Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is an indispensable tool in the world of plumbing. It boasts a sturdy, adjustable jaw that tightly grips and loosens nuts and fittings on pipework with unwavering precision. Plumbers often use a dual-wrench technique, one to hold the pipe in place and the other to turn the nut or fitting in the proper direction.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 48-22-7118 18" Steel Pipe Wrench

Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench, also known as an adjustable spanner or crescent wrench, is used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. Plumbers typically use the 6-inch and 10-inch models because they are made for hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipelines. Believe me. You’ll want to have this in your toolbox.

Our Expert Pick: Crescent AT2610CVS 2 Pc. Adjustable Black Oxide Cushion Grip Wrench Set 6" 10"

Need a second option?: Proto J712SLA 12 ProtoBlack™ Clik-Stop Adjustable Wrench

Basin Wrench

As a plumber, you’ll frequently be working on sinks and faucets. You’ll need something to quickly and efficiently disconnect it. The Basin Wrench is a vital tool plumbers use to reach confined spaces and adjust the nuts that secure faucets, preventing leaks and ensuring proper functionality. With its T-shaped design and clamp-like feature, the Basin Wrench is indispensable in accessing tight plumbing maintenance and repair areas.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 48-22-7001 BASIN WRENCH - 1.25" CAPACITY

Need a second option?: Rothenberger 70225 Telescopic Basin Nut Wrench

Faucet Key

This small X-shaped tool isn’t your typical wrench, but it’s essential for your plumbing jobs. This faucet key is critical in opening and closing spigots and sillcocks. There are adaptable models available for dealing with various stem fittings. Our expert Pasco pick offers a tool for valves ¼”, 9/32”, 5/16”, and 11/32”. Don’t get caught not having one of them. You’ll regret it.

Our Expert Pick: Pasco 1701 4-Way Key, Die Cast for Stopcocks, Sillcocks, and Valves 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32"

Torque Wrench

To ensure everyone’s safety, a torque wrench is extremely helpful. You have to be careful when tightening nuts, bolts, and pipe fittings because if you hulk out and tighten them too much, you could break them, and if you don’t secure them enough, they could fall out and cause a leak. Usually, torque wrenches are used solely to tighten, but our expert Milwaukee pick offers four drive controls to loosen the nut or bolt quickly.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 2967-20 M18 FUEL 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring

Internal Pipe Wrench

Internal pipe wrenches are crucial in extracting broken threaded ends, small nipples, pipe plugs, and fittings. Specifically designed to grip the inside of pipes or fittings, these tools provide a reliable means of removal.

Now, you may wonder why you need an internal pipe wrench because if something just breaks off, why couldn’t you grab some needle nose pliers and wiggle it out? You can do that, but it’ll take longer, and you don’t want to chance cutting yourself on some rusty metal you can’t see.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 31405 Internal Pipe Wrench, 4-1/2"

Tubing cutter

Eventually, you’ll run into a job where you must cut tubing. Again, you could use your handy knife or hacksaw, but it won’t be as accurate or safe. A tubing cutter provides a quicker, cleaner, and more consistent cut for various pipes.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 29963 35S Stainless Steel Tubing Cutter

Hacksaw

When the going gets tough, and you’ve run out of options or don’t have the right tool, the hacksaw will come to your rescue. As stated above, this tool can cut through various hardware, from screws, nuts, bolts, studs, and pipes.

Pro-tip: Move the saw forward and back with full strokes when you're sawing the material. Push down firmly on the forward stroke, but don't go overboard and twist the blade. Now, when you're pulling back, lighten up on the pressure.

Our Expert Pick: IDEAL 35-261 Ergonomic Hacksaw

Hole Saw kit

Now that we have tools for cutting pipe and tubing, we need something to help you cut access holes for the places you’ll be fixing and reinstalling materials for pipework or plumbing. This handy tool can be called a hole cutter, made up of a cup-shaped metal cylinder. Typically, a drill bit is used alongside the hole saw to align the circular hole and prevent the saw from sliding, while the open-ended side of the hole saw features a toothed edge for cutting.

Our Expert Pick: Lenox 308011200P Plumber's Speed Slot Bi-Metal Hole Saw 17-Piece Set

Pipe Bender

Sometimes, you don’t need or want to cut the pipe or tubing; instead, you need to bend them into shape. This RIDGID tube bender accurately and consistently bends copper tubing. Plumbers tend to use this instead of trying to create a fitting, as it’s easier to just bend the material, if possible, around the obstacles.

Our Expert Pick: Ridgid 36962 310/316M 5/8" or 16mm Plumbing Tube Bender

Tube Bender

Plumbers use a tube bender to eliminate the need for fittings, similar to how a pipe bender is utilized. You can save time by easily maneuvering the tubing around an obstacle. The RIDGID stainless steel tube bender consistently bends copper and steel tubing.

