16 Essential Tools That Should Be in Every Plumber’s Toolbox

1. Variety of Wrenches

Perhaps no other tool is as essential to a plumber as a wrench. There's no one wrench that will take care of every job, however, so you'll want a variety of different wrenches in your toolkit. A pipe wrench, a basin wrench, and an adjustable wrench that can tighten or loosen as needed are some of the essentials you'll want to keep on hand.

2. Pipe Cutters

All plumbers will regularly work with plastic and copper piping over the course of their work. These pipes often need to be removed, replaced, or resized in order to solve plumbing issues. Finding a quality handheld pipe cutter is essential so that you're able to deal with these common situations.

3. Field Service Management Software

The old days of using a clipboard and pen-and-paper scribbles to do your business are quickly going away. Most tradesmen, including plumbers, use digital software to handle all of their transactions. This provides a streamlined process with less paperwork as well as more accurate record-keeping to track your business.

4. Snake Machine

When plungers won't cut it to deal with a clog, you need more advanced tools to tackle the issue. A motorized snake machine is able to drive a cable deep down into a drain to break up harder-to-reach clogs that are deep inside the pipes. This will take care of cases where pipes have a severe build-up of blockage.

5. Safety Equipment

Protecting yourself adequately when you're on the job is essential in any trade, and plumbing is no exception. Safety goggles and gloves are some of the basics you'll want to have for your safety. You'll also want heat shields if you need to do any soldering to get the job done.

6. Thread Sealing Tape

Patching up small leaks where pipes connect can be done easily using thread sealing tape, otherwise known as plumber's tape. The best quality of this tape will be resistant to hot or cold temperatures to work in any conditions.

7. Plumber's Torch

Sealing up holes in metal pipes may involve soldering rather than using plumber's tape. Plumber's torches are small, handheld tools that provide you with the precision heat you need to seal up breaks in metal components.

8. Plungers

Dealing with a clog can sometimes be a simple DIY job, but in more severe cases, a plumber may need to deal with the issue. Heavy-duty flange and cup plungers are able to produce much more suction than the average plunger found in most homes, letting you clean out even the most serious clogs.

9. Hand Auger

Sometimes, a plunger isn't effective enough to clear out an especially stubborn clog. And hand auger can be a useful tool to rely on in these cases, providing more strength to clear out a pipe. They use manual power rather than the electric power used by a snake machine, but operate on the same principle, using thick steel cables to clear out blockages.

10. Pipe Expander

This powerful tool will let you stretch the ends of metal tubing to fit another tube of the same diameter inside of it. This can be an invaluable resource when you're trying to resolve a leakage. Ideally, you should find a pipe expander that comes with several different heads that can be switched out to fit the piping that you're working with.

11. Tube Crimpers

Another tool that's a must-have when you're working with metal piping, tube crimpers allow you to cut through metal piping in order to resize it to fit your current needs. Ensure that you get a quality set of crimpers so that you're able to work with even the most durable materials used in plumbing.

12. Hacksaw

When a pair of crimpers won't cut it, you may need to rely on a hacksaw in order to cut through and resize piping. You should search for a hacksaw specifically designed for plumbing purposes, as these tend to be more maneuverable to get at the tight spaces that plumbers often find themselves working in.

13. Faucet Key

To resolve certain issues, you may need to remove the hidden aerator that is inside most modern faucets. That's where the specialized tool known as a faucet key will come into play. Find a faucet key that has a multi-head design so that you can fit it into just about any faucet that you might have to work with.

14. Mole Grips

If you're going to be doing any welding, you need something to hold the metal you're working with steady so that your work is as precise as possible. Mole grips were specifically designed for this task, gripping around piping to let you apply the torch effectively.

15. Borescope

Getting a closer look at the problem that you're dealing with is essential to correctly diagnose a plumbing issue. A borescope uses a flexible tube with a camera on the end that can be inserted down into pipes, even going around turns and corners. You'll get a clear view of what the issue is so that you can come up with the optimal solution.

16. Flashlight

It may seem like a no-brainer, but the usefulness of a simple flashlight should never be overlooked. If you can't clearly see what you're doing, you're liable to make mistakes that will need to be fixed later. Plumbers often have to work in cramped, dark areas, so get a high-intensity flashlight to maximize visibility. Look for a rechargeable flashlight to cut down on expenses from replacement batteries.

Getting the tools you need will help you be ready for any job. We'll give you the tools you need to keep your business running smoothly.  

Check out ServiceBox today to see how we can help you grow your business.

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