Plumbing Tools Starter Kit — What Every New Plumber Needs
Knowing which tools to buy — and in what order — is one of the most practical questions every new plumber faces. Buy everything at once and you'll spend thousands on tools you don't need yet. Buy too little and you'll be caught out on jobs. This guide breaks down the essential kit by priority, with real advice on brands and where to buy.
How much should you budget?
A solid starter kit of core hand tools costs £400–£800 if bought new. Many experienced plumbers recommend buying quality brands for the tools you use every day (pipe cutters, adjustable spanners, blowtorch), and budget versions for tools you use occasionally.
Avoid the temptation to buy everything at once. Build your kit over the first 6–12 months as you encounter jobs that need specific tools. Your employer or supervisor should supply specialist tools early in your career.
Essential first-day tools
These are the tools you will use on virtually every job. Buy these first and buy quality — they will last your entire career if treated correctly.
- →Adjustable spanners — a 10" and a 12" (Bahco or Irwin are excellent brands)
- →Pipe slice / pipe cutter — a 15mm and a 22mm rotary cutter (Ridgid and Monument are industry favourites)
- →Stillson pipe wrench — 10" and 14" for copper and iron pipework
- →Tongue-and-groove pliers (Knipex Cobra or Channellock) — for compression fittings and pump work
- →Basin wrench — essential for reaching backnut under basins and sinks
- →Hacksaw with good quality blades (Bahco 12")
- →Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers (Wera or Wiha for precision)
- →Spirit level — 600mm minimum
- →Tape measure — 5m (Stanley or Stabila)
- →Torch and head torch — for working in airing cupboards and under floors
Soldering and jointing tools
Unless you exclusively use push-fit fittings (which many modern plumbers do), you will need to solder copper joints. Even if you prefer push-fit, knowing how to solder is a core skill.
- →Blowtorch — a self-igniting propane torch (Rothenberger Superfire 2 is the industry standard)
- →Solder and flux — lead-free solder (Fernox or Powerflow) and flux paste
- →Fireproof mat — essential for working near joists and timber frames
- →Pipe deburring tool — deburr cut ends before fitting
- →Pipe bending spring — for 15mm and 22mm copper bends without a bender
- →Pipe bender — a ratchet bender for neat bends (Monument or Ridgid)
- →Wire wool and emery cloth — for cleaning pipe ends before soldering
Drainage and sanitation tools
You will encounter blocked and slow drains regularly. A basic drain kit does not cost much and saves you from embarrassing situations on jobs.
- →Rubber plunger — the classic force-cup plunger for sinks, baths, and WCs
- →Drain snake / hand auger — 3–5m flexible snake for clearing drain blockages
- →Drain rods — a set of screw-together rods for outdoor drain clearing
- →PTFE tape — indispensable for sealing threaded fittings (keep 5 rolls at all times)
- →Silicone sealant gun and cartridges of sanitary silicone
- →Rubber gloves and disposable nitrile gloves (buy in boxes of 100)
Testing and commissioning equipment
As you progress to more complex installations, testing equipment becomes essential. These are typically bought once you are qualified and working independently.
- →Digital pressure gauge — for testing system and boiler pressure
- →Manometer — for gas tightness testing (required for ACS assessment)
- →Multimeter — for diagnosing electrical faults on boilers and controls
- →Flue gas analyser (Testo 300 or Testo 310) — essential for gas engineers, required for every boiler service
- →Leak detection fluid — for finding gas and water leaks at fittings
- →Thermometer — infrared and immersion types for flow/return temperatures
- →Magnetic filter cleaning kit — for servicing Adey MagnaClean and similar filters
Tool storage and transport
How you store and transport your tools matters — disorganised vans cost time on every job. A good tool bag or chest and a well-organised van setup pay for themselves quickly.
- →Tool bag — a quality open-top bag (Makita or Stanley for durability)
- →Van racking — shelving and drawer units designed for van interiors (Sortimo and Bott are popular)
- →Consumables box — dedicated storage for PTFE, solder, flux, fittings, and silicone
- →Protective gear — steel-capped boots (required on construction sites), knee pads, safety glasses
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy cheap tools to start with?
For tools you use every day (pipe cutters, adjustable spanners, torches), buy quality. Cheap pipe cutters score rather than cut, leaving rough edges that cause leaks. For tools you use rarely, budget brands are fine.
What tools does my employer usually provide?
Larger employers (housing associations, heating companies) usually provide power tools, specialist equipment, and consumables. You are generally expected to provide your own hand tools from around year 2 of your apprenticeship.
Where should I buy plumbing tools?
Screwfix and Toolstation for good prices on hand tools and consumables. Plumbing merchants (Plumb Center, BSS, Wolseley) for specialist items and trade pricing. eBay and used tool sales for good-condition second-hand kit.
Do I need an angle grinder?
Not initially. An angle grinder is useful for cutting cast iron pipes and for some drainage work, but it is not a day-one requirement. Borrow or hire until you regularly need one.
Already qualified?