Plumbing Tools List: Essential Tools Every Plumber Needs

Every plumber has a pipe wrench. Most have a decent snake. But the plumber tools that separate the pros from the new kids on the block aren’t necessarily the ones you’d find in a hardware store. We have brought up a comprehensive plumbing tools list that includes both common and specialized tools every plumber should have.

The Plumbing Tools Everyone Lists

Every plumber knows they need the basics, including various types of tools for different plumbing jobs:

• Adjustable wrenches
• Pipe cutters for different materials
• Snake/auger for drain cleaning
• Plunger (flat and flanged) for clearing blockages
• Pipe wrenches in various sizes for tightening and loosening nuts and fittings
• Pipe threading machine
• Torch for soldering

You're the expert at fixing what's broken, so we won't spend time explaining why you need a pipe wrench…though we do like that RIDGID makes theirs in ServiceForge colors (just saying). It is essential to have right tools for every plumbing job.

Plumbing Tools That Generate Revenue

Lets now dig into the tools that live beyond your toolbox.

Investing in specialty tools can also open up new revenue streams and allow plumbers to take on more complex or high-paying jobs.

A Phone That Actually Gets Answered

We're not kidding. The best plumbers treat their phones like a $100,000 piece of equipment because that's what it is. When someone's basement floods at 10 PM, they call every plumber until someone picks up. The first person to answer gets the job, and emergency calls pay 2-3x normal rates. Make sure someone is answering and booking the job before they call your competitor.

Reliable Scheduling Software

Paper appointment books or confusing schedule software cost you money. Good scheduling software is easy to use. It can reduce no-shows with automated reminders, track jobs for repeat customers, and the best tools let customers book their own appointments with a branded booking page. 

Tap To Pay

Cash isn't king anymore. Customers want to pay with cards, and with tap to pay, you can get instant payment on the job. This means you get paid fast instead of tracking down customers for non-payment. You can include add-ons, increase your job size, and cut down on trips to the bank. 

24/7 Answering Coverage

Having someone answer your calls around the clock shows customers you're reliable and available when they need you most. Emergency calls don't wait for business hours, and the available plumber gets the work.

Whether that's you or a professional plumber answering service, make sure someone picks up when customers call, especially after hours when jobs pay premium rates.

The Plumber Tools That Save Your Back (And Your Sanity)

Cordless Everything

Your back will thank you, and so will your productivity. Cordless impact drivers, reciprocating saws, and drain augers eliminate the hassle of cords and generators. If you can, stick with one battery platform across all tools. Dead batteries and incompatible chargers kill momentum when you're trying to finish a job.

Proper Lighting

Customers notice when you're fumbling around with a flashlight. Make sure you have rechargeable headlamps, magnetic work lights, and flexible LED strips for tight spaces. Keep a range of lighting in your truck so you can flex to any space. 

Knee Pads That Don't Suck

Stop using $5 foam pads from the dollar store.. Quality knee protection keeps you working longer and feeling better at the end of the day. Your knees will thank you. 

Digital Pipe Inspection Camera

Invest in a quality system with recording capability and Wi-Fi connectivity. Here's why this pays for itself: You can show customers what’s happening, provide them with before-and-after footage, and give your customers before-and-after footage for insurance purposes. 

Electronic Leak Detection Equipment

Water meter readings and guesswork don't cut it anymore. Electronic leak detection lets you find slab leaks without jackhammering half the foundation, locate pipe issues in walls without tearing out drywall, charge premium diagnostic fees and finish up jobs faster. 

Tools For Your Truck

You spend half your day driving between jobs. Make sure your truck sets you up for success.

Organized Storage Systems

Don’t waste time digging through your truck for parts. Use dividers, clear storage containers, and labeled compartments can make finding what you need in a pinch easy work. Put the tools you work with the most near the front, and the less common tools near the back. 

Good Inventory

Nothing kills profitability like multiple trips to the hardware store on the job. You need to be prepared for whatever the job throws at you. Keep a good stock of common repair fittings, a mix of pipe sizes and materials, and anything else you use regularly. For PEX piping installations, make sure to keep a PEX expander in stock, as it is essential for widening the pipe to insert fittings and ensure a secure seal. If you use something, remember to replace your stock. 

The Little Things That Matter

The little things make all the difference. Get some shoe covers and make sure you wear them. Drop cloths protect floors and show respect for the house you’re in. Keep essential small hardware items like screws and bolts stocked in your truck for quick repairs and secure fastening. For installations, always carry a hole saw to make precise holes in various materials. And a final top tip… always carry a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. Save money and the environment while you’re at it!

The Most Important Tool? You

Your most important tool is your service. The plumber who answers calls quickly, schedules efficiently, and shows up prepared will out-earn the plumber with the fanciest equipment every single time. Don’t waste your money on the fanciest tools or new expensive high-tech devices. Focus on the tools that make you faster, more professional, and more available to customers. Those are the investments that actually pay for themselves.