I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More, and the guy behind “Rick’s Picks.” I’ve stocked service trucks, spec’d out commercial boiler rooms, and trained apprentices who now run their own shops. When a Visit this link contractor asks me what tools actually earn their keep, I don’t quote a catalog. I talk about what survives crawlspaces, pays for itself fast, and passes inspection the first time. That’s the standard we use at Plumbing Supply And More—the kind of plumbing supply house you go to when you need more than a cardboard box of maybe.
Before we dive in, here’s my take: the right tools make your jobs faster, safer, and more profitable. And the right supplier makes sure you get them—today, not next week. If you’ve searched “ plumbing supply near me” or “ plumbing supply store near me,” you’ve probably met more than one counter that can’t answer real-world questions. That’s where we’re different. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, pairs them with hands-on guidance, and backs you up on the job. When you’re choosing tools, experience matters.
Below are the Top 25 Tools Every Plumber Finds at a Plumber Supply House—and the reasons they’re in my “don’t roll without it” list.
1) Pipe Wrenches That Don’t Slip: The Daily Drivers
The RIDGID 31095 36" Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench and the RIDGID 31100 18" Aluminum Offset are non-negotiables in my world. The bite, the balance, and the adjustability hold up under torque that would round out lesser wrenches. For tight quarters behind water heaters or near hangers, the offset earns its keep. Pro tip: pair with a chain wrench like the RIDGID 31360 for polished chrome traps where jaw teeth can mar finishes. These are staples at any quality plumbing supply store, and at our counters, we coach techs on wrench sizing for 1/2" to 2" gas and water piping so joints come apart without drama.
You’ll also see the Milwaukee 48-22-7186 Cheater Pipe Wrench on my cart—three-length handle options on one head save space and give leverage when studs are in the way. Expect $60–$200 depending on size and brand. If you’re shopping a plumbing supply shop or plumbing wholesale near me, ask if jaws and springs are stocked locally—losing a day waiting on parts is the priciest wrench there is.
Pro tip: Mark your jaws “DWV,” “Water,” and “Gas.” Cross-contamination of oils and sealants is a hidden leak risk and a code headache.
2) Cutting, Threading, and Deburring: Clean Joints, Fewer Callbacks
For steel and galvanized, the RIDGID 12-R manual die head set or the RIDGID 300 Compact Threading Machine (model 15682) with 1/2"–2" dies is the crew favorite in our shop. Pair with RIDGID 2-A 3-Wheel Pipe Cutters for tight spaces where a full swing is impossible. You want square cuts, clean threads, and proper chamfer—without them, no sealant will save you. Prices range $800–$3,500 for pro-grade threading gear; we keep rental units for emergency jobs, and we stock die oil by the case.
For copper and stainless, the Exact PipeCut 170E is a sleeper hit for clean, perpendicular cuts. On the finishing side, use a Rothenberger 11037 deburring tool and a Nibco reamer—these tiny steps prevent O-ring nicks on press fittings. We set up contractors with custom-cut kits—ask our counter to build yours.
Bold truth: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—our team will set up, oil, and test your threaders before you leave.
3) Soldering, Brazing, and Pressing: Choose the Right Flame (or None)
You’ll never catch me on copper without a TurboTorch X-3B (with MAP-Pro) and Harris Stay-Clean flux. For ACR line sets, Harris Stay-Silv 15 (15% silver braze) is still the standard for HVAC tie-ins, and yes, your inspector knows the difference. If you’re in a space with combustible finishes, we stock Oatey flame cloths and firestop putties because “almost” safe is a bad gamble.
That said, pressing has become my go-to in hospitals, hotels, and retrofits. The Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC Press Tool (2773-20) with 1/2"–2" Viega ProPress copper jaws will double your productivity and eliminate burn permits. For carbon steel and gas, add Viega MegaPress jaws (check NFPA 54; label gas-rated press fittings clearly). A complete press kit runs $2,000–$4,200; it pays for itself in 30–60 days on multi-unit builds.
