A plumber’s reputation still rises and falls on two things: clean work and smart problem solving. The right tools make both easier. In 2025, the core kit looks familiar if you’ve been around a while, but the details have shifted. Materials have changed, codes tightened, and expectations for speed and documentation keep climbing. What follows isn’t a catalog dump. It’s the toolkit that earns money Continue reading on real jobs, with notes on where spending more pays back, where bargain brands do fine, and where new tech genuinely makes a difference.
Hand Tools You Reach For All Day
The bread-and-butter tools haven’t disappeared. They’ve just gotten lighter, a touch more ergonomic, and in some cases more precise. A good plumbing company outfits every truck with a baseline set and keeps duplicates because the same three tools vanish on hectic days.
Tongue-and-groove pliers anchor the set. Buy them in at least two sizes, such as 10 inch and 12 inch, and a slimmer 8 inch for tight manifolds behind lavs. The cheaper versions flex when you lean into them on 2 inch traps. That flex rounds off chrome and leaves teeth marks you’ll stare at later while writing a discount on your invoice. Spend for hardened teeth and a joint that doesn’t wobble after a season.
Two pipe wrenches, 14 inch and 18 inch, cover most residential and light commercial work. Aluminum bodies save your shoulders when you’re pulling hundreds of turns over your head. For 2 inch and up, a 24 inch has a place, but it’s a specialty carry. Pay attention to jaw condition. Worn teeth slip at exactly the wrong moment, usually over a painted flange near a porcelain basin. Keep a jaw file or spare jaws in the van.
A compact basin wrench has one job, and nothing else does it. You’ll use it to reach those corroded nuts behind sinks where someone installed a faucet with no thought for the next person’s day. The newer models with spring-loaded jaws and pivot locks save five minutes per fixture swap. That adds up when a property manager has you running through 20 apartments.
For copper, a consistent tube cutter matters more than many plumbers admit. Smooth, burr-free cuts reduce micro-leaks on press and solder joints. Go with a ratcheting mini cutter for under-cabinet work, and a full-size cutter with clean bearings for straight runs. Keep a reamer that fits your hand; the disposable plastic ones fall apart after a few dozen pipes.
PEX has its own requirements. If you’re using crimp rings, a calibrated crimp tool with a go/no-go gauge is not optional. For expansion systems, a reliable expansion tool with a well-maintained battery or corded backup keeps you out of the penalty box when it’s below freezing and sleeves aren’t expanding as expected. A small tip here: bring extra expansion heads and swap them when they warm up, especially on longer runs where speed matters.
Even in a digital year, tape measures, torpedo levels, and a sharp utility knife do as much as anything. The level lives in your pocket to keep traps from looking crooked, and the knife gets dull faster than new tech sales claims. Keep a pack of blades close.
The Cutting and Threading Bench
Cutting and threading is where skilled labor meets iron rules. PVC and ABS are forgiving until they aren’t, copper demands clean prep, and steel punishes sloppiness. A chop saw with a fine-tooth blade gives clean PVC edges that don’t shred rubber couplers or load up a reamer with stringy debris. For ABS, pay attention to temperature. Cold plastic chips more; slow down the cut and warm the pipe indoors if you can.
On copper, the debate between press and solder feels like religion at times. Press systems save time in tight spaces and around live water, especially in commercial retrofits where you can’t drain an entire riser. The downside is rough math: press fittings cost more. In practice, labor wins on many jobs. If you press, keep a press tool with jaws that match the systems you see most, and baby the battery rotation. Two batteries often isn’t enough on a long day; three keeps you from nursing a half-charged pack. If you solder, a solid torch setup with reliable gas flow, good tip choices, and fresh flux matters more than bravado. I’ve lost count of how many callbacks were simply poorly cleaned copper. Emery cloth and a wire fitting brush reduce those to near zero.
For steel or galvanized, field threading is less common in residential settings now, but it still comes up. A portable, clamp-on threader earns its keep when you’re matching existing runs. Oil your dies, slow your impatience, and chase the threads with a die nut if you’re marrying to old fittings. If your plumbing company routinely works on hydronic retrofits, keep one truck outfitted with a benchtop threader and a full die set. It turns what could be an hour of fighting into a controlled 15 minutes.
The Battery Platform Question
Every crew has a debate over which 18 or 20 volt line to standardize on. Pick a platform based on the plumber tools you actually need, not the flashiest drill in a big-box ad. You want a compact hammer drill, an impact driver with feathered trigger control, a right-angle drill that won’t send you to urgent care, and a band saw or reciprocating saw that eats through copper and threaded rod without stalling. Weight matters. After an eight-hour ceiling chase, a half-pound difference in a drill feels like a wrist tax.
