Top 20 Professional Plumbing Tools and Their Uses
In the world of plumbing, it is crucial to have the right plumbing tools to repair, install, and maintain any plumbing system safely and efficiently. Professional plumbing tools are designed to handle complex tasks beyond basic equipment’s capabilities.
These tools allow plumbers or DIYers to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair any plumbing issue accurately. In this article, we will explore some of the most essential professional plumbing tools that make your work easy and effective.
Keep on reading…
Top 20 Professional Plumbing Tools List
1. Crimping Tool
Crimping tool creates leak-free connections in copper or PEX piping without soldering. It applies pressure to pipe fittings and secures them with specialized rings.
These tools are specialized tools used by professional plumbers to create strong and leak-proof connections between pipes and fittings. Crimping tools are vital for modern plumbing installations and repairs.
Crimping tool eliminates the need for soldering or threading making connections quicker, safer, and more efficient. Three different types of crimping tools are usually available.
- Manual Crimping Tool (Operated by hand)
- Hydraulic Crimping Tool (Operated through hydraulic power)
- Battery-Powered Crimping Tool (Operated through battery power)
For homeowners and professional plumbers, budget-friendly crimping tools are available for around $13 to $100 offering great functionality.
2. Pipe Inspection Camera
A pipe inspection camera is best known as a plumbing camera or borescope. It is an advanced diagnostic tool to visually inspect difficult or impossible-to-access areas with the human eyes.
This tool consists of a flexible and waterproof cable with a small and high-resolution camera. It allows exploring the interior of pipes, drains, and hard-to-reach spaces.
Common applications of these inspection cameras include diagnosing pipe clogs, locating leaks, inspecting sewer lines, checking pipe condition, and verifying repairs. The price range of pipe inspection cameras is $50-$1000.
3. Hydro Jetting Machine
Hydro jetting machine is a machine that clears blockage and cleans the inside of pipes and drains using high-pressure water. It is an effective plumbing tool for both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
As it uses water, it is an eco-friendly solution compared to chemical cleaners. It is safe for most types of pipes including PVC, steel, and cast iron.
Purchasing an entry-level hydro jetting machine for $1000 to $5000 may be more economical for frequent use.
4. ProPress Tool
The ProPress tool is a game-changer tool for pipe connection. It creates secure watertight connections pipes without the need for soldering and threading.
This tool utilizes copper, stainless steel, or other press fittings along with its O-rings to join pipes quickly and efficiently. Usually, a propress tool kit is available for between $500 and $2000.
5. Electric Drain Auger
An electric drain auger is a power tool that removes clogs and obstructions from drains, pipes, and toilets. It is operated through an electrical motor.
You can insert the flexible coiled cable into the drain to clear clogs. However, removing clogs with an electric drain auger is quite easy due to motorized operation.
The electric motor rotates the cable which enables it to reach deeper into pipes. They are more powerful than manual drain augers. However, a manual drain auger is also effective for removing clogs in sinks, toilets, showers, or main sewer lines.
Check out the 8 best toilet augers in 2024.
6. Pipe Freezing Kit
A pipe freezing kit is really a useful toolset that temporarily freezes water in a particular section of a pipe and creates a solid ice plug. It prevents water from flowing through that particular section.
In that case, plumbers or DIY users can work on pipes, repair, or replace fittings without having to shut off the water supply to the entire system.
Pipe freezing kits are commonly used in both residential and commercial plumbing to minimize disruptions during repairs. Depending on the brand, size, and type of freezing system, the price range of a pipe freezing kit is $400-$3000.
7. Gas Leak Detector
Gas leak detector is a specialized tool that detects the presence of harmful gases in an area such as propane, methane, carbon monoxide, and natural gas.
This tool helps to prevent various dangerous situations like fires, explosions, or poisoning. As a result, it is a useful tool for every homeowner for their safety.
Gas leak detectors are essential in homes, businesses, and industrial settings where gas is commonly used such as kitchens, basements, and factories. A gas leak detector ranges from $20 to $300.
8. Electronic Pipe Locator
Electronic pipe locator detects and traces the location of underground pipes, cables, and other buried utilities. It is an effective tool that helps to locate water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and sewage pipes without the need for excavation.
This tool uses electromagnetic signals or radio frequency waves to detect the presence of objectives. The price range of an electronic pipe locator is $55-$3000.
9. Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera is a device that captures and creates an image of an object based on the heat it emits instead of relying on visible light. The best thing about this camera is its infrared radiation detection.
Due to this feature, thermal imaging cameras can detect radiation or light that is invisible to the human eye. This camera can also measure the temperature from a particular distance.