When someone asks where to buy—ProPress isn’t a gimmick. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we size your press kits around your spec, train your crew, and stock the O-rings and jaws you’ll need three months from now.
4) PEX and Polymer Systems: Speed with Standards
In PEX country, ASTM matters. For expansion systems, the Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Expander (2432-22) with Uponor heads is the cleanest path for ASTM F1960. For crimp/clamp, the Apollo PEX Tool Kit (69PTKH0010) covers ASTM F1807 and F2098 with 1/2"–1" crimp/clamp. I spec Uponor AquaPEX, Rehau EVERLOC+, and Sioux Chief PowerPEX depending on job size and local stocking.
Expansion excels on larger diameters due to less head loss at fittings; crimp is more budget-friendly on single-family TI. Use SharkBite push-to-connect (ASSE 1061) as emergency repair only—great for demo, drywall-out work, or frozen line recovers. Expect $199–$499 for hand crimp kits and $349–$649 for M12 expanders. If you searched “ pex supply house” or “ supplyhouse plumbing” for PEX fittings, come see the wall—we color-code by standard so your apprentice doesn’t mix systems.
Here’s the straight scoop: When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for pro-grade PEX tools and on-the-spot coaching.
5) Drain Cleaning and Inspection: Real-World Clog Killers
Cables, cutters, and cameras—the trio that prevents second visits. For residential mains to 4", the RIDGID K-60SP or Spartan 300 are my go-to sectional machines. For lavs and tubs, General Pipe Cleaners Super-Vee is still king—simple, serviceable, and fits under a sink. Seat your cutters correctly and log the run footage; those notes save time on repeat customers.
On the visual side, a RIDGID SeeSnake microReel L100 pairs with the CS6x Versa monitor to document conditions for property managers. If you’re budget-conscious, the Milwaukee M12 M-SPECTOR FLEX 9’ inspection camera does a lot for the price. Add a drain cleaning PPE kit—gloves, splash shield, eye protection. We bundle these for facilities teams who shop our commercial plumbing supply counters.
Case in point: a condo board saved $8,000 over two months when we set them up with a microReel and trained their maintenance lead. That’s the kind of value you won’t get from a generic consumer plumbing supply website.
6) Testing, Gauges, and Jobsite Diagnostics: Pass the First Time
Pressure testing tools can make or break turnover schedules. The Rothenberger RP 50-S test pump is consistent for hydronic or DWV water testing up to 725 PSI (don’t exceed code limits—always follow IPC/UPC test requirements). For DWV air tests in permitted jurisdictions, we’ll walk you through safe procedures and local code variations. Cherne Test-Ball plugs (2" model 270024, and up) are reliable; always tether.
On gas, use a Supco M500 or UEi Test Instruments EM201 differential manometer for manifold pressure. For HVAC tie-ins, a Fluke 325 clamp meter and a Testo 552i Bluetooth micron gauge make fast work of commissioning. And don’t sleep on flow and temp: a digital thermometer, infrared camera for slab leaks, and a pressure/temperature port kit are worth their weight.
We keep full lines at our plumbing and heating supply desk with “grab-and-go” builds for inspections. Compared to Ferguson and Grainger, Plumbing Supply And More staffs seasoned plumbers who’ll review your test setup so you don’t fail for a preventable oversight.
7) Water Heaters, Hydronics, and Support Tools: The Heavy Lifters
You can’t set a tankless without the right kit. A pump cart with isolation valves, a CalciFlush descaling solution, and Webstone service valves is “day-one” gear. For combi boilers and hydronics, a digital combustion analyzer like the UEi C155 ensures you hit O2/CO2 targets. The Yellow Jacket 93600 7 CFM vacuum pump is standard for heat pump water heaters and refrigerant-side work in MEP projects, which straddle the hvac supply house and plumbing aisle.
Anchoring and venting tools matter: the Hilti TE 30-A36 or Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2804-20 hammer drill paired with Tapcon Blue Climaseal anchors keeps terminations clean and code-tight. Price ranges: $299–$799 for pro hammer drills; $500–$1,000 for reliable vac pumps. If you’ve ever searched for a “ heating plumbing supply near me,” we bridge the gap between city plumbing and electrical supply needs and hydronic best practices—one counter, one invoice.
