A homeowner calls you in panic — their kitchen sink is leaking, water is pooling on the floor, and they don’t know what to do other than beg you to make a house call. As a professional plumber, this is your opportunity to shine. Do you have the right tools for the job?
Part of starting a plumbing business is securing all the required tools for installations and repairs. Your plumbing tools list should include everything from safety equipment and power tools to wrenches and high-powered drain augers.
The shopping list is long, but don’t worry. We’ve created a comprehensive list of essential supplies every contractor needs to include on their plumbing tools list to deliver top-notch service.
What tools do plumbers use? Every residential and commercial professional knows to stock up on tape and plungers, but the best plumbing tools are ones that can be used to resolve multiple problems and make delivering professional results easier.
If you’re ready to pack your toolbox and work truck, start with the following must-have list of tools used by plumbers everywhere.
First up, outfit your trucks and tool kits with basic plumbing tools to address the most common plumbing problems. The following essential hand tools should be among the first things you buy to run your business:
A power drill is a versatile tool that no construction and repair pro should be without. You’ll use power drills and bits to mount fixtures or drill holes for pipe installations. Keep bits of all sizes on hand to handle everything from screws to larger fasteners.
Consider purchasing a cordless power drill for better mobility and a drill bit set to accommodate all types of applications on your job site.
You’ll frequently need screwdrivers and nut drivers to tighten faucet handles, assemble pipe clamps, or adjust small fixtures. Carry a multi-bit screwdriver or a complete set with flathead, Phillips, and hex products so you can handle screws found on any fixture, bracket, and appliance.
Every plumber should have a set of pliers to grip or turn objects more firmly. They can be used to work on fixtures like faucets, valves, and washers that can be hard to access. You might also use pliers to adjust pipe fittings. Common pliers for plumbers include tongue and groove pliers, needle noses, and clamp sets.
When you need to create perfectly round openings in sinks, countertops, or walls, a hole saw kit helps get the job done. It’s a go-to choice for tasks like installing faucets or plumbing fixtures with precision. These kits typically include multiple saw sizes, arbors, and pilot bits.
Next, go ahead and stock up on several types of wrenches — one wrench just won’t cut it when it comes to gripping, turning, and tightening.
Multi-purpose wrenches are must-have tools for plumbers to access hard-to-reach places. Here are a few types of wrenches to start with:
A pipe wrench is designed to hold threaded pipes and fittings during installation and removal. It comes in various lengths and sizes, and it’s wise to purchase several to accommodate different pipe diameters. Most commonly, plumbers purchase pipe wrenches in an entire set.
An adjustable wrench, sometimes known as a crescent wrench, is used to grip nuts, bolts, and fasteners. It is especially handy for snugging up smaller fittings and valves where a pipe wrench might be too big. The longer the handle, the greater the torque.
If you’ve ever tried reaching the mounting nuts behind a sink, you know how cramped it can be. A basin wrench is T-shaped with a pivoting head that clamps bolts, and it helps you reach faucets in narrow spaces. This is your go-to tool for sink installations or leaky faucet repairs.
A torque wrench ensures threaded fittings and fasteners are tightened just right. Without one, you risk overtightening fittings and damaging the valves or gauges. Torque tools are commonly used to seal specialized connections, like gas lines, that require precise torque for safety and function.
Faucet keys are a critical part of your tools list. They help open and close outdoor spigots of various sizes and control water valves. You might use them to winterize outdoor water supplies that require extra effort to turn.
As a plumber, you’ll encounter homes and commercial buildings with pipe systems made of materials like copper, PVC, or PEX. This means, you’ll need to amass a well-stocked plumbing tools list that can handle all types of tubing setups.
As the name suggests, a compact pipe cutter precision-cuts copper, PVC, or PEX and can be used as an alternative to a hacksaw. This tool is a staple on any plumbing tools list because it ensures clean, even cuts and smooth connections that reduce leaks. You might use it when installing and replacing drain, water, or supply pipes and tubing in hard-to-reach areas.
For complex cuts, grab your hacksaw. This handheld saw can cut through metals and plastic, making it a handy tool when you need to cut around an object or make a custom cut (pipe cutters will only make straight cuts).
You’ll need deburring and reaming tools to remove sharp edges and burrs on a cut pipe. Smoothing the metal surface ensures you don’t obstruct water flow or weaken pipe connections. These tools are especially useful when working with copper or plastic pipes that require smooth, clean edges to maintain efficiency and prevent leaks.
Use a pipe or tube bender to shape tubes, rods, and bars made of copper and stainless steel into place. Bender tools allow you to bend the tube without crimping it at a specific angle to fasten it. This reduces the number of joints or elbows needed — fewer joints mean fewer leaks.