Battery health turns into scheduling. Hot packs charge slower. Cold packs sag in performance. Rotate them in the cab and avoid leaving them on the charger overnight in a damp garage. For teams, label batteries and assign rotation rules. Lost time often hides in the walk back to the truck to hunt for a working pack.
Pressing, Crimping, and Expanding
Press tools have matured. The 2025 models are faster, quieter, and a bit lighter. The jaws are where money disappears. Maintain them. Wipe them down, inspect the pins, and store them in a case that isn’t full of sand and metal filings. A jaw failure on a 2 inch copper press sets you back more than the cost of the jaw. It risks a flood. When you press stainless or black iron, double-check compatibility. Some plumbers assume any press tool works with any fitting. It doesn’t. Check the fitting system and the tool’s certification list.
PEX expansion tools have become stable and reliable, but cold weather still complicates the work. A trick when it’s below 20 degrees: warm the sleeve with a heat gun lightly, keep the tool heads indoors until needed, and give the joint an extra second to recover before you put it under pressure. Crimp rings still dominate in many regions because the tools are cheaper and the parts are widely available. Carry both methods on service trucks, because you’ll inherit other people’s choices.
Soldering That Saves Time Rather Than Wastes It
Soldering is art with rules. Clean, dry, neutral heat, patient flow. Use a self-igniting torch with adjustable flame. A too-large flame cooks nearby finishes and chars insulation. Keep heat cloths that actually handle sustained flame rather than the cheap ones that smoke after two minutes. On pressurized lines where you can’t fully drain, a freeze kit becomes a hero. Pipe freezing kits used to be finicky; the newer versions are more reliable as long as you observe the temperature range and flow limitations. Always plan an exit path for residual water. A single drop can ruin a soldered joint, and it shows up at 8 p.m. when the homeowner calls.
Specialty Tools That Turn Big Problems Small
Any plumber who has been on emergency calls knows the job is often less about brute force and more about having the one tool that avoids demolition. A telescoping magnetic pickup saves a day under an old claw-foot tub when a nut bounces into oblivion. An inspection mirror with LEDs finds a leak path that would otherwise require cutting a square foot of drywall.
Inside wall cavities, a right-angle drill with an auger bit guide bores through studs cleanly. The current generation of compact right-angle heads can snake between joists that older models simply couldn’t. A step bit remains the workhorse for clean holes in steel sink frames. Keep a fresh set because dull step bits skate and bend thin metal, which ruins your finish work.
For heating and hydronic work, pressure test pumps that are easy to prime and read are worth a little extra. Manual pumps are fine for small sections. Battery-powered pumps shine when testing multiple zones or long loops. Don’t skimp on gauges. A damped, liquid-filled gauge reads more smoothly and is easier to photograph for documentation.
Seeing the Problem: Cameras and Locators
Camera gear has changed the economics of drain work. A compact, self-leveling head with a 100 foot cable covers most residential lines from cleanout to main. Go to 200 feet if your area skews toward long drives. The difference between an entry-level and mid-range camera shows up in tough lines. Better optics and a stronger push rod reduce the number of attempts and the temptation to force the line. A locator that pairs with the camera head pinpoints the problem with enough accuracy to cut one square of sidewalk rather than three. Train the team to use them properly. Poor signal interpretation causes expensive miscuts.
For smaller traps and branch lines, a handheld inspection camera earns its keep daily. The job might be a laundry standpipe that snags lint or a shower trap hiding a lost earring you’d rather not touch. Paired with dye tests and a manometer, cameras help document pre-existing conditions for owners who think every ceiling stain is your fault.
Clearing Drains Without Creating New Problems
Cables are not one-size-fits-all. A 3/8 inch cable works for most 1.5 to 2 inch lines. For main lines, go 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch. The lighter drum machines are kinder to your back, and the better ones have a clutch that saves wrists when the cable binds. The quiet revolution is battery sectional machines paired with smart torque control. They’re less likely to kink a cable when inexperienced hands get involved. When you’re a plumbing company training new techs, that matters.
Hydro jetters, even the portable electric units, change outcomes. A 1,500 to 3,000 PSI unit with the right nozzles clears grease and scale that a cable just pokes through. Water management becomes the concern, not power. Plan containment, and communicate with homeowners about backflow risk during the work. In cold climates, purge and protect the pump against freezing. Too many jetters die young because someone put it away wet in November and discovered a cracked manifold in January.
