Plumbing tools

September 8, 2026

Plumbing Tools: The Essential Kit for Every Plumber

Whether you're a seasoned engineer or getting started in the trade, having the right plumbing tools makes every job cleaner, faster and more professional. Here's a rundown of the must-haves — including a few Heatlab originals that tradespeople across the UK have added to their permanent kits.

Essential Hand Tools

Adjustable spanners — versatile for compression fittings, isolation valves, and general pipework
RadMate 4-in-1 Radiator Spanner — bleed screws, lockshield caps, valve stems and more, all in one compact tool. Fits in your back pocket and handles the jobs a standard spanner can't
24mm & 32mm Compression Spanner Set — slim-profile spanners designed for tight spaces under boilers and behind panels where standard spanners simply don't fit
Pipe cutters / pipe slices — clean cuts without a hacksaw, ideal in confined areas
Stilsons / water pump pliers — essential for gripping larger fittings and stubborn old pipework
Junior hacksaw — for cutting older iron or steel pipework

Radiator & Heating Tools

Ultimate Radiator Bleed Key — dual imperial/metric sides in stainless steel. Works on every radiator, old or new, without slipping or rounding the valve
Ultimate Bung Set — bung the header tank and open vent to swap radiator valves without draining the system. A massive time-saver on open-vented systems
Plumber's Drain Tray — catches water drips when removing radiators or valves. Saves the carpet, saves the embarrassment

Chemical & Dosing Tools

Just Dose It Dosing Funnel — adds inhibitor, antifreeze or sludge remover cleanly through any standard radiator. No mess, no drips, no faff

Testing & Diagnostics

Multimeter — essential for fault-finding on pumps, controls and PCBs
Digital manometer — accurate system pressure readings
Non-contact voltage tester — safe live-wire detection before touching anything electrical