Any basic DIY toolkit will contain several tools (pliers, spanners, etc) needed for plumbing jobs, but there are several specialist tools you might need for more advanced tasks.
Pliers
Having a good set of pliers in your toolkit is essential, but for plumbing jobs you might also need a good set of slip-joint pliers for gripping the larger nuts and connectors on some pipework.
Pipe Wrench
There are several different types of pipe wrench available, but all are designed for gripping larger connector and fixtures found in plumbing systems. A standard pipe wrench will suffice in most domestic situations, although it is worth getting a couple of different sized wrenches if your budget allows. Wrenches which open to 25mm and 40mm should be able to handle most jobs.
PTFE Tape
This specialist tape is wound around the threads of fittings through which water will pass, sealing them and making them watertight.
Radiator Key
As radiator keys cost so little, it is worth buying a spare or two as they are easily lost. Rad Keys are used to release the small square valves on radiators, allowing you to bleed out any air which can build up when the heating system is not used for a prolonged period.
Plunger
A simple plunger should be the first thing you turn to in the event that your sink or bath becomes blocked.
Sink Auger
You can hire sink and WC Augers, but they are relatively cheap to buy and handy to have in your toolkit. An auger is a flexible steel wire, which is fed into a blocked sink, drain or WC and used to dislodge blockages.
Basin Wrench
This is a wrench specifically designed for loosening and tightening the backnuts of taps.
Immersion Heater Spanner
A large spanner designed for removing and fitting the electrical element of an immersion heater. Can be hired cheaply.
Pipe Cutting Tools
If you plan to install any copper pipework yourself, you will need an additional and more specialist set of tools.
Pipe Bender
A simple and portable machine to help you create smooth bends in copper pipes. The machine consists of a curved former and different sized blocks for bending different sizes of pipe. Handy to have if you will be creating lots of bends. Can be hired quite cheaply.
Pipe Bending Springs
These come in several sizes depnding on the size of pipe you are bending and help to support the inside of the pipe while it is being bent. Using Pipe Bending Springs stops the pipe from flattening as it is bent.
Pipe Cutter
A simple tool for cutting copper pipe. A pipe cutter will create a much more accurate cut than a hacksaw and, if you have several cuts to make, is a lot easier on the arm. Consists of a fixed blade and an adjustable grip for different sizes of pipe.
Wire Wool
Useful for cleaning up the edges of cut pipes and for removing rust from pipework.
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