With PEX piping rising in popularity, you’ll need a crimper to make quick and durable connections to join two materials. This ensures leak-free seals in any modern PEX plumbing system.
Thread seal tape, better known as plumber’s tape, is a non-negotiable item to include on your plumber tools list. The stretchy tape is an efficient and affordable way to ensure a watertight seal at threaded joints.
Any plumber worth their reputation knows how to solder. You can fuse traditional copper pipe connections with a soldering kit to minimize leaks. Look for a complete soldering kit that includes lead-free solder, flux, a torch, pipe cleaning tools, and protective gear. For added convenience, choose a kit with an application brush and utility torch.
A press fitting system connects pipes without soldering or welding. It creates secure, durable, and leak-free joints in less time than it takes to weld or solder a connection. You might use this tool to fuse steel or copper pipes and water supply lines.
Professional plumbers will field calls about clogged drains and fixtures almost daily.
Make sure you have the following tools at your disposal so you can resolve drain issues quickly:
While most homeowners have their own plungers, professional plumbers should have higher-powered models to unclog stubborn sinks, tubs, and toilets. For flat drains like sinks and tubs, you’ll need a standard cup plunger. A flange plunger fitted with an extender is better for toilets. Opt for the heavy-duty models, which offer more suction than a standard plunger.
A drain auger, or a plumber’s snake, is a long, flexible cable with teeth that breaks up or pulls out blockages in drains that a plunger can’t dislodge. It can reach several feet into pipes, tackling clogs beyond the trap. Consider investing in a motorized machine, as well as a manual one, so you can address the more substantial blockages homeowners typically call in a pro for.
A toilet auger is a specialized snake built for toilets. It can reach deeper clogs than a regular plunger and is designed to reduce the risk of damage. Toilet augers come with a protective tube to prevent porcelain scratches and damage to toilet bowls.
Hydro jetters blast water at high pressure to clean out grease, debris, and stubborn clogs. Unlike augers that simply punch a hole in the clog itself, hydrojetting scours the pipe walls for a more thorough clean and a longer-term fix. However, this amount of pressure can damage older pipes, so inspect your piping material for cracks or wear and tear before using one.
Also known as a borescope, an inspection camera allows plumbers to see the inside drains and sewer lines that are inaccessible by the eye. This is a new plumbing tool, but many pros carry them to diagnose the condition of pipes and identify blockages without unnecessary demolition.
Now it’s time to focus on the everyday supply items you need to complete common jobs. Items like plumber’s putty and buckets are obvious additions, but you should also budget for essentials like flashlights and batteries. Add the following supplies to your list of new plumbing tools:
Your work will usually occur in dark, cramped spaces, such as under a sink or in a crawlspace. A compact flashlight or headlamp will help you see (and do) the work without tying up your hands. Remember to carry spare batteries or choose rechargeable models to avoid a mid-job blackout.
Plumber’s putty is a malleable sealant commonly used around faucets, sinks, and drains to prevent water from seeping around the edges of fixtures. Stock up on both plumber tape and putty so you can seal up threaded pipe connections (tape) and flat surfaces (putty).
You’ll reach for your caulk gun to seal gaps around sinks, tubs, or toilets. The gun helps you apply the caulk evenly and quickly, creating a professional finish that keeps water out and protects your work.
Homeowners will appreciate you coming armed with buckets and towels to catch drips and leaks during installations and repairs. You can even lay towels on the floor to keep work areas clean. It’s also wise to keep a bucket around to transport tools or hold removed fittings.
Stock up on replaceable and rechargeable batteries to power your drills and other tools. If your budget allows, buy two of each so you can use one and charge one simultaneously.
Whether you opt for a tool belt or tool bag, invest in some type of carrier to organize and transport your tools. Label pockets or use color-coded pouches to identify your tools quickly.
A pressure gauge measures water pressure in supply lines. For example, you might conduct pressure tests during routine maintenance and inspections to verify water pressure or help diagnose leaks or blockages.
A staple in any contractor’s tool kit, a tape measure can help you size distances for pipes and fixtures.
If you want to ensure horizontal or vertical alignment of fixtures and pipes, then a level belongs in your toolkit.
When you need a clamp, you really need a clamp. A clamp is useful for temporary or emergency fixes and holding pipes in place.
We recommend investing in several plumbing safety equipment to help put an essential barrier between you and hazardous materials you’ll probably encounter on the job.
Here are some of the safety plumbing equipment we suggest adding to your tools list:
After a few jobs spent kneeling under sinks or around toilets, you’ll understand why you should invest in supportive knee pads. Using knee protection that can absorb some of the pressure helps reduce discomfort and the chance of developing chronic joint issues.
