Home Renovation Tools
Basic Plumbing Tools for DIY: What You Need Under the Sink
The plumbing tools every home needs: plunger, auger, adjustable wrenches, water pump pliers, basin wrench, pipe cutters, PTFE tape and more, with what each one does.
Most household plumbing emergencies are small: a blocked sink, a dripping tap, a loose trap or a running toilet. With a compact kit of plumbing tools you can handle these yourself in minutes, and you will know what to do while waiting for a plumber when things are bigger.
Basic plumbing kit
- Plunger (cup for sinks, flange for toilets) and a drain auger (snake)
- Two adjustable wrenches and water pump pliers
- Basin wrench (for tap nuts under the sink)
- PTFE (thread seal) tape and a tube of silicone sealant
- Pipe cutter for copper / PEX / plastic, hacksaw
- Bucket, towels and a headlamp
Know your shut-off valves first
Before you need them, find the main water stop valve (often where the supply enters the home, under the kitchen sink, or in a utility area) and the isolation valves under sinks and toilets. Check they turn. A leak is a small problem if you can stop the water in 10 seconds.
Tools for blockages
- Cup plunger for sinks, baths and showers. Block the overflow with a wet cloth for better suction.
- Flange plunger for toilets.
- Drain auger (snake): a hand-cranked cable 5–8 m long for blockages beyond the trap.
- Toilet auger: shorter, with a protective sleeve for the porcelain.
- Plastic drain cleaning strip (barbed): cheap and great for hair clogs.
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners where possible; they can damage pipes and are dangerous if you then need to open the trap.
Wrenches and pliers
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench (×2) | Compression fittings and flexible hose nuts; one to hold, one to turn |
| Water pump pliers (tongue-and-groove) | Plastic trap nuts, large nuts, gripping pipes |
| Basin wrench | Reaching tap nuts behind a basin |
| Pipe wrench | Threaded steel pipes (older homes) |
| Hex keys | Mixer tap grub screws and handles |
| Tap reseating / radiator keys | Specific jobs; buy as needed |
Wrap chrome fittings with tape or a cloth before gripping them with pliers to avoid scratches.
Cutting and joining pipe
- Pipe cutter (wheel type) for copper: gives a clean square cut. Mini cutters work in tight spaces.
- Plastic pipe shears for PEX and multilayer pipe.
- Deburring tool: removes sharp edges that damage O-rings.
- Hacksaw for waste pipes.
- Push-fit fittings: allow DIY-friendly joints without soldering (follow manufacturer instructions, including pipe inserts).
Sealing materials
- PTFE tape: wrap clockwise (looking at the thread end), 5–8 turns on threaded joints. Not used on compression olives or rubber-washer connections.
- Thread sealant paste: alternative for threaded joints.
- Sanitary silicone and a caulking gun for baths, basins and showers.
- Spare washers and O-rings in common sizes.
Useful extras
- Headlamp: under-sink work is always dark.
- Flexible inspection mirror.
- Towels and a shallow bucket.
- Moisture meter or leak detector alarms for under sinks and appliances.
What to leave to a plumber
- Gas appliances and gas pipes (regulated and dangerous).
- Moving or adding supply lines inside walls, unless you are confident and it is permitted locally.
- Main drain and sewer problems, recurring blockages.
- Water heaters and boiler work.
Frequently asked questions
What is a basin wrench for?
It reaches up behind a basin to loosen or tighten the nuts that hold a tap in place, where ordinary wrenches cannot fit.
Which direction do I wrap PTFE tape?
In the direction the fitting tightens, usually clockwise when looking at the end of the male thread, so the tape does not unwind as you screw the fitting on.
Ready to try a job? Follow our step-by-step guide to replacing a kitchen faucet.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Always read your tool's manual, use the right protective equipment and follow local building and electrical codes. See our disclaimer.