Top 40 Must-Have Plumbing Tools

Whether you’re a seasoned plumber building out a new truck or an apprentice assembling your first tool bag, having the right equipment makes all the difference between finishing a job efficiently and wasting hours on workarounds.

The best plumbing tool kit includes everything from basic wrenches to specialized drain-clearing equipment. But with so many options on the market, knowing exactly what tools you need—and which ones are worth the investment—can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

This comprehensive plumbing tools list covers the 40 essential tools every professional plumber should have, organized by category so you can build your kit strategically. Whether you’re working on residential service calls or commercial installations, these are the must-have plumbing tools that will help you complete jobs faster, more professionally, and with fewer callbacks.

Which Five Tools Are Most Common to Plumbing?

If you’re just starting out or need to prioritize your first tool purchases, these five tools are the absolute essentials that plumbers reach for daily:

1. Pipe Wrench – The single most iconic plumbing tool. You’ll use it on nearly every job to tighten, loosen, and grip pipes and fittings. Most pros always keep at least two sizes in their truck.
2. Adjustable Wrench – The versatile workhorse for hexagonal nuts and bolts. Its adjustable jaw handles various sizes, making it indispensable for fixture installations and repairs.
3. Plunger – Simple but essential. Every plumber needs both cup plungers for sinks and flange plungers for toilets. These handle most basic drain clogs.
4. Tubing Cutter – Clean, precise cuts are critical for professional pipe connections. Whether you’re working with copper or PVC, a quality tubing cutter ensures proper fits and leak-free joints.
5. Plumber’s Torch – For soldering copper pipes, a reliable torch is non-negotiable. It’s the tool that separates DIY repairs from professional installations that last for decades.

These five tools form the foundation of any plumbing tool kit. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you can expand into the specialized equipment that handles more complex jobs. Below, we’ll break down all 40 best plumbing tools by category.

The Essential Wrenches Every Plumber Needs

No plumbing tool kit is complete without a solid collection of wrenches. You’ll use them for everything from tightening fittings to installing fixtures.

1. Pipe Wrench (Multiple Sizes) The workhorse of plumbing tools. Keep at least two on hand—one to hold pipes steady and one to turn fittings. Most plumbers carry 10″, 14″, and 18″ sizes. Plan to spend $15-$60 depending on size and brand. Look for these at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or tool supply stores.
2. Basin Wrench This T-shaped tool reaches into tight spaces behind sinks to tighten or loosen faucet nuts. Essential for any faucet installation or repair. Budget $10-$50. Available at hardware stores and plumbing supply retailers.
3. Adjustable Wrench (6″ and 10″) Perfect for hexagonal nuts and bolts on pipes and fixtures. Having two sizes gives you flexibility for different job requirements. Expect to pay $10-$45 for quality versions from brands like Crescent or Milwaukee.
4. Faucet Seat Wrench Used to remove and replace valve seats in faucets. This specialized plumbing tool prevents damage to faucet bodies. You’ll find these for $5-$30 at plumbing supply stores.

What Tools Does a Plumber Need for Critical Pipe Work?

Working with pipes—whether you’re cutting, joining, or sealing them—requires specialized equipment that makes clean, professional installations possible.

• Tubing Cutter (Copper and PVC) Clean, straight cuts are essential for proper pipe connections. Invest in separate cutters for copper ($12-$50) and PVC ($10-$40). Available at any hardware store.
• Hacksaw For cutting through pipes, nuts, bolts, and screws when precision isn’t critical. Keep extra blades in your truck. Budget $5-$35 for a quality frame and blade set.
• Plumber’s Torch Essential for soldering copper pipes. Propane or MAP gas torches work well for most residential applications. Torches cost $25-$65, available at home improvement stores.
• Thread Sealing Tape (Teflon Tape) Also called plumber’s tape, this prevents leaks at threaded pipe joints. Keep multiple rolls on hand—you’ll go through it quickly. Costs just $1-$12 per roll at any hardware store.
• Pliers Set Channel locks, needle-nose, and slip-joint pliers all serve different purposes. A quality pliers set runs $15-$70 and lasts for years.
• Deburring Tool Removes burrs and sharp edges from cut pipes to prevent damage to O-rings and ensure proper seals. Budget $10-$20, found at plumbing supply stores.
• Press Fitting System For plumbers working with commercial installations or newer PEX systems, press fitting tools create watertight connections without soldering. These are significant investments at $80-$3,000+ depending on the system, but they save enormous amounts of time.