Measuring, Testing, and Proving It Works
Verification tools are the quiet backbone of a competent plumber. A digital manometer measures draft and pressure with a clarity analog gauges can’t match, especially for low-pressure gas lines and vent diagnostics. Keep a kit of brass fittings and quick connects. Time is lost in adapters.
An electronic leak detector for gas pays for itself in avoided shame. The bubbles still have a place, but a calibrated sniffer catches small leaks quickly. Combine both when you’re finalizing high-stakes connections.
Water quality meters, even the compact TDS and pH sticks, help you set expectations on scale, corrosion, and filter life. If you install tankless heaters, a pair of service valves is standard, but the real service is the descaling pump bucket setup. Use a pump with acid-safe seals and a marked bucket so your vinegar or citric solution is consistent. Record times and flow, especially on commercial service contracts.
Thermal cameras aren’t just for energy auditors. A mid-tier thermal imager finds hidden leaks under tile, identifies radiant heat loops, and confirms mixing valve performance. Don’t oversell it. Thermal shows temperature differences, not water. Pair your readings with moisture meters to keep your claims grounded.
Safety and PPE That You Actually Wear
Plumbers put themselves in harm’s way regularly. Eye protection is non-negotiable, especially when you’re cutting overhead or using a cable. Find glasses that don’t fog and keep three pairs handy. Nitrile gloves protect against the obvious, but also keep flux and solvent cement off your skin. Trade work eats hands alive otherwise.
Hearing protection saves long-term quality of life. Compact, reusable plugs fit better than the orange foam ones for many techs. A compact respirator with P100 filters stays in the truck for dusty demolitions, mold, and solvent cement work in closed spaces. Don’t forget knee protection. It’s not an accessory; it’s the difference between working pain-free at 50 and limping at 40. LED headlamps with a spot and flood mode help more than any flashlight because they keep your hands free. Keep a low setting for tight spaces where you’re reflecting off porcelain or chrome.
Adhesives, Sealants, and the Debate Over Thread Dope
Thread sealant choices invite strong opinions. PTFE tape has its place on small brass and plastic threads, but it’s not a miracle cure. Combine tape with a compatible pipe dope on larger steel or when tolerances are sloppy. For gas, use a rated sealant that doesn’t harden to stone. For potable water, check certifications. A plumber loses credibility fast with the wrong label on a jar.
For PVC and CPVC, understand the primer and cement system. Clear primer looks cleaner but causes inspector skepticism in some municipalities. Purple primer avoids the argument. On CPVC, check temperature ratings of cement. In mechanical rooms, the wrong cement softens under sustained heat and you discover the mistake only after it’s dripped on a pump for months. Keep a small bottle of transition cement for ABS to PVC joins; the right compound avoids brittle seams.
Silicone and polyurethane sealants are not interchangeable. Silicone plays better with porcelain and remains flexible in damp environments. Polyurethane bonds to more substrates and handles movement, but cleanup is cruel. For tub and shower installs, back up your caulk with good prep, not wishful thinking.
Organization, Documentation, and the Mobile Office
A skilled plumber who can’t find a 1/2 inch press elbow wastes billable time. Packout systems and drawer organizers have gone from nice-to-have to essential. Group fittings by material and size, label aggressively, and keep a habit of resetting after each job. It’s not obsessive, it’s professional. One tip that pays back: keep a small photo inventory of each box and tray. New techs learn faster when they know what “right” looks like.
Phones are part of the tool kit now. Job photos, pressure test logs, and simple sketches reduce disputes. Use a level app when you left the torpedo inside a wall. Scan receipts into your job file immediately. For service companies, a digital work order system with parts lists prevents second trips. Small frictions like lost serial numbers or missing model tags create bigger problems than many realize.
Stock That Should Live on Every Service Truck
Consumables are not glamorous, but they are the quickest path to or away from profit. Keep an array of supply lines in common lengths with stainless braided covers, not the cheapest vinyl. Trap assemblies in 1.25 and 1.5 inch save fights with mystery parts stores at 8 p.m. Repair kits for fill valves and flappers solve most toilet calls in ten minutes. A handful of dishwasher elbows, icemaker valves, and stop valves in sweat and compression styles prevents wasted trips. Gas flex connectors in a couple of lengths with appropriate thread adapters help close simple appliance installs without a second visit.
Hose caps and test balls are the unsung heroes. Being able to cap off a faucet supply or seal a line while you hunt down a part turns a mess into a manageable situation. Carry a mix of rubber couplings with and without stops. They bridge pipe material gaps the right way when you’re dealing with old houses.
