A Student’s Guide to Plumbing Materials

August 07, 2024

Plumbing is a skilled trade that incorporates various tasks such as installations, repairs, and maintenance. Having the right plumbing tools on hand can make all the difference to overall job performance. Below are the essential plumbing tools that every plumber should already have inside their toolbox:

1. Tape Measure. Who doesn’t know what a tape measure is? Probably the most common plumbing tool around, a tape measure is used to measure dimensions of the plumbing system.
2. Adjustable Wrenches. Wrenches vary in size, shape, size of the jaw head, and handle size. It is the most used plumber’s tool in the world, used to measure and fit plumbing pipes and fixtures.
3. Screwdrivers – Screwdrivers come in different sizes and shapes. They help to screw and unscrew connections nuts and nails.
4. Pipe and Tube Cutters – They come with adjustable heads to fit tube or pipe size. These tools are used to cut plastic and metallic equipment.
5. Gloves, Goggles, & Earplugs – To enhance your safety, always protect your ears, eyes, and hands to reduce the number and severity of accidents.
6. Teflon Tape – Also called Plumber’s Tape, Teflon tape is instrumental on faucets, pipes and other plumbing components to ensure that connections are tightly sealed and leak-proof.
7. Hacksaw & Handsaw – Both the hacksaw and handsaw equally essential tools every plumber should have.

Other necessary plumbing tools include:

• Small and large flashlights.
• Long and short shovels.
• Round and flat files.
• Sledgehammer.
• Vise grip pliers.
• Claw and ball-peen hammers.
• Trowel.
• Caulking gun.
• Needle-nose pliers.

In case of an emergency, the following tools come in handy:

• Basin spanners.
• Hosepipes.
• Steps and ladders.
• Lighting kit and torch.
• Sink tap spanner.
• Hammer.
• Adjustable and waste pipe slicers.

Notable mention tools every plumber should have around:

1. Pipe Wrench. A plumber’s favorite tool, a pipe wrench comes in different sizes and is used on pipes close to the wall. There are various types of wrenches for many different purposes.
2. Basin Wrench. Used to replace or repair old faucets, the professional class models have a telescoping shank that holds a 90-degree position for greater accuracy.
3. Hose Cutter. Its primary use is to cut perfect sizes and shapes in copper pipes.
4. Channel Locks. Also called tongue & groove pliers, they have replaced pipe wrenches.
5. Rib-joint Pliers. An adjustable tool used to turn nuts, bolts, pipes, and fittings. It also makes a great gripper.
6. Hole Saw. Used to cut holes in concrete, masonry, and wood.
7. Drain Augers. Also known as snakes, this is made up of a coiled-up metal cable that rotates and pushes a cable simultaneously.
8. Metal File. For smoothing out rough edges after a metal pipe is cut.
9. Fire-Resistant Cloth. Used soldering to protect nearby flammable objects.

All the tools in the world won’t do any good without the skill and knowledge of a certified HVAC technician. A high-quality plumber knows how and when to use these tools to perform an exceptional job, so remember to always call a company with a reputable background like us here at Total Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing.