Best Plumbing Tools: The Essential Plumbing Tools List for Every Pro

Whether you’re installing new piping, tackling a repair, or handling routine maintenance, having the best plumbing tools at your disposal can make or break your efficiency on the job. The right gear saves time, improves accuracy, and ensures every connection is secure — whether you’re working with copper, PVC, or PEX.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential plumbing tools list every pro should own, highlight trusted brands like Milwaukee plumbing tools and DEWALT plumbing tools, and show how the right plumbing software can make your operations run as smoothly as your best-fitted pipe joint.

Quick Reference: Plumbing Tools List

Every plumber’s kit should include these essential categories of tools and supplies:

• Hand Tools: Adjustable and basin wrenches, pipe wrenches, pliers, channel locks, hex keys, and faucet (sillcock) keys.

• Cutting & Joining Tools: Pipe and tube cutters, hacksaws, soldering torches, press tools, and reamers for smooth connections.

• Power Tools: Cordless drills, impact drivers, rotary hammers, and hole saws for heavy-duty or repetitive tasks.

• Clog-Clearing Tools: Plumbing snakes, hand augers, flex-shaft cleaners, and hydro jetting machines for deep drain cleaning.

• Specialty Tools: PEX expanders, borescopes, underground pipe locators, torque wrenches, and laser levels.

• Plumbing Tools and Supplies: Fittings, valves, thread sealant, Teflon tape, flux, batteries, and replacement blades.

• Software Tools: Estimating, scheduling, inventory, and invoice management through platforms like FieldPulse.

1. Hand Tool Essentials

Every plumber’s toolkit starts with reliable hand tools. These are the core instruments that keep your daily work efficient and consistent.

• Adjustable Wrenches: Perfect for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts of varying sizes. Look for a durable, slip-free grip and smooth adjustment action.

• Basin Wrench: Designed for tight spaces under sinks — an irreplaceable tool for faucet installations.

• Pipe Wrenches: The classic plumber’s tool for gripping and turning metal pipes. Keep multiple sizes in your truck for versatility.

• Pliers and Channel Locks: Ideal for gripping, bending, and twisting components. Channel locks are particularly useful for quick adjustments.

• Faucet Keys (Sillcock Keys): A must for turning water supply lines on and off, especially during maintenance or winterization jobs.

2. Cutting and Joining Tools

Precision cutting and leak-free connections are non-negotiable in plumbing work.

• Pipe and Tube Cutters: Choose models sized for copper, PVC, and PEX. A clean, square cut prevents leaks and uneven fittings.

• Hacksaws: For cutting through metal piping or bolts in tough spots.

• Soldering Kit: A reliable soldering torch, flux, and wire create strong copper pipe joints. Always clean and prep surfaces thoroughly.

• Press Tools: A modern alternative to soldering, press tools create secure pipe joins without flame. These battery-powered tools save time, reduce leaks, and perform reliably in tight or sensitive areas.

3. Power Tools for Plumbing Pros

While hand tools handle precision work, power tools deliver speed and consistency.

• Cordless Drill and Impact Driver: Core tools for drilling holes and driving fasteners. Look for variable speeds and long-lasting batteries.

• Rotary Hammer: Great for cutting into stone or concrete during rough-ins or remodels.

• Hole Saws: Essential for creating clean access points through drywall, tile, or metal.

Both Milwaukee plumbing tools and DEWALT plumbing tools are known for reliable performance, strong battery ecosystems, and rugged designs built for daily use.

4. Clog-Clearing and Cleaning Tools

Drain cleaning and unclogging jobs are everyday service calls, so these belong in every pro’s kit:

• Plumbing Snake or Hand Auger: Used to clear moderate blockages in sinks, tubs, or toilets.

• Flex-Shaft Drain Cleaner: Uses spinning chain knockers to remove buildup and restore full pipe diameter.

• Hydro Jetting Machines: The powerhouse of drain cleaning — use high-pressure water to clear sewer and main lines. Always inspect pipes first to avoid damage.

5. Specialty Tools for Complex Jobs

Some jobs demand specialized gear:

• PEX Expander: For installing flexible, durable cross-linked polyethylene tubing.

• Borescope (Inspection Camera): Quickly identifies leaks or blockages in hard-to-reach pipes.

• Underground Pipe Locator: Finds buried lines without unnecessary digging.

• Torque Wrench and Pipe Reamer: Ensure perfect fitting torque and smooth pipe edges.

6. Plumbing Tools and Supplies

A well-equipped plumber doesn’t just have the tools — they stock reliable plumbing tools and supplies to get every job done right.

That means fittings, valves, sealants, teflon tape, solder, flux, and replacement blades. Working with trusted plumbing suppliers keeps you stocked with durable, tested materials that prevent rework and callbacks.

7. Trusted Brands: Milwaukee and DEWALT

Two of the most respected brands among plumbers are Milwaukee and DEWALT.

• Milwaukee plumbing tools are industry favorites for press systems, PEX tools, and the versatile M12 and M18 cordless lines.

• DEWALT plumbing tools stand out for robust drilling, cutting, and concrete tools backed by reliable battery life and service support.

Many pros mix brands — leveraging Milwaukee’s press tools and DEWALT’s power tools for a complete, efficient setup.

8. Software and Calculators: The Modern Tools for Plumbers

The best plumbers today pair their physical tools with digital solutions that streamline estimating, scheduling, and inventory management.

• Use plumbing software like FieldPulse to manage job scheduling, create accurate quotes, and track team performance.

• Explore our plumbing calculator for pipe sizing, water flow, and material cost calculations.

• Compare platforms in our best plumbing estimating software guide to find the right fit for your business.

With FieldPulse, you can handle estimating, dispatching, and invoice management in one place — keeping your business organized and cash flow steady.

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety is part of professionalism. Every plumber should carry:

• Safety glasses or goggles

• Medium-duty gloves

• Steel-toed boots

• Heat shields for soldering

• Respirator or dust mask when cutting or grinding

10. Choosing and Maintaining Your Plumbing Toolkit

A great plumber’s kit isn’t about having the most tools — it’s about having the right ones. Focus on:

• Quality: Choose durable brands that won’t fail under pressure.

• Versatility: Stock tools that serve multiple job types.

• Efficiency: Balance manual skill with smart technology.

Keep tools organized, cleaned, and regularly inspected. Replacing worn-out parts early saves time and maintains safety standards on every job.

Conclusion

The best plumbing tools combine craftsmanship, durability, and precision — but the modern plumber also needs reliable digital tools. From pipe wrenches and press tools to software for estimates and inventory, efficiency is built on preparation.

Pair your field gear with FieldPulse , the all-in-one plumbing software that simplifies estimating, scheduling, and invoice management.

Book a demo and see how the right tools — both physical and digital — can help your plumbing business run smoother than ever.