7 Essential Tools That Every Plumber Needs

Are you an experienced or a beginner plumber? If so, it’s your responsibility to offer quality and reliable services to homeowners.

Your experience and training might be key in determining the quality of services you offer. But, despite how experienced you are, without the appropriate plumbing tools, it’s impossible to get the job done right.

As a plumber, you will likely face various challenges, from navigating small spaces to dealing with new emerging plumbing issues. Armed with essential tools, overcoming such challenges becomes easy.

Besides, the right plumbing tools will make your work easier and improve your productivity. Not to mention you will offer a long-lasting solution to homeowners creating a good reputation with the appropriate tools.

However, over a hundred plumbing tools are available out there, but not all are essential. So as a commercial or residential plumber, do you know the essential tools you should have in your toolbox? If not, worry no more.

Here are the 7 essential tools that every plumber needs.

1. Plungers

As a plumber dealing with blocked drains is a scenario you are likely to face regularly. For this reason, you should always have a plunger in your toolbox.

A plunger is essential for unblocking drains and clogged toilets. While acquiring a plunger, you should understand they come in two types. Every plunger has a specific purpose.

The first type is the cup plunger, also known as the sink and tub plunger. This plunger has a rubber cup fixed to a wooden handle at one tip. It’s used in clearing sinks, showers, and tubs.

It’s good you note they are not designed to unblock toilets.

The other type of plunger is the flange plunger. This type of plunger is suited for clearing clogs in toilets. Their design is quite similar to that of a regular plunger, but they have a flange.

A flange is an extended rubber flap situated at the bottom of the plunger head. Its purpose is to offer an effective seal while plunging the toilet bowl.

2. Adjustable Wrench

This is a versatile tool that every plumber must-have. You can use it in tightening hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipes. The adjustable wrench comes in a wide range of sizes.

However, the 6 and 10-inch versions of the adjustable wrench are the most commonly used. But, when purchasing one, ensure they are excellent all-purpose wrenches. Ensure they feel comfortable while holding.

Otherwise, it would be unfortunate to purchase tools such as a wrench that will cause blisters or create discomfort.

IPS Plumbing Products are all you need if you are looking for quality and durable plumbing tools.

3. Pipe Wrench

This is probably the largest wrench you will have in your toolbox as a plumber. The pipe wrench is suited for tightening loose threaded pipes, fitting, and even nuts. Its also used for gripping and holding.

In most cases, you are likely to use two of them simultaneously. One pipe wrench holds the pipe while the other turns the nut or fitting.

While purchasing a pipe wrench, it’s good you understand they come in different sizes. It’s recommended you get a full set of them. This way, you will tighten or loosen threaded pipes of all sizes.

4. Basin Wrench

The basin wrench is unique from other wrenches as its T shaped. Its purpose is to tighten or loosen the nuts responsible for holding the sink facets in place.

By loosening or tightening the facets, it’s easy to get the facets working in a few minutes. There is no other tool in your toolbox that can do the same job.

The fact that basin wrenches are too cramped and far away from your hand makes reaching into narrow spaces easy.

5. Closet Auger

The closet auger has several other names. Its also referred to as a water closet auger or a toilet auger. It’s a plumbers snake with a long rod that bends with ease. The long rod is usually driven down the drain to break and clear clogs.

It is mainly used for clogs located further from the surface and for those that are challenging to displace. Otherwise, for clogs that are near the surface, a hand auger is used.

A hand auger is a handheld device circular in shape. To break and clear clogs, you have to drive the cable from the device using your hands. The main difference between the closet and hand auger is that the closet auger is motorized while the hand auger is manually operated.

6. Hacksaw

As a plumber, you will often be required to cut through metals and plastic pipes. For such kind of work, a hacksaw is all you need. It easily cuts through pipes, metal, bolts, screws, and hardware.

While acquiring a hacksaw, you must acquire extra blades with you. This is because the blades easily break while cutting through items, as they are infirm.

7. Tongue and Groove Pliers

Tongue and groove pliers are some of the most versatile plumber tools. They are used for several activities, from holding, pulling, twisting to tightening and grabbing.

They are fitted with serrated jaws located 45 to 60 degrees from the handles. They also have a lower jaw whose location can be changed by sliding them along a tracking section below the upper jaw.

This design makes them the best tools for handling a wide range of tasks. Sliding the lower jaw makes it easy to alter their size setting without widening the handle.

However, for the best results, ensure to buy tools from a reputable plumbing tool retailer.

These Are Essential Tools That Every Plumber Needs

Whether you are a commercial or residential plumber, the quality of services you offer relies on the type of tools you have. You can effectively and efficiently navigate any plumbing issues with the right essential tools.

Read the above guide and discover the 7 essential tools you should invest in as a plumber.

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