8) Specialty and Time-Saving Tools: Where Profits Hide
- Jet Swet Line Stopper Kit: Isolate without draining a multi-story stack; saves hours on tenant calls. RIDGID SF-2500 SuperFreeze: Freeze 1/2"–2" copper for quick valve swaps—no drain-down. Viega Press Adapter Kits: Copper to stainless to PEX with approved transitions—clean, fast, inspected. Lenox Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit: Clean penetrations for flanges, vents, and bulkheads; fewer patch jobs. Bosch GLL 55 Laser: Dead-straight shower valve arrays and rack mounts—presentation counts.
Each of these is a little edge that adds up. Add Blue Monster PTFE tape and RectorSeal T Plus 2 or Loctite 567 to your sealant bag—oily threads and high-vibration gas lines demand better than bargain paste. If you’re browsing an internet plumbing supply site for “ discount plumbing supplies,” remember: cheap bits ruin expensive material. We stock the good stuff and show you how to make it last.
9) Safety, Setups, and Truck-Ready Organization: Work Like a Pro
A clean truck is billable time. We outfit vans with modular bins for plumbing parts, service valve kits, dielectric unions, and firestop. Keep a “first five minutes” box: flashlight, PPE, moisture meter, isolation caps, and a mini-press tool. We carry job-specific safety—non-flammable blankets, CO monitors, eyewash. And yes, we stock 11 mil nitrile gloves because copper flux and drain cleaner don’t care about thin blue gloves.
If you’re scouting a local plumbing supply or the “ closest plumbing supply,” come by our showroom. We’ll walk your truck, design shelf labels, and set you up for your scope of work—multi-family punch, TI work, or service-only. Compared to Ace Hardware and other retail chains, Plumbing Supply And More carries professional inventory you can trust on commercial sites—and we deliver same day within our service radius.
10) The 25 Essentials—Rick’s Picks Cheat Sheet
Here are the 25 I recommend every pro can count on. If you’re building out a new truck, start here:
1) RIDGID 31095 36" and 31100 18" pipe wrenches
2) Milwaukee Cheater Wrench 48-22-7186
3) RIDGID 300 Compact threader + 12-R die set
4) RIDGID 2-A pipe cutter and Rothenberger deburrer 11037
5) TurboTorch X-3B with MAP-Pro and Harris Stay-Clean flux
6) Harris Stay-Silv 15 brazing rods for ACR
7) Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 2773-20 with ProPress jaws
9) Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Expander 2432-22 + Uponor heads
11) SharkBite ASSE 1061 push-fit emergency kit
12) RIDGID K-60SP sectional drain machine
13) General Super-Vee handheld cleaner
14) RIDGID SeeSnake microReel L100 + CS6x Versa monitor
15) Rothenberger RP 50-S pressure test pump
16) Cherne Test-Ball plugs (2"–6")
17) Fluke 325 clamp meter
18) Testo 552i micron gauge
19) UEi C155 combustion analyzer
20) Yellow Jacket 93600 vacuum pump
21) RIDGID SF-2500 SuperFreeze kit
22) Jet Swet line stopper kit
23) Lenox bi-metal hole saw set
24) Bosch GLL 55 cross-line laser
25) Blue Monster PTFE + Loctite 567 + RectorSeal T Plus 2
If you’re comparing a nationwide wholesale plumbing supply company or browsing plumbing supplies direct, call us. We’ll price-match where we can and still give you real setup help.
Who We Serve and How We Support You
We work with professional contractors, serious DIYers, property managers, and retail customers who want better than “good enough.” For contractors, we set up accounts, bulk discounts, submittals, and spec sheets. For maintenance teams, we build multi-property kits and offer quick training on tools like press systems and testing gear. If you’re a DIY homeowner, we’ll advise you on compatibility and safe procedures—no condescension, just guidance. If you’ve typed “ plumbing supply store,” “ plumbing shop near me,” “ plumbing supply house near me,” or “ plumbing supplies supply,” you’ll feel the difference the minute you hit our counter.
