Plumbing is a lucrative career that can provide a reliable income. As a plumber, you'll need to outfit yourself with basic tools. Here are some of the most important items to have on hand. 

5 Essential Tools for a Plumbing Career

1. Pipe Cutters

Rotating pipe cutters include plastic tubing cutters, which look like pruning shears, and adjustable-jawed wheel cutters. These tools provide a cleaner, quicker cut than a hacksaw, but they’re limited to certain pipe diameters.

2. Hacksaw

For pipes too large for your cutters, use a hacksaw. While a cutter spins around the pipe, the hacksaw uses a back-and-forth motion to cut through any diameter less than the blade length. However, a hacksaw can leave a burr around the edge of the pipe.

3. De-Burring Tool

A de-burring tool lets you remove debris from cut pipe ends, drill holes, and other rough edges. It comes in many styles, though the easiest is a curved, swivel-headed blade that quickly adapts to any cutting angle.

4. Pipe Wrench

You’ll need a few sizes of  wrenches to help you tighten or loosen threaded pipes and connectors. Most are adjustable using a wheel that opens or closes the jaws, and their serrated teeth provide a good grip on the pipe. They come in multiple sizes from three to 48 inches long.

5. Drain Snake

As a plumber, you’ll often deal with clogged drains, so you need a sturdy, professional drain snake to address the problem. You can purchase a manual, 25-foot model, which can handle grease and hair clogs, at any hardware supply store.

However, to address more stubborn clogs—due to tree roots, for example—you’ll need a motorized rooter tool. Though considerably more expensive and less portable, it’s invaluable for tough jobs.

To pursue a plumbing career, contact Berk Trade & Business School in Long Island City, NY. They offer 600-hour accredited adult education courses to students throughout the Greater New York City area. Visit their website to view class schedules, or call (718) 729-0909 to sign up.