tools and tips for the DIY plumber?

[jd_1138]

I have learned the hard way what tools to get over the years. This drain removal and installation tool is great.

You can either put a screwdriver through the holes to turn it, or stick a wrench on it to turn it. It's nice because it's easier to not strip out or damage the threads in the plastic drain flange by using this tool. Also put the rubber gasket that comes with the drain the tub in between the flange and the underneath of the tub. I put it under the lip of the drain itself the first time by mistake. And also use some tape to take the flange to the underside of the tub to hold it in place to make it easier to screw the drain into it.

And roll up some plumber's putty to put under the lip of the drain. Also the Basin Buddy is great for removing and installing supply lines and faucets. You can put a long extension on it to easily get to the connections.

Plumber's putty, PVC primer/cleaner, PVC cement, teflon tape are important to have on hand. I brought my Oatey PVC cleaner and cement over to a friend's house to repair their drain only to find it had solidified and was now useless. I had to send him down to buy more. It was in my basement, so I guess it got too cold.

Also, the HF el cheapo screwdrivers are nice to have on hand because if they get nasty dirty, it's not as bad as getting your good ones filthy. Also, general tools like pliers and channel locks are important.

What other tools? I haven't started to solder joints yet, so my plumbing skills are only at the drainage, toilet, faucet level.

 

[Yarpo]

Angle stop wrench, Basin wrench, pex cutter if you plan to use pex, rigid tubing cutters for copper and PVC.

 

[jdlong]

Propane and MAPP gas bottles and electronic torch tip, standard and mini tubing cutters, internal and external pipe reamer, flame proof blanket, solder, flux, plumber's cloth, stainless fitting brushes, pipe vise on folding stand, thread tape, pipe dope, tape measure and sharpie markers.

PVC primer and cement on demand because, yes the cement has low shelf life. Cheapo 10" miter saw with fine tooth blade for cutting PVC drain pipe.

Several sizes of pipe wrenches, slip joint pliers and adjustable wrenches, jumbo and and standard size SAE combo wrenches, 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket sets, screw drivers, dead blow hammer and carpenters hammer.

A few specialty tools include pipe ****** extractor, basin wrench, puller for temp valve cartridges and water heater element socket.

 

[rmsg0040]

Heat gun and penetrant on cartridges will make life easy

 

[bonneyman]

Check out PASCO tools.

https://www.pascospecialty.com/catalog/PASCO_CATALOG_C.pdf

I've decided I'll have to start doing my own plumbing, as plumbing company rates locally have hit $100 an hour. So I've been picking up plumbing tools as I find them. I made a hard copy of the PASCO catalog and carry it in the truck, so, if I see a tool that "looks" plumbing, I can compare it against the catalog. I then highlight it with marker in the catalog so I don't buy duplicates.

As with other tools, I've been looking for those made by old, out-of-business companies. One such company is Covers Company. As far as I can tell they only made 4 hand tools, and I have all 4 now. An adjustable nut wrench, 4-in-1 closet spud wrench, and two lengths of basin wrenches.

 

[bonneyman]

Chicago Specialties Manufacturing Company is another classic company, and they made tons of stuff. I have a few of their items.

View one of their archived catalogs here:

https://archive.org/details/ChicagoSpecialtyMfgCoCatalogNumberTwenty

 

[bonneyman]

This no-drain fill valve tool saves time and water, and is not very expensive. I decided to make one out of common ABS fittings and a tank gasketl - can't wait to use it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Plumbing-T...4:g:7asAAOSwSypY~lca:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true

 

[matt_i]

The best "tool" I ever got was a roll of Stay Brite #8 solder and a bottle of Stay Clean flux. Sweating copper has never been the same.

 

[KDoug]

Thanks bonneyman for sharing the Chicago Specialty Mfg. catalog, I had seen a miniature hacksaw on EBay a couple weeks ago. I didn't realize they were a plumbing company. I have a Husky basket strainer tool that is similar to what you posted.

Just curious what the go to tool was before the Ridgid Angle Stop wrench, they are very useful. One thing I've never used on it is the line wrench part.

 

[DGersic]

What kind of plumbing do you have? That’ll determine a lot of tool choices. My house has iron pipe, copper, soft copper, PVC, and iron (sewer), so I need a little of everything.


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[KDoug]

Another very useful tool for removing and installing faucets is the Ridgid Faucet tool. I think the older model was much better though because it is much simpler and less bulky. Does anybody know where I can find the older model? It's been discontinued for several years.

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/ez-change-faucet-tool

 

[rmsg0040]

What kind of plumbing do you have? That’ll determine a lot of tool choices. My house has iron pipe, copper, soft copper, PVC, and iron (sewer), so I need a little of everything.


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That's a good point, our house is copper, newer houses are PEX

 

[bonneyman]

Thanks bonneyman for sharing the Chicago Specialty Mfg. catalog, I had seen a miniature hacksaw on EBay a couple weeks ago. I didn't realize they were a plumbing company. I have a Husky basket strainer tool that is similar to what you posted.....

