If you’re in the plumbing business or thinking about starting one, getting your toolkit in order can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news – you don’t have to buy everything all at once! Begin with the basics, and as your business grows, you can add to your collection. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of all the essential plumbing tools you might need.

 Clearing Clogs? Here’s What You Need

1. Borescope: To spot the problem and make sure it’s completely resolved, a borescope (or a pipe and drain inspection camera) is indispensable.
2. Drain Auger: For swift and efficient clearing of sewer line clogs, drum machines are typically more effective than manual drain augers.
3. Drain Snakes: These are perfect for internal clogs when a plunger just doesn’t cut it. They’re great for hair and hard blockages, and sometimes you might also need a toilet and urinal auger.
4. Jetters: These high-pressure water sprayers are ideal for soft stoppages. If you’re new to the business, portable machines are likely your best bet.
5. Plungers: An essential tool, but don’t forget to invest in some top-notch options.

 Tools for Pipe Working

6. Acid Flux Brush: These small, multipurpose brushes are usually used to apply acid flux for pipe soldering.
7. Assorted Pliers: Plumbers reach for pliers daily. You’ll need locking pliers, needlenose, and more. Also, mole grip pliers are essential for holding metal parts during welding, and don’t forget tongue and groove pliers.
8. PEX Crimping Tool Kit with Tube Cutters: For creating crimped plumbing connections, this is a must-have.
9. Deburring and Reaming Tools: These tools are used for removing burrs from pipes and enlarging holes or openings.
10. Emery Cloth: An abrasive material to smooth out copper piping.
11. Hacksaw: Essential for cutting pipes and other metals.
12. Hole Saw Kit: When you need to drill large-diameter holes, this kit will do the job.
13. Metal File and Brush: To smooth rough edges and remove residue.
14. Pipe and Tubing Cutters: These are more efficient than hacksaws for clean, uniform pipe cuts.
15. Plumber’s Torch: Essential for adding, repairing, or replacing piping. Consider investing in high-quality torches.
16. Press Fitting Systems: Safe, efficient, and time-saving for cutting, prepping, and connecting pipes.
17. Ratcheting Pipe Threader Set: For cutting threads into the pipe end, securing a watertight seal.
18. Swaging and Flaring Tools: These tools are used for widening the end of a tube for new connections.
19. Thread Sealing Tape, Plumber’s Putty, and a Putty Knife: Essentials for sealing and preventing leaks.
20. Tube and Pipe Benders: Used to create accurate bends in various types of tubes and pipes.
21. Assorted Wrenches: From adjustable pipe wrenches to faucet keys and torque wrenches, you’ll be using these daily.

 Miscellaneous Must-Haves 

22. Bucket: A simple 5-gallon bucket can fulfill many everyday needs.
23. Carpenter Pencils and Markers: For marking surfaces for cutting or measuring.
24. Caulk Gun and Silicone Caulk: Perfect for sealing gaps and cracks.
25. Jab Saws: Mainly used to cut drywall to access pipes and tubing.
26. PEX Pipe Expander and Fittings: Ideal for residential hot and cold water supply lines.
27. Pressure Gauges: These help in checking for leaks in water piping without the water.

Every business and area might require other tools, but this list represents some of the basic plumbing tools needed to meet customers’ expectations.