If you’re thinking of becoming an apprentice plumber, you should prepare for the years ahead. You’ll need hard work and training to get to a professional level. Even though starting as an apprentice plumber may seem a little intimidating, you don’t have to fret over it.
Regardless of the kind of team you’re in, this is the time to focus on learning. Soak in knowledge as much as possible if you want to have a successful career as a professional plumber. As an apprentice, there’s a lot you will learn.
The first thing that has to be at your fingertips is the safety and health aspects of plumbing.
Before you learn how to do your job, you need to know about the ultimate plumbing apprentice tool list.
Other than eye protection, there are many other tools you will need. The rest of this article will help you learn about the beginner plumbing tools you’ll need to start your career.
Details about plumbing apprentice tool list:
Utility Knife
When you start your plumbing career, you will have to use the utility knife many times for different jobs. These types of knives come in different sizes and types. Due to this, try to shop around till you find the one that feels right for you. The best knife should have ridges, the perfect grip, and feel comfortable to use. Try to roll it in your hand and make sure you can work while holding it with one hand.
Adjustable Pliers
While organizing your basic plumbing tools, don’t forget to add in a set of adjustable pliers. It is one of those tools that you may have to use for most, if not all, of your jobs. Your adjustable pliers can help you to tighten a small plastic pipe or to screw some nuts.
You will use your adjustable pliers a lot. Don’t worry about throwing down a little more cash to buy a high-quality pair that you will use for a long, long time.
Adjustable Spanner
You will use your adjustable spanner to help you with some specialized tasks. But, your adjustable spanner, isn’t different from the adjustable pliers. The adjustable spanner can grip on things even though it doesn’t have the grooves present in pliers.
Torpedo Level
When doing some plumbing work, you will need to straighten some items. To achieve a uniform look, you have to use a level. As a beginner, your apprentice plumber tool list should have a torpedo level. It will help you to install a drain on a slope or install a vertical water line.
These tools are affordable, and they will come in handy when you’re working in a tight space. There isn’t a specific rule you should endure while getting your torpedo. But, ensure you get one that is solid and has strong magnets.
A Tape Measure
Most trade workers in the construction space will find a tape measure to be very useful. You will find one in all plumbing tool kits. While buying a tape measure, ensure that you buy one that is of good quality. A good quality tape measure should last you years. When it comes to style, find one that you will be comfortable carrying around as you’ll use it often.
Pipe Cutters
Pipe cutters are essential tools to get your plumbing career on the road. There are two basic models of pipe cutters that you will need. The large one can cut 5/8”to 2 1/8” pipes, and the smaller type that can cut 1/8” to 1” pipes.
The smaller one is a more versatile tool to work with if you’re working in a smaller space. But, the big one is best when you’re cutting big pipes. Most pipe cutter models have built-in reamers that are ideal for reaming your pipes once you’ve cut them.
Markers
Markers are the ideal tool to use when you need to mark things. You can use a permanent marker when the item you’re marking won’t be visible once after you finish working. If you don’t want the markings to be visible, you can use chalk instead. Some clients don’t like to see markings on their plumbing, so using chalk would be ideal as you can wipe it off fast.
Multibit Screw Driver
A multibit screwdriver is a handy handheld device. It is convenient for days when you’re not up to organizing different sizes of screwdrivers. One other benefit of using a multibit screwdriver is that you can use its bits with a drill. This isn’t possible with a normal screwdriver.
Hammer
A hammer is one of those tools that will come in handy when you’re doing different tasks. You can use it to loosen some concrete or punching in anchors. One of the most versatile hammers you should have is the 8oz one with flat claws.
You can use it for a variety of tasks. To complete your look as a professional plumber, attach a hook to your tool belt. It will allow to carry your hammer around when you need it.
Related Article: Best Tool Bag for Plumbers
Pipe Wrenches
By now, you have an almost complete plumbers tool kit. But, there’s one more tool you need to add to your kit. This is a pipe wrench. A pipe wrench is a handheld heavy-duty tool. That said, you should try to get an aluminum model that’ll be much lighter.
You will need to use his tool often, so don’t shy off from buying a good quality tool. Buying a nice one is worth it as you will use it for a very long time.
Nipple Extractor
Whether you’re an apprentice plumber or a homeowner, you will need a nipple extractor. It is great for doing simple plumbing tasks. You can use this tool to remove broken pipe nipples. It is also an excellent tool to help you remove shower arm threads.
Cartridge Puller
As an apprentice plumber, there are lots of plumbing issues that you’ll come across. One of the most common ones is a leaking faucet. A cartridge puller will help you pull out or remove damaged cartridges so you can put in a new one. You will use it in cases where there is a leak.
A Pipe Crimping Tool
If you’d like a tool that will help you put one end of a pipe into the other, this tool is ideal for you. If you want to look like a pro, this is one of the professional plumbing tools you should get for your tool kit. It’ll help you with your tasks while at work and for simple plumbing jobs around the house.
Internal PVC Pipe Cleaner
Even if you’re not going to use this tool often, it is still a must-have. You should keep for emergencies or jobs requiring its use. This tool works with different electric drills and will help you cut pipes that aren’t easy to reach. There are places that other cutting tools will not reach, but this one will get the job done fast. You can use it to cut ABS, PVC, and CPVC.
Power Drill
This is another tool that isn’t reserved for the plumbing profession only. Due to its versatile nature of handling different tasks, ensure that you always have it in your tool box. You’ll need to drive screws or drill holes. If you’ve got this tool by your side for such tasks, you will get the job done faster.
Wireless Inspection Camera
This is an ideal tool to use for plumbing tasks that need inspection. You can use it to check the damage in hard to reach areas such as pipes or curved holes. If a sink doesn’t work as it should, this tool will come in handy.
You can insert it into the sink to check if there are any blockages in the piping. You can also use it to repair air conditioning or inspect areas in your home that are hard to reach and need repairs.
Plumbers Thread Seal Tape
Plumbers tape or thread seal tape will come in handy when you need to prevent water leaks. If you plan to do any installation or plumbing repairs, this is the ideal tool for you.
Jam Bar Bolt
Have you been in a situation where it is hard to remove tanks or toilets? It isn’t very pleasant when the bolt keeps spinning when you’re trying to loosen it.
The bar bolt will help you to hold the bolt while you remove the nut. It is a tool you’ll appreciate for making your plumbing jobs easier.
Conclusion
As an apprentice plumber, you have to prepare for any eventualities on the job. This is why it’s essential to ensure you’ve got your plumbing apprentice tool list ready. Once you do, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way.
Once you’ve got all your tools, you’re on the way to having a successful career as the professional plumber you are.
