Every plumber has his/her box of tools or “bag of tricks.” We’ve put together a list of essentials that every plumber’s toolbox should contain. While you may have some of these tools in your toolbox, others are unique to our trade. Plumbers receive extensive training and are required to use some very specialized tools, used in dangerous situations that are best left to the professionals.
Some of the basic tools include hammers, screwdrivers, mallet, pliers, tape measure, Allen keys, handsaw, hacksaw, flashlight, plunger, rubber gloves, bucket, and even anti-bacterial wipes. Below are some of the more specialized tools that a plumber uses.
Pipe cutter
These can cut through most piping with ease and produce a cleaner cut than a hacksaw, as well as a quicker cut. They can be used in tight spaces which makes them ideal for use in plumbing situations. Pipe cutters come in a variety of sizes to cut and rethread any size piping.
Pipe bender
A pipe bender is great for gripping and holding workpieces. It’s extremely useful for turning and removing nuts and bolts that have become “rounded.” The locking mechanism holds workpieces so you can work hands-free.
Hand augur
This is also known as a plumber’s snake. It’s used to remove clogs that are deep into your plumbing pipes that a plunger can’t reach. Plumbers also use a motorized version for stubborn clogs and a jetter that can blast away clogs using pressurized water.
Pressure tester
This allows a plumber to check gas or water pressure in pipes. It helps to check for leaks in pipes, general maintenance, and handy for checking the quality of completed work.
Basin wrench
This specialized tool gets into tight spaces to install and remove basins – so it’s well named! It’s helpful for kitchen faucets and any tasks where there isn’t a lot of room to maneuver.
Blowlamp
This is used to solder and fix copper pipes. It’s an essential tool for creating water-tight seals and joints. It produces a thin flame at a high temperature to provide soldered joints that don’t leak. Fire-resistant fabric to protect the surrounding area from stray sparks is also a necessary item for a plumber’s toolbox.
At Michael’s Plumbing, we are a team of highly skilled plumbers, trained to handle any service or repair. And we always come prepared with all the right tools! Give us a call at (407) 219-9772 or schedule online for all of your plumbing needs.