Tool Care That Protects Your Back and Your Wallet
Tools pay rent when they work and cost you when they don’t. A weekly 15 minute routine beats an annual mad scramble. Wipe down press jaws, spin the rollers on your tube cutter, oil the threads on your wrenches. Recharge and rotate batteries. Drain water from jetters and pumps, especially in shoulder seasons where a surprise overnight freeze shows up. Keep desiccant or dehumidifier packs in camera cases. It’s cheaper than a repair ticket.
Cables last longer if you rinse and oil them lightly after messy jobs. Dry them if you can. When you ignore this, the cable kinks on the next call and you pretend it was a fluke. It wasn’t. Track calibration dates for gauges and manometers. A documented schedule wins friends with inspectors and avoids second-guessing your own readings.
Where to Spend More, Where to Save
Not every tool deserves the top shelf. Spend more on anything that holds pressure or sees daily use. Press tools, drain cameras, right-angle drills, wrenches you lean on for leverage, and PPE that protects essential body parts deserve top-tier buying. Save on sacrificial items like utility knives, step bits that get beat up, flexible buckets, and disposable brushes. Mid-tier is fine for chop saws that only cut PVC and ABS a few times a week, as long as the fence is square.
Buy used with caution. A gently used threader from a reputable seller can be a win. A camera with a taped rod and a “just needs a new head” note is a trap. Test everything. Roll press tools through their cycles and watch current draw; an erratic motor hints at a life of hard use. For battery platforms, commit to one line to avoid a pile of chargers and adapters that clutter every outlet in the shop.
Training and Team Habits
A tool is only as good as the plumber behind it. A short, focused training once a month pays back more than another gadget. One month, practice soldering speed joints on wet lines with a freeze kit. Another, run the entire team through the drain camera and locator with mock obstructions. Document best practices: how to power down the press tool, how to seal camera cases, how to handle jetter winterization. Treat these like checklists pilots use. A missed step costs real money.
Mentoring matters. If your plumbing company pairs a senior tech with a newer hire, discuss why a certain wrench or sealant was chosen, not just what to grab. That culture builds judgment that outlasts tool cycles and model numbers.
The Short List for a New Truck Buildout
For plumbers setting up a new service truck in 2025, this is a concise, high-impact core that covers most jobs without clobbering payload:
- Hand tools: two sizes of tongue-and-groove pliers, 14 and 18 inch pipe wrenches, basin wrench, tube cutters with reamer, calibrated PEX crimp tool or expansion tool. Power tools on one battery platform: compact hammer drill, impact driver, right-angle drill, reciprocating saw or compact band saw, press tool with common jaws. Diagnostics: handheld inspection camera, 100 foot drain camera with locator, digital manometer, electronic gas leak detector, thermal imager, moisture meter. Drain clearing: drum or sectional machine with 3/8 and 5/8 inch cables, portable hydro jetter with essential nozzles. Soldering and joining: self-igniting torch, heat cloths, freeze kit, flux and brushes, primer and cements for PVC/ABS/CPVC, thread sealants and PTFE tape. Safety and support: PPE kit, headlamp, knee pads, respirator, extension cords, GFCI protection, drop cloths, shop vacuum with wet capability.
Real-World Scenarios Where the Right Tool Wins
A single-story ranch with intermittent sewer smell is a common spring call. A plumber shows up, sniffs around, and could waste an hour guessing. With a smoke machine and a cleanout plug, the answer appears in ten minutes: a cracked vent tie-in in the attic. That one tool avoids cutting finished walls.
A remodel with copper that runs through structural bay after structural bay invites temptation to solder close to wood. A modern press tool makes the job faster and safer. On the last project I watched, the decision to press instead of solder saved a full day and avoided a fire watch, which wiped out the cost difference in fittings.
A small restaurant with recurring kitchen backups calls your plumbing company every two months. You could cable it again and collect a fee. Or you bring a compact jetter and a simple grease trap maintenance plan. The cable clears the immediate obstruction, but grease returns. The jetter and plan prevent the call and build trust, which turns into a water heater replacement later. Tools set the stage for strategies.
The 2025 Edge: Smarter, Not Flashier
You don’t need every gadget on social media. A plumber needs reliable tools that support sharp habits. Spend on what saves risk, time, and callbacks. Maintain what you own. Standardize where it helps the crew. Keep one or two specialized tools in the wings for when a problem goes sideways. The best kit feels boring on most days, then brilliant on the few days that matter.
For established pros and new techs alike, the must-have plumbing tools in 2025 are a balance of the classic and the truly better. Choose with a clear head, keep your setup lean, and let the work speak for you.
THE LEANDER PLUMBER - COMPANY 1789 S Bagdad Rd #103, Leander, TX 78641 (737) 530-8021