Commercial plumbing isn’t just about know-how—it’s about efficiency. Time is money, and the right power tools can cut hours off your job. Here are the MVPs for every commercial plumber’s tool arsenal.
From anchor bolts to bracket installs, a solid drill combo handles it all. Go with at least 20V. Hammer mode helps you get through concrete when needed.
Example: During a school renovation, we mounted dozens of hangers on a concrete ceiling. Without hammer drill mode, we would’ve been stuck waiting for the GC’s team.
This beast chews through pipe, studs, drywall—even nails. Keep bi-metal blades for metal, and fine-tooth ones for clean cuts.
Story: I once needed to reroute cast iron drain lines on a demo job. The Sawzall went through it like butter—with the right blade. Saved us hours vs. the old-school grinder.
For cutting pipe, smoothing welds, or even grinding out stuck bolts. Always wear safety gear—these throw sparks and metal shavings.
Pro tip: A 4.5” grinder with a quick-change disc setup keeps the job moving.
Whether you’re cleaning a flooded crawl space or vacuuming after drilling, a good shop vac is a must.
Example: We had a leak on the fourth floor of an office building. The vac kept water damage to a minimum while we repaired the burst pipe.
Need to work on live water lines without shutting down the building? Freeze it. These kits are pricey, but they pay off fast when working on apartment stacks or business hours.
Story: I was replacing a failed valve in a medical building. We froze the copper lines in 5 minutes and had the new valve in before anyone noticed.
If you're cutting into water lines, whether it's TI or service work, make sure you use one of these bad boys first to verify the water 100% OFF, and to drain any excess water in the pipes. This tool will save you from a costly flood, and keep your workspace super clean.
Press fittings are the new standard for speed and safety. Whether it’s PEX or copper, press tools skip the torch and get straight to work.
Example: We timed it. Pressing 10 joints took 8 minutes. Soldering the same joints? Over 40 minutes—and we needed fire watch.
Power tools don’t just save time—they save your back, your crew’s morale, and your budget. Invest in quality, and these tools will pay for themselves.
