Most Common Plumbing Tools for the Home and Business

There are a variety of tools which a hardware stores stock but the most common of which are lumber and galvanized irons. The other essential tools which are commonly used in the construction
industry in connection with maintaining houses are plumbing tools.

Plumbing Tools List for the Home

In different areas of the house where plumbing is necessary, a variety of tools and equipment are essential for any home owner in order to carry out various plumbing duties.

What Are Basic Plumbing Tools for the Home?

In toilets, plug holes, baths and showers, here are a selection of tools that are essential for maintenance.

Basin wrench
Adjustable wrench/spanner
Pipe wrench
Adjustable pliers
Hacksaw
Metal file
Plumbers tape
Auger cleaner/snake tool (plumber’s tool to unclog drains)
Pipe cutter
Sink & toilet plunger

Basin Wrench

These come in handy to allow the user to quickly use the tool with one hand to

tighten or loose fasteners in confined spaces which hold the faucet in place or to secure fastenings in recessed areas. The sink wrench may also be referred to as a basin wrench.

These tools are adjustable and offer the chance to alter the pressure on the wrench in performing various tasks whereas a wrench that is fixed offers only one type of claw opening.

Adjustable Wrench/Spanner

This is an open ended tool with a moveable jaw, this is allows it to grip fasteners, such as screws and bolts.

Pipe Wrench

This is an adjustable tool which plumbers use to adjust fastenings and fittings in pipes.

Adjustable Pliers

These are used for gripping, releasing, turning, securing or tightening. They are also commonly referred to as tongue and groove-joint pliers or water pump pliers.

Hacksaw

This is a handy tool for cutting metal or plastic pipes and screws not intended for joint connections.

Metal File

This tool smooths the pipe edges after cutting for better sealing at the joints.

Plumber’s Tape

Also known as Putty – used to close threading, impede leaks at joints and stop steel pipes rusting.

Auger Cleaner/Snake Tool (plumber’s tool to unclog drains)

A long, flexible tool used to remove blockages from pipes.

Pipe Cutter

A tool used to cut pipes easily to specific lengths.

Sink & Toilet Plunger (toilet plunger is also referred to as a flange plunger)

Sink Plunger
The sink plunger is probably the most common tool and consists of a cup made of rubber which sits on a handle, usually made of wood. This tool allows the user to push a forceful amount of water down the plughole which hopefully will clear whatever may be blocking the sink or shower.

Toilet/Flange Plunger
This has a specific shape in order to seal toilet holes, which performs similar to a vacuum which clears toilet clogs.

What Tools are Used in Plumbing as a Professional?

A plumber’s tool bag should contain all the items listed above in the plumbing tools list for the home, plus those detailed below.

What Should be in a Plumbers Tool Bag?

Valve socket wrench
Faucet seat wrench
Ratchet set
Tubing cutter
Washers and O-rings
Caulk and Sealants
Silicone Spray Lubricants
Putty knife
Water meter key
Pipe-bending tool
Soldering Torch

Valve Socket Wrench

A Valve Stem Socket Wrench is used to remove and install bath and shower fastenings. It provides a special deep socket which enables the user to slide into the recess and onto the nut.

Faucet Seat Wrench

The faucet seat wrench is used to remove and replace the faucet valve seat in a compression faucet which are often found in older homes.

Ratchet Set

Commonly referred to as a socket set. This kit allows the user to attach different heads which fit a variety of sizes of fastenings.

Pipes & Associated Tools

Pipes are another fundamental element in a plumbing system. Some of the tools used to handle pipes are:

Tubing Cutter

A steel wheel to cut pipe precisely for well-fitted joints. A close-quarter tube cutter (mini) is recommended for tight work spaces.

Other tools utilized in plumbing that are also available from hardware stores are:

Washers and O-rings

These come in a variety of sizes and are used when drips occur in faucets.

Caulk and Sealants

These tubes can be placed in a Caulking Gun and are used as a sealant or water proofing material around fixtures on sinks and baths.

Silicone Spray Lubricants

These are multi-purpose and ease the installation of plastic pipes, joints and threads. The silicone formula eases friction between two surfaces.

Putty Knife

As the name suggests, this tool is ideal for smoothing and applying caulk and removing and remaining wax following replacement of the toilet wax ring.

Water Meter Key

Often overlooked. This is a tool used to open water meter boxes in order to make adjustments.

Pipe-Bending Tool

Used to bend pipes into different shapes and angles.

Soldering Torch

Also referred to as a soldering iron. It is used to solder pipes and fittings together