The plumbing tools worth owning for basic DIY in a UK home, what each one is for, what to skip, and the spare parts and supplies that save an emergency trip to the merchant.
You don't need a van full of tools for basic plumbing. A small kit covers most household jobs, from fixing a dripping tap to replacing a toilet fill valve. Buy decent quality for the tools you'll use most; cheap adjustable spanners and grips slip and round off nuts.
The essentials
Adjustable spanners (two)
One to turn a nut and one to hold the fitting still so you don't twist the pipe. A medium and a large size cover most jobs.
Water pump pliers (grips)
Adjustable pliers for gripping larger nuts, waste fittings and pipes. Wrap tape around chrome fittings to avoid scratches.
Flat and cross-head screwdrivers
Including a flat screwdriver that fits the slot of isolation valves, which you'll use to turn the water off locally.
Radiator key
For bleeding radiators. Cheap, and worth having two.
Plunger
A cup plunger for sinks and baths, and a flanged plunger for toilets.
Torch or head torch
Most plumbing is under sinks or in dark cupboards.
Bucket and towels
There's always some water left in pipes.
Useful additions
- Pipe cutter for copper (15 mm and 22 mm are standard domestic sizes) or plastic pipe shears. Cleaner than a hacksaw.
- Basin wrench, for reaching tap nuts behind basins.
- Drain snake or auger, for blockages beyond the trap.
- Stopcock key, if your stopcock is outside or in a pit.
- Pipe and cable detector, before drilling walls.
- Silicone gun, for resealing baths and showers.
- Multi-tool or hacksaw, for occasional cutting.
Supplies to keep in a box
- PTFE tape;
- a selection of tap washers and O-rings (or a note of your tap cartridge type);
- spare compression olives in 15 mm and 22 mm;
- jointing compound;
- a pipe repair clamp or self-amalgamating tape for emergencies;
- sanitary silicone sealant;
- a spare washing machine hose.
What to skip at first?
- Blowtorch and soldering kit: soldering needs practice and carries fire risk. Push-fit or compression fittings are easier for occasional DIY.
- Pipe benders and threading tools: rarely needed in domestic DIY.
- Drain-clearing chemicals: often ineffective on serious blockages and harsh on pipes.
Know your system before a problem
Tools are only half the preparation. Find and label your stopcock and isolation valves, and check they turn. Find out whether you have a combi boiler, a system boiler with a cylinder, or a cold water tank in the loft, because it affects how you isolate hot and cold supplies. Keep your boiler manual handy, and note the gas emergency number: 0800 111 999.
Buying parts
Take the old part to the merchant or photograph it with a ruler for scale. Tap cartridges and toilet valves vary between brands, and the model is sometimes printed on the part. Check products are WRAS-approved or otherwise comply with water fittings rules.
Safety
- wear gloves when clearing drains;
- use safety glasses when cutting or working overhead;
- keep electrics and water apart, and switch off power if water is near sockets;
- never work on gas fittings.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a pipe bender?
Not for basic DIY. Fittings and flexible connectors handle most bends.
Are all-in-one plumbing tool kits worth it?
Some are, but many pad the box with tools you'll never use and skimp on the spanners and grips that matter. Buying a few good individual tools is usually better value.
What size are UK household pipes?
Mostly 15 mm for taps and radiators and 22 mm for main runs, with 10 mm microbore in some heating systems.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.