easy to insert a plastic or metal fitting into a PEX pipe.
Basin Wrench
The basin wrench or sink wrench is a must-have tool for all plumbers and homeowners keen on DIY plumbing projects. The tool is specifically designed for installing and removing faucets, thanks to its unique design allowing fasteners access in cramped spaces. Bathroom sinks and kitchen sink faucets are secured with nuts which can only be accessed from under the sink. In such cases, a wrench may not be suitable; hence most commercial plumbers use a basic wrench when working with faucets.
Faucet Keys
Also known as a Silcock key, this four-way, the x-shaped key is essential in the plumbing industry. The plumbing tool is used to open and close tamper-resistant sillcocks and spigots. Each side of the faucet key is a different size; hence you can easily turn different sillcocks, whether triangular or square in shape.
Thread Sealing Tape
Also known as a plumber’s tape, Teflon tape, or PTFE tape, is a common plumbing tool used to seal pipe threads that prevent leaks after completing plumbing jobs. The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film tape is normally wound into a reel, making it easy to wrap around pipe threads.
Press Fitting Systems
Press fitting is a retro method in the plumbing industry. The method introduced over 40 years ago allows plumbers to join pipes without welding or soldering joints. The result is a watertight seal. Press fitting systems are ideal in tight spaces or areas where welding could pose a fire damage risk or cause heat damage.
Plastic Pipe Cutters
Most plumbers opt for pipe cutters for cutting and slicing pipes, which is a reliable and efficient alternative to hacksaws. Hacksaw plumbers often carry extra blades for cutting different materials. However, this eventually becomes bulky. Plastic pipe cutters or tubing cutters are more convenient and provide clean cuts with minimal shavings, in addition to minimal deburring on plastic pipes.
Snake Machine
A snake machine, also known as a drain snake machine or a plumber’s snake, is a flexible drain cleaning tool. The tool works like a drain auger(a long, flexible metal wire); the primary difference is that it is motorized. A snake machine is ideal for removing stubborn clogs that a hand auger may be unable to.
Plumber’s Torch
Plumber’s torches are handheld plumbing tools used for soldering or welding pipes. The torches use two types of gases, acetylene and oxygen, to create an intense flame for soldering. Most plumbers seal copper piping by soldering it. Therefore, it is an essential tool for commercial and domestic plumbers or other plumbing enthusiasts.
Crimpers
Most plumbing jobs require crimpers and crimp tools for PEX-related plumbing. However, other professional plumbers use crimpers for other kinds of piping. Crimping tools exert pressure on pipes, causing them to deform, making it easy to join different metal pieces.
Pliers
Every plumber knows that a good set of pliers is essential for any plumbing job. Pliers are used to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts in areas where wrenches may not reach. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, needle-nose pliers are ideal for working in tight spaces, while slip-joint pliers are perfect for gripping objects that are hard to reach. In addition, pliers can be used to twist and turn pipes, making them an essential tool for any plumber. Whether you’re a professional plumber or a DIY enthusiast, a good set of pliers is a must-have for any plumbing job.
Boots
We could not write this article without discussing the importance of proper boots for plumbers. As a plumbing professional (or DIY’er), you will need a sturdy pair of work boots in your arsenal. Without them, you could find yourself facing an easily avoidable injury. Don’t make the silly mistake of wearing regular shoes/sneakers on the job. It’s not worth it.
Plumbing Safety Tools
Googles
One of the best plumbing tools to have are goggles, which shield your eyes from any flying material. This is especially important during welding, where you may need proper safety equipment to protect your eyes from the glaring flame.
Gloves
Hand gloves for plumbers are essential to protect your hands from cuts or abrasions. It also protects your skin from coming into contact with hazardous materials. It would be best if you also considered purchasing gloves that protect your hands from the vibration produced by power tools.
Heat Shields
Heta shields or pads are quite necessary for plumbing jobs that involve soldering. It is also one of the best plumbing tools to have when plumbing safety is concerned.
Plumbing Business Tools
In addition to having the right tools, plumbing software is also an essential tool to have. The best plumbing software will help you manage your tasks while in the office or job site. Also, it allows you to manage your accounts by easily creating, sending, and keeping track of invoices.
Flow Rate Calculator
Instead of making a wild guess about how water flows in the pipes, a commercial plumber can use one of the Flow Rate Calculators available online. The calculator helps to measure the volumetric flow rate of water through a pipe and also how much space it takes up. It makes work easier since you won’t have to convert units manually when you install piping.
Call Booking Tool
Improve your customer experience with a call booking software tool that features a personalized service. Most tools would let you see the name of who is calling, giving customers a pleasant experience by referring to them by their first name.
Let Us Handle Your Plumbing Needs
At Emergency Plumbing Squad we have a wide range of plumbing tools and services to cater to your every plumbing need. From clogged drains and sewer lines to new kitchen faucets, our team of highly trained and experienced technicians are equipped with the right tools and knowledge for the job. So if you’re in need of a plumbing system upgrade or repair, give us a call today at (855) 812-2311! We’re always available to take your calls and answer any questions you may have.