As a plumber, you may have to face various challenges every day. From finding and resolving pipe leaks to installing new water lines, each day on the job is different. So, when it comes to stocking your toolbox with the required plumbing tools, you need a kit that serves both you and your clients. That’s why we’ve listed the most commonly used plumbing equipment that every plumber must have, no matter whether you are a beginner or a professional plumber.
Table of content
Top 4 plumbing equipment and their applications
- Pipe wrench
- Pliers
- Pipe cutter
- Adjustable wrench
Top 4 plumbing equipment and their applications
Before buying any plumbing equipment, you must know its uses and necessity. As a beginner, you must have the most basic plumbing equipment in your toolbox. Let’s have a closer look at the following tools that every plumber needs:
- Pipe wrench
A pipe wrench is one of the most commonly used plumbing tools. Plumbers use these heavy tools to fasten nuts and fittings on pipework. They use two of these tools together – one to hold a pipe in place and the other to fasten nuts or fittings in the required direction. Pipe wrenches come in different sizes; you can choose as per your requirements.
What size pipe wrench is best for residential vs. commercial plumbing?
For residential purposes, you can buy a pipe wrench in size 10-14 inches. On the other hand, for commercial purposes, you can buy a pipe wrench with a size range between 18 and 36 inches.
- Pliers
Plumbers use pliers every day. These tools are used to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. Pliers also fit easily in a plumber’s hand to squeeze into confined spaces where a wrench won’t fit.
What types of pliers are essential for plumbing work?
If you want to start as a plumber, you must know the types of pliers you need for plumbing work. Some of the most common pliers are listed below:
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
- Slip-joint pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Locking pliers
These are the most common pliers to start your plumbing work.
- Pipe cutters
A pipe cutter is an important tool used in plumbing work for cutting pipes to the required length. Whether you are dealing with copper, steel, or PVC, this tool will ensure to cut pipes accurately. They have a sharp cutting wheel that rotates around the pipe to create a clean cut.
What is the difference between a pipe cutter and a hacksaw?
A pipe cutter is a tool used to clamp a pipe and cut it accurately as you rotate the wheel around the pipe. On the other hand, a hacksaw is a manual saw used to cut pipe materials, but it’s slower than a pipe cutter and could leave rough edges.
- Adjustable wrench
The adjustable wrench helps in tightening and loosening hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipes. These types of wrenches come in different sizes, but plumbers prefer to use the 6 and 10-inch sizes of an adjustable wrench.
How do you adjust the wrench to fit different pipe sizes?
It’s simple to adjust a pipe wrench:
- Turn the knurled knob clockwise to tighten the jaws for a smaller pipe.
- To loosen the jaws, turn the knob counterclockwise.
- The pipe should fit properly between the jaws of the wrench, but still allow you to turn the wrench slightly to grip.
- Place the wrench properly so that the angled teeth bite into the pipe when you apply force.
Safety tools every plumber needs
Experienced plumbers know there are various challenges that they have to face on the job. Fortunately, there are various safety tools available on the market, such as:
- Goggles
As a plumber, you have to deal closely with pipe leaks and other things that can be dangerous to one’s eyes. So, it’s essential to wear safety glasses.
- Gloves
There are various things that plumbers need to touch with their bare hands. To grip slippery things more easily, you can wear gloves.
Conclusion
As a plumber, you have to keep various plumbing equipment in your toolbox, as mentioned above. Despite this list, if you want spanner tools, a tube cutter, or any other plumbing equipment, you can get in touch with Ajay Industries.
