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Essential Plumbing Tools and Plumbing Consumables

Did you ever have to call a plumber to fix a leak or a stubborn clog only because you didn’t have the right tool for the job? Here is a list of essential tools plumbers use to fix problems and complete plumbing jobs.

Plumbing specific tools and consumables

Channel-Lock Pliers (tongue and groove)

Also called “plumber’s pliers” or “water-pump pliers” these are adjustable pliers with serrated teeth and expandable jaws. They can be used on various sizes of pipes and nuts.

Adjustable Open-End Wrench (adjustable spanner, crescent wrench or in Europe French key)

This is maybe the most important tool in a plumber’s toolbox. With its adjustable jaw it can provide a lot of flexibility and speed while working in a position where you don’t want to constantly look for another tool.

Pipe Cutter (tubing cutter)

Another essential tool since plumbing involved more than anything cutting, joining and routing pipes.

Teflon Tape (plumber’s tape or PTFE)

This is the tool used to prevent leakage when joining threaded connections. It seals the pipes being joined together the most common example being the shower head.

Plumber’s Putty

This is a substance used to seal plumbing joints and fittings. Usually a small amount of plumber’s putty is applied to the threads of water pipes whe joined together. It is also used to seal for example the sink stainer.

Crimping Tool For PEX Tubing

Whenever you need to join, split or connect PEX tubing you need the crimping tool. This tool will squeeze the crimp rings tight around the pipe and the connector inserted in the pipe creating a sealed connection.

Crimp Removal Tool

If you use a a crimper and crimp rings sooner or later you’ll need to remove some rings.

Crimp Rings

Pipe Wrench

A special type of wrench that works on round pipes and fittings and used to make threaded connections.

Basin Wrench

The right tool for tight spaces. When you need to remove a faucet you will need one of these. It is a more complex tool with a spring loaded jaw, a swivel head and a T handle. While on smaller sinks like in bathroom you might get away with other tools, in the case of the kitchen sink you will most likely need the basin wrench.

Strainer Locknut Wrench

Shower Valve Socket Wrench

While working on tub and showers you can’t get away without these deep socket wrenches. Luckily they are not expensive

Sink Auger (or drum auger)

An essential tool for removing stubborn clogs that cannot be solved with a plunger

Toilet Auger

A special type of auger used to unclog toilets.

Flange Plunger (toilet plunger)

A plunger designed for the toilet

Sink And Tub Plunger

Is the basic tool to remove occasional clogs in the tub or the sink

Caulk Gun

Another essential tool not only for every plumber but for every home. Every time when you need to apply a bead of silicone caulk you will need a caulk gun. It is used to get the caulk out of the caulk tube. It is usually a manual tool but you can also get a powered one.