Our Expert Pick: Ridgid 36097 Model #406 3/8" Stainless Steel Tube Bender

Mole Grip

Before you get the torch, you need something to hold the material in place. Mole grips or locking pliers are what you need. You don't want it to slip if you’re trying to bend or solder metal piping. With these Milwaukee grips, you can easily do the job without compromising your safety.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 48-22-3402 2PC 7" & 10" TORQUE LOCK CURVED JAW LOCKING PLIERS SET WITH GRIP

Torch

Now that you’ve got your locking plier grips, you should have your portable torch kit. Welding equipment is essential for plumbing work as you often need to add new fixtures, fix leaking valves, and replace rusted pipes. Choosing the right torch is vital because this tool is one that you don’t want to cheap out on. A good torch will save you time and money in the long run.

Our Expert Pick: Victor PL-DLXPT KIT Deluxe Portable Torch Kit

Thread Sealing Tape

The tape plumbers swear by– Thread sealing tape, commonly called "plumber's tape," is the go-to remedy for patching up or avoiding leaks in threaded joint connections. This high-quality tape is built to withstand extreme temperatures and never dries out. It stretches for a snug fit, providing excellent coverage. A common practice is to use this tape to create watertight seals on the joints of pipes when they don’t have a rubber seal.

Our Expert Pick: Unasco ATY004 Yellow Gas Thread Seal Tape

Caulk Gun and Silicone Caulk

Working in the bathroom and around water is one of the top descriptions of a plumber. You’ll often be tearing things out to replace or fix pipes, leaks, etc. Eventually, once you finish, you’ll need to put that all back together and seal it again to prevent future problems. That’s where the caulking gun with silicone caulk comes in to close up all the cracks and gaps.

Our Expert Pick: Dewalt DCE591B Cordless Dual Cartridge Caulk Gun, 20.0 V, Bare Tool, 21 oz. Capacity

Assorted Pliers

You will need some pliers when your wrenches can’t do the job. Typically, you can get away with having a small assortment of pliers that you carry around everywhere. One of the pliers should do the job since they can get into tighter places.

Our Expert Pick: Channellock PC-2 4pc Pro's Choice Set, Plier Assortment

Press Fitting Systems

If you’re unable to use your torch or would rather not deal with burning materials while you work, I’d suggest getting a Press Fitting System. Instead of soldering, you can connect pipes easily using this tool. Plus, you save time using this system as there is no waiting period for drying after you’ve finished.

Our Expert Pick: Ridgid 67178 RP 351 Press Tool Kit, Battery and Charger, 1/2" - 2" ProPress Jaws

PEX crimping tool kit

If you need to join copper tubing with specific copper fittings, you’ll need a power crimping tool like this one. When fittings need to be attached quickly, the Milwaukee press tool with PEX crimp jaws is the way to go. It’s the fastest tool on the market and crimps 40% faster than other tools. This crimping tool kit will make your life easier as you don’t have to worry if the connection is tight enough because this tool does a full press. Every. Single. Time.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 2674-22C M18 Short Throw Press Tool Kit with PEX Crimp Jaws

Deburring Tool

Deburring tools are essential for plumbers so they can remove burrs from pipe edges after making modifications. These deburring tools ensure smooth and clean finishes, preventing potential disruptions or obstructions within the pipe.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 64962 DeburRing Tool For Plastic , 1 1/2" - 3"

Reaming Tools

You can’t have one without the other. If you have a deburring tool, you also need a reaming tool. These go hand in hand when trying to open or widen a pipe opening. This tool makes the mess, and the deburring tool cleans it up.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 29993 Model 227S 1/2" - 2" Inner/Outer Reamer for Copper and Stainless Tubing

Metal File

Like the deburring tool, a metal file kit helps smooth the edges around pipes that may have become rough from cutting and shaping. The metal file can be used on either metal or plastic, so there is no need to worry about the type of material it’ll be used on.

Our Expert Pick: Nicholson 22040NN 5 Piece Maintenance File Set

Swaging Tool

Swaging tools apply pressure to a copper tube's end to expand it. Afterward, you can fit the other tubing over it and solder to finish the connection. This tool is often used along with deburring tools because once you stretch the copper tube, you’ll need to ensure that there aren’t any sharp edges.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 52440 565 Zinc-Plated 5/8" Swaging Tool

