Some tools don’t get used every day—but when you need them, nothing else will do. These are the specialty tools that separate commercial plumbers from the rest.
Jetters, power snakes, and sectional machines are essential for big clogs in schools, warehouses, and restaurants.
Example: We cleaned out a 100-foot cafeteria line at a university using a hydro-jetter. The line hadn’t flowed properly in years—jetting cleared it in under 30 minutes.
For large-diameter installs, you need help getting heavy pipe in place. Pipe jacks, rollers, and lifts are worth it.
Story: Installing a 6-inch steel line in a hospital ceiling crawl space—we used rollers and a chain lift. No way we’d have done it safely without those tools.
Before any final inspection, you’ll need to show the system holds pressure. Air, water, or both—don’t skip this step.
Example: An inspector almost failed us on a senior center job because we didn’t have our test kit ready. Since then, it stays in the truck.
Keeps your long pipe runs straight and properly sloped. Crucial for drain lines and mechanical rooms where it has to be perfect.
Pro tip: Don’t rely on eyeballing it—bad slope = failed inspection and redo.
Running new lines through concrete walls or slabs? You’ll need a core drill. Make sure you have wet coring capability and proper bits.
Story: On a courthouse retrofit, we had to run 4” pipe through 10" concrete walls. The core drill got us through fast—with no cracking.
Gloves, goggles, knee pads, respirators, ear protection, and fall protection. These are not optional. Large job sites come with real risks.
Example: One crew member skipped his knee pads on a 2-day underground job. His knees were swollen for a week. That slowed everyone down.
This gear isn’t cheap, but it wins you bigger jobs, safer crews, and fewer delays. If you're aiming to level up your plumbing business or team, this is where the pros invest.