Best Plumbing Tools for Drain Clearing

Clogged drains account for a huge percentage of service calls. Having the right drain-clearing equipment means you can handle most blockages without calling for specialized help.

1. Cup Plunger The basic tool every homeowner has—but plumbers need heavy-duty versions that create stronger suction. Budget $5-$20 for professional-grade plungers.
2. Flange Plunger Specifically designed for toilets, with a flange that fits into the drain opening for better seal. Expect to pay $10-$30.
3. Hand Auger (Drain Snake) Essential for breaking through clogs that plungers can’t clear. Most plumbers carry 25-foot and 50-foot versions. These cost $10-$25 for basic models.
4. Motorized Drain Snake When hand augers aren’t enough, motorized versions tackle stubborn clogs in larger pipes. Plan to invest $80-$300 for quality models, available from tool suppliers and home improvement stores.
5. Drain Inspection Camera Modern plumbers increasingly rely on cameras to diagnose drain problems without destructive investigation. Available from plumbing supply retailers and online.

Safety Equipment: What Tools Does a Plummer Need for Protection?

Professional plumbers prioritize safety on every job. This equipment protects you from injuries that could sideline your career.

1. Safety Goggles Protect your eyes from flying debris, chemicals, and water spray. OSHA regulations require eye protection in many plumbing scenarios. Quality goggles cost $10-$25 and are available everywhere.
2. Work Gloves Heavy-duty gloves protect your hands from sharp edges, hot pipes, and nasty materials. Keep multiple pairs—you’ll go through them. Budget $7-$25 per pair.
3. Knee Pads Plumbing involves lots of time on your knees. Quality knee pads prevent joint damage that plagues older tradespeople. Invest $20-$40 in comfortable, durable pads from tool suppliers or home improvement stores.
4. Heat Shield When soldering near flammable materials, heat shields prevent property damage and fires. These cost $15-$35 and are essential safety equipment.

Additional Tools for Plumbing

These remaining tools round out a complete professional plumbing tool kit.

• PEX Pipe Expander – Expands PEX pipe ends for fitting installation.
• PEX Crimping Tool – Creates watertight connections in PEX systems.
• Pipe Bender – Bends copper or metal pipes without crimping.
• Stubby Screwdriver – Accesses cramped spaces where regular screwdrivers won’t fit.
• Screwdriver Set – Complete set with various sizes and types.
• Flashlight/Headlamp – Essential for working under sinks and in crawl spaces. LED headlamps keep your hands free.
• Measuring Tape – Accurate measurements prevent costly mistakes.
• Level – Ensures proper pipe slope for drainage. Torpedo levels work well for plumbing.
• Utility Knife – For cutting materials and opening packaging. Keep extra blades handy.
• Bucket – Catches water from disconnected pipes and holds tools or parts.
• Shop Vacuum – Cleans up water and debris quickly.
• Caulking Gun – Applies sealant around fixtures and pipes.
• Stud Finder – Locates studs and pipes behind walls before cutting.
• Hole Saw Set – Cuts clean holes through various materials for pipe installation.
• Drill and Drill Bits – Cordless drills provide flexibility for installations.
• Adjustable Pliers – Also called water pump pliers.
• Strap Wrench – Grips polished fixtures without leaving marks. Essential for chrome or decorative pieces.
• Plumber’s Putty – Creates watertight seals around drains and fixtures.
• Silicone Grease – Lubricates O-rings and gaskets for easier installation.
• Tool Bag or Toolbox – Keeps everything organized and portable. Invest in quality storage that lasts.

Digital Tools That Make Plumbing Businesses More Efficient

Beyond physical tools, successful plumbing businesses need software that handles scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer management. Having the right equipment (and the systems to manage it all) makes the difference between struggling and thriving.

Service Fusion’s plumbing software helps plumbers manage their plumbing business from anywhere—creating professional estimates and invoices, automating customer communications, tracking inventory, and accepting payments in the field or online.

If you’re focused on generating more leads for your plumbing business, having organized customer-facing and back-office solutions makes it easier to deliver exceptional service that drives referrals and five-star reviews.

Building Your Plumbing Tool Kit Strategically

You don’t need to buy all 40 tools at once. Start with the essentials and then add specialized tools as you take on more complex jobs.

As you build your plumbing tool kit, remember that your tools are only as effective as the systems supporting them. Professional plumbers who combine quality equipment with smart business management software position themselves for long-term success in a competitive market.

Ready to see how the right business tools can help your plumbing company run more efficiently? Schedule a free Service Fusion demo to learn how pros complete more jobs, reduce administrative headaches, and grow their businesses with our all-in-one platform.