Flaring tool

Non-Ratcheting

Ratcheting

Non-Ratcheting: RIDGID 41162 Model 377 Precision Non-Ratcheting Flaring Tool

Ratcheting: RIDGID 41350 E-64 2" Hammer-Type Flaring Tool

Ratcheting Pipe Threaders Set

A ratcheting pipe threader is a robust tool that plumbers use to cut threads into pipe ends and make watertight seals for pipe joints. Using this tool, You can establish secure connections that prevent leaks and safeguard the structural integrity of plumbing systems. A ratcheting pipe threader is an essential tool for plumbing professionals since it has precise threading capabilities.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 36390 11-R NPT Ratchet Threader Set, 1/2" - 1 1/4"

Power Threader

Powered threaders offer significant advantages over manual threaders. They are much faster, threading pipes in seconds compared to minutes. This speed is especially beneficial in commercial and industrial settings with high volumes of pipes. Powered threaders also require less physical effort, reducing fatigue. They deliver consistent results with uniform threads due to their steady, even force, while manual threading relies on user skill and effort, leading to potential variations. Moreover, powered threaders enable multitasking, allowing plumbers to attend to other tasks while the machine works on a pipe, increasing overall efficiency.

Our RIDGID expert pick can cut right and left-hand threads in seconds, saving you time, effort, and money. Seriously, you don’t want to get caught in the field without this tool.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 41935 700 Power Drive 115v Pipe Threader

Acid Flux Brush

Don’t worry. There isn’t actually acid on this brush. This brush is called for if you’re doing a lot of soldering. Without this small tool, you couldn’t apply the acid flux needed.

Our Expert Pick: Weiler 44090 1/2" Acid/Flux Brush, Horsehair Fill

Plungers

This plunger isn’t like your typical household toilet plunger. A professional plumbers plunger takes it to another level of suction and power. Just in case, you should keep a personal one with you on jobs.

Our Expert Pick: Pasco 4636 Toilet plunger

Hand Auger

Plumbers rely on hand augers, a compact and handheld tool, to clear clogs in drains effectively. This tool has a long flexible metal wire with a corkscrew auger attached to the end, allowing it to “screw” into the line. You can drive a cable deep into the drain using a hand crank, breaking apart obstructions and restoring proper flow. Hand augers are specialized tools designed specifically for unclogging toilets.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 57043 POWER SPIN+ Drain Cleaner with AUTOFEED

Drain Snake

Drain snakes and hand augers are commonly used tools for clearing clogs in plumbing systems, but they have some notable differences. A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake, is a flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-like tip. It’s typically operated using a hand crank or motorized mechanism.

Drain snakes are effective for tackling clogs deep within pipes and are suitable for various drain sizes. They can navigate bends and curves in the plumbing system, allowing for more extensive reach. This Milwaukee drain snake can clear internal clogs and gives you a free hand now, as you no longer need to hand crank it. Whether it’s hair or other challenging clogs, a drain snake can tackle it.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 2571-21 M12 Drain Snake Kit, 5/16" x 25' Bulb Cable, Storage Bucket

Sink Machine

If you don’t want the mess of touching the cable and you’re dealing with secondary drains, you’ll probably want a Sink Machine. These machines are used for internal clogs like sinks and bathtubs. They are effective at unclogging obstructions in cases where a plunger fails. In tough cases, a sink machine can handle deep and stubborn clogs.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 71702 K-40 Sink Machine with Cable Only

SeeSnake Camera Inspection System

Before tackling a clog or obstruction, getting a visual of what is happening inside the pipes is a good idea. These SeeSnake inspection cameras are also great for routine checks. This machine gives you a clear visual of the condition inside the line and gives you and the customer a better understanding of the issue and how to resolve it. Typically, plumbers use a SeeSnake camera inspection to diagnose problems in sewer lines.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 63603 200' Standard 35mm SL TruSense Color Reel

Borescope

Similar to the SeeSnake drain camera inspection machine, a borescope tool provides a visual of the inside of the pipe, except it’s smaller. This visual is typically for behind-the-wall inspections or drain lines no longer than 10ft. You can use this before and after a clog or problem in the wall to ensure everything is clear or fixed.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 2324-21 M12 M-Spector 360 10' Inspection Camera

Hydro Jetting machines

Here’s another piece of equipment that you may wonder if you need. Since you have a high-tech drain camera and sink machine, why would you need anything else? The answer is simple—grease and sand buildup. Hydro water jet machines are perfect for flushing sand from bellied lines and clearing grease-clogged lines. When you need help breaking up thick clogs, a water jetting machine is what you need.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 63882 K-J2200 Jetter with H30 Cart

Flashlight

Having adequate light is essential for where you’ll be working. Most plumbers have at least one flashlight on them, just in case. Looking through crawl spaces or being up in attics, you need to be able to see what you’re working on.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 2161-21 USB Rechargeable 1100L Twist Focus Flashlight

Bucket

Having a bucket available is a smart move. You already know that when working with plumbing, there is bound to be some leftover water or mess. You can store tools or capture excess water or grime with this bucket.

