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
Consumables to Always Keep in the Van
- PTFE tape
- Boss white / pipe jointing compound
- Compression olives (15mm and 22mm)
- Wire wool / emery cloth
- Push-fit fittings (selection)
- Cable ties and gaffer tape
🔧 Heatlab Plumbing Tools
Designed by engineers who've been on the tools. Built to solve real problems:
- RadMate 4-in-1 Radiator Spanner — four functions, one pocket-sized tool
- Ultimate Radiator Bleed Key — works on imperial and metric bleed valves
- Ultimate Bung Set — swap valves on open-vented systems without drain-down
- 24mm & 32mm Compression Spanner Set — slim spanners for tight spaces
- Just Dose It Dosing Funnel — clean chemical dosing through any radiator