U R welcome.

Almost all of my plumbing tools I've gotten in the past year or two. Had a few before that, but have had the need to increase the selection. And also have to learn what they do and how to use them. Been on a steep learning curve of late, so, when the OP posted his questions, I had alot of info at the ready.

I have a screw starter that's marked Chicago Specialties. Don't know how that relates to plumbing, but it was a cool tool, so I snagged it. Also have a 4-in-1 screwdriver so marked.

 

[rharman]

Compression sleeve (ferrule) removal tool. And, two stubby crescent wrenches.

 

[Aaron_W]

What kind of plumbing do you have? That’ll determine a lot of tool choices. My house has iron pipe, copper, soft copper, PVC, and iron (sewer), so I need a little of everything.


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Same, I think our house was built prior to indoor plumbing so we have a little bit of everything that has been popular over the decades, cast iron, galvanized, copper, PVC, and Pex.

 

[speed bump]

This is one of those great when you need it you really need it tools. It's for drilling out glued together PVC pipe fittings. It's handy when you can't cut off the fitting because it is up against a wall or some other immovable object.

 

[ddurrett896]

1/2 and 3/4 Sharkbite caps: stop a leak in an emergency and still be able to use everything else in the house.

Rescue Tape Self-fusing Silicone Tape: wrap a leaking pipe in an emergency.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JT0ET8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Drain cleaning tool: clear minor blockage
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F44SNMS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Drain auger that attaches to a drill: Clears blockage further down the line.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-x-25-ft-Power-Drum-Auger-82-967-111/301879459

 

[bonneyman]

Another very useful tool for removing and installing faucets is the Ridgid Faucet tool. I think the older model was much better though because it is much simpler and less bulky. Does anybody know where I can find the older model? It's been discontinued for several years.

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/ez-change-faucet-tool

Just like I do for mechanics tools. I've been keeping an eye out for plumbing tools while digging thru bins at pawn shops, estate sales, and thrift stores.

 

[KDoug]

Besides Ridgid, Superior Tool, Pasco, what are some other good plumbing tool manufacturers? Rothenburger is the only brand that I can think of on the same quality level as Ridgid, they just don't seem to be common in my area. Reed looks more geared for commercial/industrial plumbing, correct me if I'm wrong though.

 

[pioneer1]

Just amazes me at the timing of some threads on here. I am just starting to replace ALL bathroom Sink & Shower faucets and 1 Sink.
Just learned that I had to replace the shower handle & spout with the same Brand that comes off, or they may not connect. Well, that what the guy at Lowes told me. Is that true? Or is there some that interchange?
I know I can use any Sink Faucet, the shower is what he said had to be in the same brand

I will be replacing Delta.

Oh, and I always use projects for an excuse to buy a new tool that's why this thread caught my eye.
What would be the best bang for the buck. How about some Knipex Cobras?
To remove those stubborn spouts and shower extensions.

 

[LOW1]

Get several different sizes of levels. Many plumbing problems are solved by pointing things downhill.

Sharkbites of various sizes 3/4 and 1/2 valves, caps and junctions and a few 3/4 to 1/2 junctions along with some1/2 and 3/4 pex, pex cutters, and copper tubing cutters.

ferncos to fit your drain pipes (probably 4, 2, and 1 1/2 inch sizes)

An undersink drainage replacement kit.

A replacement AAV if you have any AAVs.

Replacement toilet wax seal.

Replacement toilet "guts" package. (flapper, fill valve)

The tools you have now will probably work. A six inch knipex wrench plier is handy. A good flashlight or even a headlamp is handy.


A five gallon bucket.

A small plastic cup to bail toilets.

A big sponge.

And know where to turn your water off. Valves which turn off a portion of your system while leaving the rest operating are good.

Sharkbites are your friend.

A good diy plumbing book.

Sounds like a lot but $100.00 will go a long way.

 

[Yarpo]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-LiquiLock-Gel-31419/202882917

 

[rick carpenter]

More tools to have...
small putty knife
scotchbrite pads
dense foam pad for when laying under sink
all the latest cuss words
beer

 

[Robinson1]

Shark bites are good for temporary repairs. Don't bury one inside a wall as a permentant fix.

Of the last 10 bathroom remodels I've done I have found leaking shark bites in 4 of them. One in particular on a shower valve caused about $5000 in structural damage to floor and joists.

You don't really need alot of fancy tools.

90% of repair work what be accomplished with basic handtools.

I've got a plumbing bag that comes in on bathroom remodels but the most used tools in that bag are:

Channellock 420
Channellock 440
6 inch adjustable wrench
10 inch adjustable wrench
12 inch pipe wrench
Torpedo level

Speciality tools that are indespensible.