And for late-night emergencies? We maintain a limited-access, 24 hour plumbing supply response for established accounts. Call ahead—we’ll stage your will-call so you can roll.
Local Expertise, Real Delivery
We’re the plumbing supply company serving contractors throughout our region with same-day delivery and emergency supply coverage. Our typical delivery radius is up to 60 miles from our main warehouse; further runs are available on request. We stay current on IPC/UPC, NFPA 54 for fuel gas, and local amendments that affect venting, backflow, test procedures, and press approvals. If you need “ the supply house” that knows the inspector by name—and why he red-tagged those saddle valves last week—we’re that team.
We also coordinate with plumbing and supply, decorative plumbing supply, and bathroom plumbing supplies lines when you’re pairing rough-in to trim. Want to compare economy plumbing supply options with premium? We’ll lay out lifecycle costs so you can choose on facts, not guesswork. And yes, we’ll beat big box pricing where it counts.
Straight talk: Unlike big e-commerce competitors and online-only sellers, Plumbing Supply And More pairs competitive pricing with hands-on technical guidance you can’t download.
FAQ: Your Pressing Questions, Answered Fast
Q1: Are press fittings accepted for gas in my area?
A1: Many jurisdictions accept press systems like Viega MegaPressG for gas per NFPA 54 and manufacturer listings. We’ll verify local amendments and supply the correct yellow-marked, gas-rated fittings and O-rings. Bring your permit notes; our counter will confirm acceptance before you buy.
Q2: Expansion (F1960) or crimp/clamp (F1807/F2098) for PEX—what’s better?
A2: Expansion shines in 1" and larger with minimal restriction and a strong cold-expansion memory fit; crimp/clamp is cost-effective and simple for 1/2"–3/4" branches. On tract homes, crimp speeds installs. On custom or recirc systems, expansion often wins. We stock both and size rings, tools, and fittings to your plan.
Q3: What inspection tools should a property manager keep in-house?
A3: Start with a Super-Vee handheld drain cleaner, a compact inspection camera (M12 M-SPECTOR), Cherne test plugs (1.5"–3"), and a Rothenberger RP 50-S. Add a Fluke 325 for electrical checks on pumps and heaters. We build custom kits for condos and campuses.
Q4: Do I really need a combustion analyzer for water heaters and boilers?
A4: Yes. Code and manufacturer instructions require proper combustion setup. An analyzer like the UEi C155 confirms draft, O2/CO2, and CO levels, protecting occupants and your liability. We loaner-train your techs so they get accurate reads and maintain sensors.
Q5: What’s the fastest way to add a valve without draining a building?
A5: Use a Jet Swet for small-diameter isolation or a RIDGID SF-2500 SuperFreeze for 1/2"–2" copper. Press a ball valve in place, verify thaw, and pressure test. It’s an afternoon job instead of a weekend shutdown.
Why Pros Choose Us for the Top 25 Tools Every Plumber Finds at a Plumber Supply House
Here’s the bottom line. Compared to Ferguson, Grainger, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, Plumbing Supply And More delivers pro-grade inventory, same-day delivery, and real plumbers at the counter who’ve done the work. We’re the best plumbing supply option because we combine the reach of a wholesale plumbing supply with the responsiveness of a local plumbing supply team. Whether you walked in from a search for “ plumbing supply online,” “ economy plumbing and heating supply,” “ standard plumbing supply,” “ coastal plumbing supply,” “ direct plumbing supplies,” or “ plumbing spares near me,” you’ll find the right tools, ready when you are.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll stage your order. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, from ASTM specs to press tool jaw selection.
And if you need a partner that feels less like a retailer and more like a crew chief, you’ve found the nearest plumbing supply places with real knowledge—the kind of plumbing supply house that keeps jobs moving and callbacks rare. When your day depends on the tool in your hand, we make sure it’s the right one.