Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Have in Their Toolkit Jan 29, 2026

For homeowners, plumbing issues can strike without warning, turning a routine day into a stressful ordeal. While some plumbing problems require professional intervention, there are many that you can tackle yourself with basic knowledge and the right tools. At Little Plumbing, we believe every homeowner should have a well-stocked toolkit ready for minor repairs. Here are some essential plumbing tools you should have on hand.

No toolkit is complete without a trusty plunger. A plunger is an indispensable tool for resolving common clogs in toilets, sinks, or bathtubs. By creating suction, it clears blockages quickly and efficiently. Investing in both a cup plunger, ideal for sinks and tubs, and a flange plunger for toilets, will ensure you are ready for various situations.

Another must-have tool is an adjustable wrench. This versatile implement is excellent for gripping and turning pipes and fittings of different sizes. It allows you to easily adjust nuts and bolts, making it useful for a wide range of plumbing tasks. Keep a medium-sized adjustable wrench in your toolkit to cover most home plumbing needs.

For those frequent times when you need to cut through metal or plastic, a hacksaw is invaluable. Whether it's trimming pipes or cutting through stubborn hardware, a hacksaw will get the job done. Ensure you have a supply of spare blades, as they can dull over time, reducing efficiency.

A pipe wrench is crucial for gripping and turning metal pipes and fittings, especially when they are stubborn or too tight for an adjustable wrench. Its sturdy design makes it ideal for heavy-duty jobs. Keep both a standard and a smaller version for maximum flexibility.

You should also have plumber's tape, also known as Teflon tape, in your toolkit. This thin, flexible tape is used to seal pipe threads, preventing leaks around joints and fittings. Its application is simple: just wrap it around the threading before connecting the pipes for a watertight seal.

Don’t forget about a pipe cutter. Designed specifically for straight and smooth cuts on copper pipes, a pipe cutter ensures no rough edges that could lead to leaks. While they come in a variety of sizes, a medium-sized cutter will be sufficient for most household jobs.

A basin wrench is essential when working under sinks. Its long handle and pivoting jaw can reach the tightest spots, gripping nuts in those awkward places behind sinks. This tool is designed specifically for loosening and tightening nuts that hold faucet fixtures in place.

Lastly, every homeowner should have a set of basic screwdrivers. You’ll find yourself reaching for these whenever you need to open appliance panels or tighten various fixtures. Purchase a set that includes both flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers in different sizes.

By investing in these essential plumbing tools, you empower yourself to tackle common, minor plumbing issues with confidence. Not only will this save you from potential headaches, it could also save you money by reducing the need for professional services for minor repairs. Of course, for more challenging problems, don't hesitate to contact us at Little Plumbing. We are always ready to assist with reliable plumbing services and solutions whenever they are needed.