As a plumber, it’s essential to have all the right tools at the ready for each job. Doing this will enable you to complete each task quickly and efficiently.
Some essential hand tools to have in your plumbing toolbox include a pipe wrench, metal file, tubing cutter and hand auger. A snake machine is another useful addition as it can break up clogs in sinks, bathtubs or showers.
Basin Wrench
Basin wrenches are specialized tools designed to get into tight places where standard wrenches cannot reach. They’re useful for many projects, but especially helpful when removing or installing faucets.
They feature a long shaft with an rotating head to grip nuts, usually featuring a horizontal T-bar at the bottom for leverage. Different jaw sizes allow them to accommodate smaller or larger nuts while some models even feature lights for easier visibility in low light conditions.
Tubing Cutter
Tubing cutters are equipped with jaws and a blade designed specifically to cut tubes. These tools can be used on pipes made of aluminum, copper, brass, plastic and other metals.
Depending on the material, these pumps can operate manually, pneumatically, electrically or hydraulically.
Pipe cutters come in a range of sizes and types, such as miniature tube cutters and heavy-duty models designed for cutting large cast iron, ductile iron, stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.
Pipe cutters of various sizes typically feature a knob that turns. Larger models with ratchet-style handles have hinged metal arms between the handles that engage a ratchet inside to adjust the angle of the blade, making them ideal for larger PVC pipes.
Metal File
Metal files are one of the most frequently employed hand tools. Available in a range of sizes and shapes, metal files can be used for shaping and smoothing out workpieces.
It is an invaluable piece of equipment for many DIY projects and other tasks, not to mention that it helps extend the lifespan of other tools you own.
No matter if you need to sharpen your tools or clean a weld, metal files are an indispensable part of any toolkit. They come in various grades so make sure the one you select is suitable for the job at hand.
Hand Auger
A hand auger is a tool used for drilling holes in various materials. It’s a relatively straightforward yet efficient device that can drill through wood, concrete, and other substances.
These tools come in a range of sizes and types, suitable for various tasks. They may stand alone or attach to another tool like a handheld drill; some even run on electricity!
Snake Machine
A snake machine, also known as a plumber’s snake, is an instrument that works the opposite of a plunger. It uses an extended metal cable (usually around 20-50 feet) with what looks like a corkscrew-head on top to snag debris as you twist it through any obstructions in its path.
Plumber’s snakes can be used to unclog showers, tubs, bathroom sinks and washing machines. Usually manual, there are electric models for tougher blockages as well.
Snakes come in various lengths and thicknesses, but most homeowners opt for a 25-foot cable with 1/4 to 5/16-inch thickness for household drains. Homes with multiple bathrooms may require up to 50 feet of snake for more difficult clogs.
Endoscopic or Sewer Camera
An endoscopic or sewer camera is an invaluable tool for inspecting drains and other hard-to-reach places. It allows you to see through a small tube inserted into the pipe.
Endoscopes come in two varieties: rigid and semi-rigid. Rigid models tend to be made from metal for increased durability, though they may have difficulty maneuvering around odd angles.
Semi-rigid models are an ideal choice for plumbing since they can be molded to fit inside pipes. Furthermore, many have a flexible wirelike extension that lets you manipulate the camera through tight spaces.
Washers and O-Rings
Washers and O rings are essential plumbing components that help to secure threaded connections. They’re installed in all new appliances and pipework, but should be replaced both as part of regular maintenance and when leaks occur.
Washers come in a range of materials and shapes depending on the threaded connection type and application. They’re essential components of any tool box.
O-rings are commonly used in many industrial applications, but they must be manufactured with specific material qualities for optimal performance. O-rings designed for dynamic seals tend to be heavier and require more frequent lubrication than static versions.