Whether you are a seasoned tradesperson or just getting started with DIY home repairs, the right plumbing tools are crucial for any successful plumbing job. From fixing a leaking faucet to installing a new piping system, the right plumbing tools will help ensure lasting results and make your job easier.
However, for those who are new to the tools for plumbing, there are various types of tools for different purposes and materials. Knowing which plumbing tool to use and when to use it can save you time, money and frustration.
This article will include a simple guide to the most popular plumbing tools for homeowners, apprentices and DIY lovers. We’ll also cover some tips for using tools and basic plumbing repair techniques. If you are unsure which tool you need or where to find it, check out PlumbingSell to get a wide selection of tools and accessories for your projects.
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What Are Plumbing Tools?
Plumbing tools are specialised devices used to install, repair and maintain plumbing systems, including pipes, fittings and water systems. Plumbers use these to carry out their jobs more efficiently and safely. From everyday tools to job-specific items, there’s a wide range of plumbing tools professionals rely on. Whether you are learning basic plumbing repair techniques or are already familiar with common plumbing repairs, having the right plumbing tools is crucial.
Top 7 Plumbing Tools
You might be wondering which ones are the most essential for your projects among the wide selection of plumbing tools. From tightening pipes to cutting tubing, each tool serves a specific purpose that contributes to the efficiency and quality of your work.
Pipe Wrenches
No list of plumber tools is complete without the pipe wrench. The pipe wrench serves as the largest wrench in a plumber’s toolbox. Available in various sizes, they are used for gripping and turning pipes and fittings. Two of these wrenches are typically used together, one to hold a pipe in place and the other to rotate the nut or to fit in the correct direction.
Pipe Cutter
If you are dealing with copper and plastic pipes regularly, you may need to remove, replace or resize them with a pipe cutter. Clean and precise cuts are crucial when working with plumbing pipes. Unlike a hacksaw, a pipe cutter gives you a straight, burr-free edge, perfect for copper, PVC or PEX tubing systems.
The most commonly used pipe cutters are the scissor-style ones for PEX pipes and the rotary cutters for metal. Both cutters require minimal hand strength yet provide a clean connection surface. A must-have tool for basic plumbing repair that ensures clean connections.
Pliers
Like wrenches, every plumber needs a good set of pliers (also known as water pump pliers). The most commonly used ones are slip-joint pliers, needle-nose pliers, locking pliers and more. Pliers have become popular among plumbers because of their ability to fit easily in hand and squeeze into tight spaces where a wrench won’t fit. These tools for plumbing are especially useful for moving and gripping small objects, holding nuts and tightening pipes. They are also capable of bending and shaping wires.
PEX Pipe Expansion Tools & Fittings
PEX piping is one of the latest innovations in the plumbing industry. When working with PEX-A pipes, an expansion tool is used to stretch the pipe so fittings can be inserted. A PEX expansion tool looks like a drill that widens the openings of the pipe. Once the pipe returns to its original size, it forms a tight seal around the fitting without the need for glue or solder.
PEX-A pipes are becoming popular, particularly in modern home installations and remodels, because of their superior durability and flexibility. The PEX-A expansion tools and fittings are widely used by professional plumbers. Also, they are capable of quick and clean installation with minimal effort.
Crimpers
Crimper tools are another essential plumbing tool in PEX-related plumbing, especially PEX-B pipes, but plumbers also use them with other types of piping as well. These plumbing tools squeeze a metal ring, known as a crimp, over the pipe and fitting to create a watertight seal.
To use the crimper tool, slide the crimp ring over the PEX-B pipes, insert the fitting, and position the crimper around the ring before compressing. They are a great choice for homeowners mastering basic plumbing repair techniques.
PTFE Tape
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape, also known as Teflon tape or threaded seal tape, is a thin tape that helps create a leakproof seal between the threaded joints. Plumbers typically use this tape to patch or prevent potential leaks at threaded joint connections in piping. Quality tape is resistant to high and low temperatures and can be stretched for better coverage.
Hacksaw
Suppose your pipe cutter can’t reach or handle the material; a hacksaw will. It’s ideal for cutting through pipes, nuts, bolts and screws that are made up of tough materials like steel, copper and hard plastic. To use a hacksaw properly, secure the blades before using and apply steady pressure as you saw. This plumbing tool is especially handy for removing old pipes or trimming brackets.
Investing in Quality Tools
When it comes to plumbing tools, quality truly matters. Cheap or poorly made plumbing tools have great differences. Poorly made plumbing tools tend to wear out quicker, are easier to break under pressure and even cause damage to pipes or fittings, costing you more time and money in the long run. Investing in durable tools for plumbing ensures not only a smoother repair process but also greater safety and long-term performance.
Whether you are using a pipe wrench, crimpers or a PEX pipe expander, high-quality tools offer better grip, cleaner cuts and easy installation. At PlumbingSell, we offer high-quality plumbing supplies at unbeatable prices; check out the essential plumbing tools now.
Conclusion
Whether you are just getting into DIY plumbing or you are a licensed professional plumber, having the right plumbing tools is essential for a job well done. Each plumbing tool has its unique role in ensuring safe, efficient, and durable results. Understanding how to use plumbing tools like a pipe cutter and pipe crimp correctly can help you tackle basic maintenance, like broken pipe replacement.
Reliable tools for plumbing not only save time and money, but they also prevent costly mistakes and rework. Check out PlumbingSell for a wide selection of high-quality plumbing tools, fittings and other plumbing essentials at unbeatable prices.