Thermal imaging camera detects heat leaks, insulation issues, or water damage in homes. Currently, thermal imaging camera is available between $230 and $800.
10. PEX Expansion Tool
PEX expansion tools are specialized tools that are used to expand PEX tubing. This tool helps to insert fittings easily by creating a secure and watertight connection.
Although some expansion tools are hand-operated, most of the expansion tools are battery-operated for faster and easier use. PEX expansion tool tightly contracts around the fitting and eliminates the need for crimp rings.
Usually, a PEX expansion tool is used to connect PEX-A pipes in water supply systems. You may get this tool for $350-$500.
11. Propane Torch Kit
Propane torch kits are used for various heating, soldering, and burning tasks. It requires an open flame to do all these tasks. This tool uses propane for its fuel and ambient air as its combustion medium.
Usually, a propane torch kit is used to heat copper pipes and fittings for soldering in plumbing. This kit is portable and easy to use. Thus, it became a handy tool for both professional and DIY enthusiasts.
Currently, you can buy a propane torch kit for $20 to $100.
12. Pipe Threading Machine
Pipe threading machine is designed to cut threads into the ends of pipes. It allows them to be screwed together with fittings or other pipes.
Plumbers, construction workers, and industrial professionals commonly use a pipe threading machine when threaded connections are needed for piping systems.
Threading machines improve efficiency and precision in creating threaded pipe connections which are important for leak-proof and secure fittings. The price range of a pipe threading machine is $300 to $2000.
13. Plumbing Laser Level
A plumbing laser level is used to ensure pipes, drains, and other installations are perfectly level or aligned vertically. This tool projects a straight, visible laser beam that serves as a reference point for measuring horizontal or vertical alignment.
It often comes with additional features like tripod mounts or magnetic bases, making them versatile for different plumbing tasks. The price range of plumbing laser level is $35-$300.
14. Power Pipe Cutter
Power pipe cutter is a specialized tool to cut pipes with minimal effort. It uses a powered mechanism rather than manual force.
This tool cuts several types of pipes including PVC, copper, steel, or iron pipes. But the cutting depends on the cutter’s blade type and power.
Power pipe cutters cut through pipes faster than manual cutters and ensure a clean and smooth cut reducing the need for extra finishing. You can get this tool for between $1500 and $5000.
15. Manometer
A manometer is an important tool that measures pressure in a confined space. This tool compares the pressure of the fluid or gas to a known reference such as atmospheric pressure or a vacuum.
People use it in various fields, including HVAC systems, gas pressure measurement, barometric pressure measurement, industrial processes, laboratory work, and leak detection. Based on the type, precision, and intended use, manometers are available for between $29 and $1200.
16. Cordless Impact Driver
Cordless impact drivers use rotational force to powerfully drive screws and bolts. While a regular drill applies constant rotational force, an impact driver applies intense force in a rotational motion.
A cordless impact driver features a rechargeable battery for use without the need for a power outlet. This tool is effective to drive long screws into dense wood and remove stuck or rusted screws.
Usually, the price range of cordless impact drivers is $99 to $350.
17. Vacuum Pump
A vacuum pump is a tool that removes air and other wet gas from a system. Besides, it removes vapour particles from a system.
Vacuum pumps play a vital role in a wide range of industries by enabling processes that rely on low-pressure environments. Generally, vacuum pumps are available for between $79 and $300.
18. Soldering Gun
Soldering guns are electrical-powered tools. Plumbers use this tool for joining two metal surfaces by melting fusible alloys. It is a more powerful and versatile option compared to standard soldering irons.
This tool creates watertight seals between pipe connections. It also repairs small leaks or cracks in copper pipes. You can seal leaks without having to replace entire sections of piping through the soldering gun.
You can buy a soldering gun for $42 to $100.
19. Copper Tube Bender
Copper tube benders are useful tools that manually bend copper pipes or tubes. They work without causing kink, collapse, or break.
Plumbers widely use copper tube benders to bend pipes for water supply lines, especially when fitting them around obstacles, corners, or walls.
The price range of copper tube bender is $35-$300.
20. Water Pump Plier
The water pump plier is a necessary tool for gripping and turning objects of different sizes. It features an adjustable jaw. A plumber can move the jaw to accommodate a wide range of tasks.
Plumbers widely use water pump pliers for tasks such as tightening or loosening pipes, fittings, and couplings. It is an essential tool for anyone working in plumbing, automotive repair, or general maintenance.
You can buy a water pump plier for between $25 and $100.