Faucet/basin wrench
Faucet handle puller
Ratchet PVC cutter

A cordless reciprocating saw with a fine tooth metal blade is a godsend for cutting larger PVC pipe. But a homeowner can get by with a hacksaw just fine

 

[cherrybomb]

Out of the Williams catalog, I purchased a 5 point Penta socket ,that fits the shut off valve out by the street.In the winter,in Wi.I keep the snow cleared,a cheap back up plan.Our basement is fixed up,so happy wife,happy life,I've also got Pex,so have all the tools,fittings,extra pipe and shut off valves so I can isolate as needed.I ask myself,what if ?Usually things happen at the most inopportune times.

 

[KDoug]

An oscillating multi tool is almost necessary for replacing shower valves. You can make a nice clean cut, which allows you to cover the hole you made with an access panel.

Also an M18 or M12 hackzall can do a lot too.

 

[bonneyman]

Besides Ridgid, Superior Tool, Pasco, what are some other good plumbing tool manufacturers? Rothenburger is the only brand that I can think of on the same quality level as Ridgid, they just don't seem to be common in my area. Reed looks more geared for commercial/industrial plumbing, correct me if I'm wrong though.

As with many other hand tool manufacturers, outsourcing or closing up shop has been the name of the game. There's this faucet insert removal tool for Moen that is pretty slick, used to be US made I think but the one I got is definitely foreign. it still works - you just can't rough use it.
Ace Hardware sells the LASCO and BrassCraft brands, but virtually all of that is Chinese now.
O'Malley Valve makes plumbing accessories, but they also make a line of faucet seat tools that are USA made. Both seat refinishing and replacing models - the replacing model is a modernization of an old Chicago tool idea I'd love to snag.

https://www.omalley.com/drip-stoppers.html

 

[jd_1138]

Shark bites are good for temporary repairs. Don't bury one inside a wall as a permentant fix.

Of the last 10 bathroom remodels I've done I have found leaking shark bites in 4 of them. One in particular on a shower valve caused about $5000 in structural damage to floor and joists.

You don't really need alot of fancy tools.

90% of repair work what be accomplished with basic handtools.

I've got a plumbing bag that comes in on bathroom remodels but the most used tools in that bag are:

Channellock 420
Channellock 440
6 inch adjustable wrench
10 inch adjustable wrench
12 inch pipe wrench
Torpedo level

Speciality tools that are indespensible.

Faucet/basin wrench
Faucet handle puller
Ratchet PVC cutter

A cordless reciprocating saw with a fine tooth metal blade is a godsend for cutting larger PVC pipe. But a homeowner can get by with a hacksaw just fine

Yeah I don't trust shark bites. I hired my plumber who we always use to replace some valves (I haven't started doing valves myself yet), and he was going to use shark bites. I said I'd prefer not to, so he sweated in traditional valves (albeit modern 1/4 turn ones).

Might be wise to get an umbrella policy. We don't have one, but our home insurance and car policies are through State Farm, so perhaps an umbrella and flood insurance is a good idea.

 

[KDoug]

As with many other hand tool manufacturers, outsourcing or closing up shop has been the name of the game. There's this faucet insert removal tool for Moen that is pretty slick, used to be US made I think but the one I got is definitely foreign. it still works - you just can't rough use it.
Ace Hardware sells the LASCO and BrassCraft brands, but virtually all of that is Chinese now.
O'Malley Valve makes plumbing accessories, but they also make a line of faucet seat tools that are USA made. Both seat refinishing and replacing models - the replacing model is a modernization of an old Chicago tool idea I'd love to snag.

https://www.omalley.com/drip-stoppers.html

Wheeler-Rex appears to be another quality plumbing tool manufacturer but they don't appear to be geared towards residential stuff. Just looking for something other than the crappy plumbing tools sold at the hardware stores.

http://wheelerrex.com

 

[bonneyman]

Wheeler-Rex appears to be another quality plumbing tool manufacturer but they don't appear to be geared towards residential stuff. Just looking for something other than the crappy plumbing tools sold at the hardware stores.

http://wheelerrex.com

10-4 Having worked at Ace Hardware I know what products they carry, so, I went to the local plumbing supply warehouse. Figured a place selling to professionals would have higher quality tools. Nope - same brands.

And after seeing the poor quality of the castings I decided I'd do what I've done with mechanics hand tools - find out what USA companies used to make plumbing tools and try to find some of those. I've been pretty successful.

 

[Danglerb]

Sharkbites can bail you out when something leaks on a weekend night. I've got one stopping a leak 9 feet up in my garage wall behind the water heater while I decide how and who is going fix the mess of old water heater, water damaged drywall, and a need to update all the laundry connections (new front load has to have a pedestal due to stairs in front and the old fixtures stick out from the wall too much).

Fixing a toilet or sink, not a problem, anything ending up behind drywall and I get more willing to pay the plumber as long as I can find a good one.

A when you need you really need it tool, close quarters tubing cutter.