Every profession has its toolbox, and plumbing is no different. The right tool doesn’t just save time, it saves money, effort, and plenty of frustration. From cutting pipes to sealing joints or unclogging drains, each tool has a unique role to play. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 plumbing tools and their functions, providing a clear understanding of why they’re essential in both home and professional plumbing work.

10 Plumbing Tools and Their Uses

Plumbing may sound simple, but when water starts leaking or drains get blocked, the job quickly becomes tricky. That’s when the right tool makes all the difference. Let’s look at ten of the most important plumbing tools and how they’re used.

1. Pipe Wrench

The pipe wrench is the classic plumber’s tool. It’s a large, heavy-duty wrench with serrated jaws that grip onto pipes. Its adjustable design lets you tighten or loosen pipes with strong leverage. If you’ve seen a plumber twisting metal pipes together, chances are they were using a pipe wrench.

2. Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench, often referred to as a crescent wrench, has a slimmer build than a pipe wrench and is made for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. The jaws are movable, making it versatile for different sizes. It’s one of the handiest plumbing tools because you’ll find nuts and bolts everywhere in plumbing systems, from fixtures to pipe fittings.

3. Pipe Cutter

Clean, smooth pipe cuts are essential for a leak-free fit. That’s where a pipe cutter comes in. Unlike a hacksaw, which can leave rough edges, a pipe cutter makes neat, straight cuts through copper, PVC, or PEX pipes. For many plumbers, this tool is a time-saver that guarantees precision.

4. Hacksaw

Sometimes a pipe cutter isn’t practical, for instance, when space is tight or the pipe is extra tough. In those cases, a hacksaw does the job. This saw has a fine-toothed blade that can cut through plastic, metal, or even screws. It’s not the fastest tool, but it’s reliable for tricky spots.

5. Basin Wrench

Ever tried reaching the nuts that hold a faucet in place under a sink? That’s where the basin wrench shines. It has a long handle and a swiveling head designed to grip and turn nuts in hard-to-reach areas. Without it, installing or removing faucets would be a nightmare.

6. Plunger

The plunger may look basic, but it’s the go-to tool in most homes for clearing clogs. By creating suction and pressure, it dislodges blockages in sinks, showers, and toilets. While it may look basic compared to other tools, the plunger remains a must-have in plumbing.

7. Drain Snake

When a plunger isn’t enough, the drain snake, also called a hand auger, comes into play. A flexible metal cable slides into the drain to break apart or remove tough blockages. It’s particularly useful for hair, grease, or other debris stuck deep inside pipes. For tougher jobs, plumbers often upgrade to a motorized snake plumbing tool.

8. Plumber’s Torch

Working with copper pipes often requires soldering, and that’s where a plumber’s torch is essential. It produces a focused flame to heat the pipe and melt solder, creating a watertight seal. It’s one of those tools that demands skill and caution but is vital for long-lasting pipe connections.

9. Thread Seal Tape 

Locally known as Teflon Tape. Leaks usually happen at threaded joints, but thread seal tape prevents that. By wrapping this thin, white tape around threads before tightening, you create a watertight seal. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and one of the most reliable ways to stop leaks before they start.

10. Pliers

Pliers handle a wide range of tasks in plumbing, from gripping and twisting to bending and holding parts in place. Channel-lock pliers are especially popular due to their adjustable jaws for holding pipes of various sizes. No plumber’s kit is complete without a sturdy set of pliers.

Materials Used in Plumbing Work

While tools do the work, the right materials are what make plumbing systems last. These are some of the main materials you’ll find used in plumbing projects:

• Copper Pipes: Known for durability and heat resistance, often used in water supply lines.
  

• PVC Pipes: Lightweight and easy to cut, common in drain lines.
  

• PEX Pipes: Flexible plastic tubing that’s becoming more popular because it’s easy to install with a PEX tool.
  

• Steel or Iron Pipes: Used in older homes and for heavy-duty applications, though less common today.
  

• Fittings and valves: Suitable for connecting pipes, controlling flow, and redirecting water.
  

• Sealants and Tape: Including thread seal tape for watertight joints.

Conclusion

Plumbing isn’t just about tightening a pipe or unclogging a drain—it’s about using the right tool for the right job. Each tool we’ve covered plays a unique role in making plumbing tasks quicker, cleaner, and more effective. From the accuracy of a pipe cutter to the strength of a pipe wrench and the ease of a plunger, these tools form the core of plumbing work.

Understanding 10 plumbing tools and their uses gives you more confidence when tackling home repairs or when hiring a professional. After all, good plumbing is what keeps our homes running smoothly.

FAQs

What are the tools used for plumbing work?

Common plumbing tools include a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, pipe cutter, hacksaw, basin wrench, plunger, drain snake, plumber’s torch, thread seal tape, and pliers.

Why are plumbing tools important?

The right tools make plumbing work faster, safer, and more effective. They help prevent leaks, reduce damage, and ensure repairs last longer.

What is the most useful plumbing tool?

It depends on the job, but many plumbers consider the pipe wrench and adjustable wrench to be the most essential.

What is a snake plumbing tool used for?

A snake plumbing tool, or drain auger, is used to clear stubborn clogs inside drains and pipes that a plunger can’t fix.

What is a pipe vise in plumbing?

A pipe vise is used to grip pipes firmly so they won’t move when you cut, thread, or weld them. This makes the job safer and more precise.

What is a PEX tool used for?

A PEX tool is designed for working with PEX tubing, helping to cut, crimp, or expand the flexible pipes during installation.

What is a water jet drain cleaner?

A water jet drain cleaner uses high-pressure water to blast through tough clogs and buildup in drain pipes, often used in professional plumbing jobs.

What is a pipe press tool?

A pipe press tool connects pipes by pressing fittings together, creating a strong, leak-free joint without soldering or welding.

What is a rigid faucet tool?

A Ridgid faucet tool is a specialized basin wrench made by Ridgid, designed to simplify faucet installation and removal.

What is a drain pipe locator?

A drain pipe locator is an electronic device that helps plumbers find the exact location of underground or hidden drain pipes, saving time during repairs or installations.