Our Expert Pick: Magnolia 10-BUCKET 10Qt Galvanized Bucket

Pressure Gauges

Pressure gauges are essential for plumbers to diagnose, install, and maintain plumbing systems effectively. They aid in system diagnosis by determining the cause of low water pressure in faucets or showers, indicating if it's due to low pressure in the water supply line. During system installation, pressure gauges ensure the plumbing operates within the correct pressure range, ensuring the proper functioning of components like water heaters and irrigation systems. They also contribute to safety by identifying and addressing overpressure situations that could lead to pipe bursts or fixture failures.

Our Expert Pick: Fluke 700RG31 Pressure Gauge, 10000 PSIG

Emery Cloth

An emery cloth may be miscellaneous, but you need it in your toolbox. An abrasive material helps smooth the edges of a copper pipe after you’ve finished working on it. Though you may have deburring tools, keeping some emery cloth on hand is always good because emery cloth allows plumbers to address surface imperfections, remove corrosion, and deburr pipe edges, facilitating proper installations, enhancing system performance, and ensuring the safety of both the plumber and the plumbing system.

Our Expert Pick: Malco AC310 Brown Abrasive Cloth Plumbers Roll, 1-1/2" x 10 yd

Tape Measure

A tape measure is something every professional should have. As professionals say, “Measure twice, cut once,” and you can’t measure anything if you don’t have a durable and reliable tape measure.

Our Expert Pick: Lufkin PHV1312D 3/4" x 12' Engineers Hi Viz Tape Measure

Stubby Screwdriver

The stubby screwdriver is one of those tools you’ll wish you had. It may not get used as often as your regular screwdrivers, but it’ll save you in the long run when you get into a tight spot.

Our Expert Pick: IDEAL 35-1300 Stubby Screwdriver Set

Toolbox

Now that you’re buying all these tools, you need somewhere to put them all and transport them to job sites. A tough pack-out rolling toolbox is the way to go, and it saves your back. The Milwaukee 48-22-8426 Packout Rolling Tool Box is our top pick for the packout modular storage system. Its durable construction and rolling capability are the perfect foundation for building your customized storage solution. Seamlessly integrate various packout components like organizers, tool bags, hooks, racks, and holders. Create your ideal system configuration to suit your needs with this versatile and convenient toolbox.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 48-22-8426 PACKOUT Rolling tool Box

Tool belt

The pack-out toolbox is great for getting all your tools to the job site, but you don’t need all of them at once. Having the essential tools on your person in a tool belt is convenient. It saves you space and time, as you don’t have to walk back and forth for the necessary tools.

Our Expert Pick: Occidental Leather 9850 Adjust-to-Fit FatLip Tool Belt Set - Black

Back Support

Speaking of saving your back, buying a good back support brace is critical if you want to stay in business. Plumbing is labor intensive, and the weight of your machinery can harm you if you’re not careful.

Our Expert Pick: Ergodyne 11400 ProFlex 1400 Universal Size Back Support, Black

Knee Support

You may not think you need them, but with plumbing, you’ll be on your knees frequently as pipes and drains are usually low to the ground. When you have efficient knee stabilizers, you ensure your knees stay as young as you are.

Our Expert Pick: Milwaukee 48-73-6050 Stabilizer Performance Knee Pad

Detection equipment

Carbon Monoxide

Gas

Carbon Monoxide: Klein ET110 Carbon Monoxide Detector with Carry Pouch and Batteries

Gas Detector: RIDGID 36163 Micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector

Face mask

Particulate Respirator

Welding Respirator

Disposable: 3M 8200 07023 N95 Particulate Respirator (Box of 20)

Heavy-duty: 3M 07189 8515 N95 Welding Respirator

Gloves

Every plumber has a pair of good sturdy gloves. These are essential for keeping your hands safe from chemicals, heat, and sharp objects. Don’t forget these when you’re going on a job.

Pro-tip: Have two sets of gloves, one in your toolbox and one in your work truck.

Our Expert Pick: RIDGID 41937 Leather Work Gloves

Safety Glasses

Your eyes are invaluable tools. In your line of work, airborne particles are a frequent hazard. Whether it's metal shavings from pipes, drywall, dust, or dangerous chemicals, they pose a serious threat. Protecting your eyes is crucial for maintaining vision and ensuring successful work performance.

Our Expert Pick: Pyramex SB8710DTP Accurist Clear Safety Glasses

Hard hat

Protecting your head is incredibly important in this line of work. Falling debris can have serious consequences, and unfortunately, too many workers realize that when it's too late. With a hard hat, you’re adequately protected.

Our Expert Pick: Pyramex HP76110 Ridgeline XR7 Hard Hat Helmet White