What are the best tools for plumbers and heating engineers?

The cliché is that “A bad workman blames his tools”. As a quality tradesperson, the same should not be the same of you. At Checkatrade, we’ve partnered with a range of different suppliers to make sure our members can get only the very best.

The best tools for plumbers and heating engineers are ones that make jobs easier, are easy to use, and perhaps most importantly, are durable.

Anyone working in the plumbing or heating industries must have plumbing tools. Whether working with gas or water, there is a big degree of overlap, so the list of tools tends to be the same.

So where to begin?

Heating engineer and plumber workwear

As a profession, plumbing can be a rewarding, yet sometimes grubby. You definitely won’t want to wear your Sunday best, so its important you get the right clothing. You need to be fully protected.

Throughout the year, there are seasonal variations, and depending on the nature of the job, you may also need to wear waterproof clothing as well. Plumber workwear is a really a matter of person preference, but tends to include:

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Trousers
• Boots
• Heat shields or pads
• Belt
• Top or jacket

Checkatrade members can save on clothing from a range of our partners. For example, there is a good range of plumber workwear and PPE at Selco, Tradepoint and CAT.

Turning up with a properly wrapped van, with branded clothing, and the top plumbing tools for the job, will have you looking and feeling the part. From then on, providing the best quality work – that’s up to you!

Plumber wrenches

For the everyday homeowner “giving it a go” with plumbing, they often use the wrong tools, and can easily make a situation worse instead of better.

As a quality trained and trusted person, you’ll know the importance of using the right tool for the job. That can mean having a good selection of wrenches of different shapes and sizes.

When it comes to plumber wrenches, choosing the right one can make a big difference. In terms of grip, size, purpose, torque and shape, it pays to have a good selection in your toolkit.

• Pipe wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Wide jaw adjustable wrench
• Basin wrench
• Faucet key
• Internal pipe wrench
• Torque wrench

Like any tradesperson, plumbers have certain tools that are specific to their trade. The simple wrench has long been associated with the profession, and there is a reason for that. It is the most versatile.

The best tools for plumbers are arguably a wide selection of wrenches. But there are a whole bunch of other tools you may want to invest in.

When you’re starting a new plumbing business, or you’re looking to grow, there are a range of services that you can offer. And that means more tools are needed too.

Must-have drain cleaning tools

Often the top plumbing tools are the ones designed for the job. When it comes to a job like drain cleaning, your trusty set of plumbers wrenches just won’t do the trick.

Plumbing is not always an inside job, as you know sometimes the root cause of a problem is outside. That means a set of different tools altogether. That means you must have plumbing tools for external work as well as internal.

If you’ve ever been called out to a plumbing job for a blocked toilet, so very often it’s a blocked up drain that’s the issue. So instead of using subcontractors, or passing the work on, many plumbers are upskilling to carry out drain cleaning too.

Although its not exhaustive, the kind of tools you could need would be:

• Drain inspection camera
• Plungers
• Snake machine
• Jetting machines
• Hand auger

Remember, at Checkatrade we have partnered with a range of suppliers, to ensure our members can save. At Selco and Tradepoint, members can enjoy discounts across a range of materials and tools. Sometimes the best tools for plumbers are the ones that cost you slightly less – and not because they’re lower quality.

But if the job can’t be carried out with a wrench… and its not a blocked drain… what other vital plumbing tools do you need?

Best plumbing tools for pipe work

Although not a regular slang term for a plumber, the name “pipey” is one that gets used for a pretty obvious reason. Much of what is involved with plumbing uses pipes. They’re even used in heating systems too.

Armed with the right wrenches, and wearing the right plumber workwear, you’ll still need more kit to carry out other jobs on site.

When it comes to pipes, there are different sizes and materials to consider, such as plastic vs copper piping. That means you’ll need the right jobs for a variety of different pipes.

• Hacksaw
• Tube Cutter
• Pipe and tube benders
• Plumber’s torch
• Thread sealing tape
• Hole saw kit
• Self-locking pliers (aka “Mole” grips)
• Pliers
• Press fittings
• Pipe threader

We’ve partnered with companies that mean our members can save while carrying out great work. A membership with Checkatrade means you can enjoy great discounts on your plumbing tools.

As well as your clothes, wrenches, drain cleaners and pipe tools, what else could there be?

Vital plumbing sealants

Working as a plumber, its not just about the clothes or the tools that you use. Sometimes jobs call for something a little bit stickier. Both with water and gas, it is vital that there are no leaks, as both can damage a property if left unchecked.

Sealants finish up the work and have a variety of different uses. That could be an aesthetic reason (such as tiling), sealing an edge (such as silicone), or getting rid of miniature leaks (such as sealant).

Therefore, as a plumber, its worth having these products at your disposal. These sealants should be just as important as your toolkit:

• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Silicone
• Glue
• Epoxy putty
• Pipe sealant

As well as Selco and Tradepoint, Checkatrade members can also save with Plumbworld. There are discounts available on all orders, so members can check the benefits section of the app, and have a look at the latest deals.

In addition to plumbing jobs, most plumbers these days are also trained as heating engineers. That means having access to another set of tools again. Carry on reading to think about the best tools for tradespeople that work with central heating systems.

Tools for heating engineers

Although they are different professions, many plumbers are also skilled as heating engineers. Working with pipes and water for sinks, tapes and drains gives the transferrable skills for working with central heating systems.

In order to work with gas, tradespeople need to have carried out the right training, and when qualifying, register themselves or their business as Gas Safe. It is a legal requirement for your gas business to be Gas Safe registered.

In order to work in this field, you need the right certification, the right training, the right skills, and also the right tools. If you work as a plumber, you need the best plumbing tools. Heating engineers are no exception.

As well as access to most plumbing tools, you may also need to have these in your van as well:

• Gas meter box key
• Electronic gas leak detector
• Drain down hose
• U-gauge testing kit
• Radiator key
• Jigsaw

These are all widely available. With the help of online searching, tradespeople who work in plumbing or heating can quickly access a variety of different tools. However, with a Checkatrade membership, you could enjoy great savings from a range of different suppliers.

As a tradesperson, you must have plumbing tools and heating engineering tools that mean you can work efficiently. With a good-sized van, you can store more tools. You need to be equipped for every eventuality.

Where to start?

There you have it, that’s what you need to know about plumbing and heat engineering tools. of course, this just covers the physical tools you’ll be using. There are also plenty of useful plumbing apps and software out there that you can take advantage of.

Get in touch with our team today, to start the checks, and become a guaranteed and approved member of Checkatrade. We’ll help you grow your business, get more work, and make great savings on your necessary work supplies.

*Year runs from April 21’ to March 22’. Spend based on 12,505 members. Discounts differ depending on the partner. Products range from low value items to high value items. Total amount spent on Selco is estimated at £42,380,838 by 7,298 members and based on average savings per member from 2020/21. 10% discount. Some exclusions will apply on products.