For plumbers, the best gloves are usually made of durable, cut-resistant materials like Kevlar, Spectra, Dyneema fibers, nitrile, or nylon to withstand sharp tools, rough surfaces, chemical exposure, and high temperatures. They reduce the risk of cuts or burns and keep your hands clean.
Protective eyewear can help shield you from flying debris, metal shavings, or water. Wear goggles with side shields when cutting or soldering, and use wraparound safety glasses for other general tasks.
Inhaling mold, dust, and chemical fumes can cause permanent lung damage. As a plumber, you risk exposure when working in older homes and spaces with water damage or when using adhesive solvents. Choose a full face respirator rated for gases, vapors, dust, and general construction, and make sure it seals properly around your nose and mouth.
Long-term exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing. When operating power tools or working in industrial settings, pack ear protection such as earplugs or earmuffs. Keep them in your tool bag for easy access.
No plumbing tools list is complete without an arsenal of digital aids to help you run your business and communicate with customers. Once you’ve invested in your physical tools and equipment, consider adding the following digital software designed for plumbers:
Modern plumbing business owners juggle service calls, billing, and client follow-up. If you use a CRM or project management tool to schedule and track your clients, consider downloading the mobile app so you can handle the same tasks on the go.
You can also download apps like the QuickBooks mobile app that allows you to access invoices, expenses, and reports. Apps that accept digital payments are also valuable tools to have at your disposal.
Sizing pipes or calculating flow rates can get complicated without a pen and paper on hand. Consider using digital calculators to make quick calculations on the job, like Plumbing Formulator. Code Snap helps you pull up the Uniform Plumbing Code and reference essential information quickly.
An automated scheduling platform helps you balance service calls and follow-up appointments when multiple jobs stack up. For example, tools like Jobber or Housecall Pro let you schedule appointments, dispatch technicians, and track real-time updates. Integrate your scheduling apps with map services to help you plan efficient routes and manage unexpected delays.
Plumbing codes vary by state and municipality, so having the latest codebook ensures your work meets the required standards and avoids compliance errors and fines. Consider keeping a hard copy in your car or a digital version on your phone or tablet so you can reference the latest standards at any time.
Running a successful plumbing company involves more than just tools and safety gear. You also have to think about scheduling, customer service, and how to reach potential clients. Creating a plumbing marketing strategy early on can help you stand out from the crowd and attract a steady flow of new customers.
Additionally, many homeowners experience sticker shock when faced with major repairs. Offering plumbing financing can be a game-changer in these moments. By providing flexible payment plans, you give customers the opportunity to move forward with necessary services (like water heater replacements or extensive pipe repairs) even if they can’t afford the full amount upfront. This not only helps clients manage unexpected costs but also increases the likelihood of booking big-ticket jobs.
A good plumber is a prepared and safe one. With an arsenal of plumbing tools at your disposal, you are better prepared to tackle any problem thrown at you. Your ability to resolve plumbing problems quickly helps you deliver quality service that builds a network of happy customers who keep coming back. Remember to audit and upgrade your toolkit as you grow so you remain ready to answer the call.
A standard drain auger (or plumber’s snake) is designed for sinks, tubs, and other drains. It’s a flexible cable that reaches deep into pipes to break up clogs. A toilet auger, on the other hand, is specifically built for toilets. It has a protective sleeve and a specialized angle that makes it easier — and safer — to navigate toilet curves without scratching the porcelain.
An adjustable wrench can handle smaller nuts, bolts, and fittings, but it won’t provide the same secure grip on round pipes that a pipe wrench does. If you frequently work with threaded or round metal pipes, a dedicated pipe wrench is the safest bet for tight, leak-free connections.
A standard cup plunger is great for flat drains (like sinks and showers). For more stubborn clogs or toilets, a flange plunger offers a tighter seal and more suction power. Professional-grade plungers often have thicker rubber and sturdier handles, delivering the extra force needed to break up serious blockages.
Yes. Accidents happen unexpectedly, and conditions like mold, chemical fumes, and sharp metal edges can pose serious risks. Even a quick fix might expose you to hazards. Wearing goggles, gloves, and a respirator takes only a few seconds and can prevent long-term injury.
Regular cleaning, oiling, and safe storage prolong tool life. Wipe your tools dry after each use to prevent rust, and keep cutting edges sharp. Periodically check power tools for battery life and cord damage. By scheduling quick inspections, you’ll reduce the risk of on-the-job failures.
Hydro jetting offers a deep clean by blasting away grease and debris, but it isn’t always the first choice. High water pressure can damage older or fragile pipes, so it’s best to inspect the line with a camera first. If you see significant wear or cracks, a gentler approach with an auger may be safer.