Tools and Supplies

Used to grab hold of a clog and pull it out of a drain. Unlike a plundger, this doesn't just push the clog farther down the drain, it allows the clog to be safely removed.
Typical cost: $35

Inserted into the drain line downstream of the vent, this tool forces pressure and a vibrating force on soft blockages and can -wash- them out/down.
USE WITH CAUTION: Put into a trap arm this will flood the vent and spill off the roof, thus causing one to shut off water to the tool, only for it to shrink to its at rest size allowing the water contents of the vent to flood the house/you too. If not inserted past vent in a C/O outside, the water will fall off roof on your head!
Typical cost: $20 to 100

The primer cleans the pipe and socket ends to prepare for use of the solvent. Be sure to use gloves when handling the primer. The contents are very fluid and will seep into anywhere that it spills. It also stains rapidly and completely!

PVC pipe solvent. Several types are available, with and without dye.

This is just regular white vinegar. Buy it by the gallon, cheap. Works great to dissolve hard water solids without damaging the fixture or risking injury with caustic chemicals.
Typical cost: $3

After drilling a hole in a stainless steel sink deck this tool will punch out a hole for an air gap, soap dispenser, etc.
Typical cost: $75 to 200

Used when faucet has nominal 1/2 - brass acme threaded posts to mount faucet and nuts are stuck. This tool spins on to post and then you drive it into the nut till it pops off. Two different types are shown.
Typical cost: $30 to 100

These different tools, come in different prices and qualities, it takes a little bit of time to use them well.
Different ones do the job of cutting pipe differently, and different cutting wheels cut plastic, steel, and another for copper.
The ratchet type doesn't require the room to rotate as do the others, and the small round ones don't even need tightening while rotating.
Typical cost: $35 to 100

Plastic pipe NEEDS to be reamed. Use this tool or pay the price for poorly joined pipe and leaks.
Typical cost: $20 to 50

Good for cutting smaller PVC pipe in tight spaces. Caution must be used to avoid uneven cuts, especially when the pipe is not very small.
Mostly beneficial when there is not enough room in the work area to use a proper pipe cutter.

This is used to warm pvc pipe, solvent, and fittings on a cold day for a better job. I don't like to use pvc solvent below 60°F if a repair cure time is needed to be less than an hour, I use this method. Be Careful not to melt the pvc. The pocket thermometer is also useful here to keep the pvc at a good working temperature (keep below 100°).
Typical cost: $10 to 100

Used for removing debris from diposals and misc.
Typical cost: $10 to50

Copper tubing is soft and bendable, when it's out of round it can't be joined.
This tool is hammered into the tubing, along with a matching outer collar to reshape the distorted copper tubing.
Typical cost: $50 to 200

This is used by skilled techs to measure pressure in inches of water column or ounces at a peticular point in the gas system. This can be used to measure draw down for leak testing.

This is one of the many tools I keep on my truck as a professional plumber causing me to need a professional wage to cover expenses and liability for working on dangerous marerials.
Typical cost: $75 to 100

This is needed to set water temperature as delivered to the fixture versus at the water heater.
For safety, water should not be more than 120°.

The pocket thermometer is also used to determine temperature loss between supply and return lines on recirculation loops or solar gain on solar return.
Typical cost: $25

Always know the water pressure.
Below 80 psi (static) is required, less than 30 is low. Static pressure is when no water is being used.
Dynamic pressure is when water is flowing, and should not be more than 20% below static pressure.

Typically a working regulator will have a "fall off" of 10 to 12 psi during normal water use. If static pressure is 140 psi and turning on a faucet or flushing a toilet causes pressure to drop to 50 you have a faulty regulator choking the flow.
I see this weekly and when I tell people they have too high water pressure they say "oh no, its not high enough!" I put a gauge on the hose bib and walla! it goes to 140 or something and I say "see!" I then say "stay here while I go in house and turn on a faucet so you can watch and see why you have low pressure too!" As I draw water, the gauge falls over 100 psi and walla - they are right (in a way).
Typical cost: $25

Delta tool used to remove the cups and springs on Delta tub and shower valves

This pair of tools is for pulling the ring off of 1/2 inch copper.
One is for screwing on to angle stop to serve as a handle while an open end wrench loosens the 11/16th inch nut.
Other types are on the market that look different and each has its qualities. Skill is helpful here.
Typical cost: $35 to 90

Larger tool is for Positemp cartridges. The smaller one is for original and magnum #1224b cartridges. The tool use is a learned skill both have their downfalls. Other pullers are made to recover your losses from poor skills or very corroded brass cartridges. Read tool directions, and don't use if valve doesn't have integral stops. That way, if the cartridge pulls apart, you can isolate the valve from rest of the house.
Typical cost: $50 to 75

Used for Montecello line of Moen faucets. Two handle line, only (hot and cold are separate.) See the instructions that come with the cartridge.
Typical cost: $20

Four pullers exist these are "non Moen" for Moen, and I would not pull a cartridge without one of these on hand.
These are for when the cartridge pulls apart.
The Ona brand looks like two separate tools in the picture, but they are joined as one piece.
The T-shaped one by Pasco is cheapest and often best, but needs skill to use.
Typical cost: $25 to 100

Used to reach behind basin to faucet jam nuts for removing or tightening
Typical cost: $15 to 100

This is used to put in strainers to tighten jam nuts and tub shoes.
Typical cost: $15

Carefull not to gouge finnish when using. Bottom picture of larger jaw is good for Water filter canister removal and basket strainer nuts or 11/2" and 2" P-trap union nuts, Large dia. low torque applications.
Typical cost: $10 to 100

When tightened down, extensions on the shaft of the tool expand out to grip pipe from the inside.
This tool is especially good for removing broken off shower arms.
Typical cost: $75 to 100

This tool is prefered to a basin wrench for removing/installing faucet jam nuts and feacet stems.
Typical cost: $50

Used to remove the tub drain trim, when the cross piece is broken away, or a shower drain without a grill.

Also for rotating or to prevent from rotating a recession the spanner will fit into possibly to remove a jam nut.
Typical cost: $75

Used to tighten jam nut on kitchen sink basket strainers.
Typical cost: $20

This tool is used when tub drain piece is missing the cross in the bottom of the shoe. This tool needs skill to use well.
Typical cost: $75 to 100