Picking a thread or drain sealant? Our Teflon tape vs. pipe dope vs. putty guide breaks down which to use where.
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Quick answer: Every homeowner should own a small plumbing kit: a plunger, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, channel-lock pliers, Teflon tape, plumber’s putty, a pipe repair clamp, and a hand drain snake. The whole kit costs less than one service call, and it handles the vast majority of home plumbing repairs — saving hundreds in service calls.
The complete homeowner plumbing kit, recommended by a licensed plumber.
The Core Tools
An adjustable wrench and channel-lock pliers cover most fittings. The one tool homeowners always lack is a basin wrench — it’s what makes faucet installs possible in the tight space behind a sink.
Want the common fixes collected in one place? The free plumbing handbook has them.
If you would rather have it offline, the Homeowner’s Plumbing Survival Handbook (PDF) downloads straight to your phone, so the shut-off and emergency steps are with you when you are standing in a wet basement.
The Sealants
Teflon tape for threaded joints, plumber’s putty for fixture bases, and silicone sealant for permanent waterproofing.
The Emergency Items
A pipe repair clamp stops a leak in 60 seconds and a hand drain snake clears most clogs — keep both before you need them.
Supply Lines & Hoses
Old rubber washing machine hoses are a top cause of floods — swap for braided steel. Same for ice-maker water lines.
Related Tool & Supply Guides
- Best Basin Wrenches & Plumbing Wrenches for Homeowners in 2026
- Best Ice-Maker & Refrigerator Water Line Kits in 2026 (Leak-Free Install)
- Best Plumber’s Putty in 2026 (What Plumbers Actually Use)
- Best Outdoor Faucet Covers for Winter in 2026 (Prevent Frozen Hose Bibbs)
- Best Pipe Insulation for Cold Climates in 2026 (Prevent Frozen Pipes)
- Best Silicone Sealant for Plumbing and Bathrooms in 2026
- Best Teflon Tape for Plumbing in 2026 (What Plumbers Actually Use)
FAQ
What plumbing tools should every homeowner have?
A plunger, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, channel-lock pliers, Teflon tape, plumber’s putty, a pipe repair clamp, and a hand drain snake cover most home repairs.
What’s the most overlooked plumbing tool?
The basin wrench — without it, removing or installing a faucet under a sink is nearly impossible.
How much does a basic plumbing kit cost?
Buy quality versions of the core items — the whole kit still comes in far below a single service call.
For turning pipe and stubborn fittings, you want a real pipe wrench, see our pick for the best pipe wrench for homeowners (a 14-inch covers most jobs).
The two grips you reach for most are covered in our picks for the best channel-lock pliers and adjustable wrench.
More Plumbing Repair Guides
- Fixing a Running Toilet
- Unclogging Any Drain
- Fixing a Dripping Faucet
- Emergency Pipe Repair
- Fixing Low Water Pressure
Recommended Tools & Parts
A licensed plumber’s picks for each: basin wrench · adjustable pipe wrench · PTFE thread tape · channel-lock pliers.
More Top Picks & Guides
Ready to step up to pro-grade gear? See our best professional plumbing tools buyer’s guide.
Start with these two
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- Channellock 442 tongue-and-groove pliers — the most-used tool on this list.
- RIDGID 814 aluminum pipe wrench — the one to buy once.
- Channel locks vs pipe wrench
Details on both: the pliers guide and pipe wrench guide.
Wondering which sizes to buy? See what size channel locks plumbing actually needs.
Fix the 12 Most Common Plumbing Problems Yourself — Free Plumber’s Handbook
Step-by-step fixes for the 12 most common problems — and exactly when to call a pro. Free and instant, from a licensed plumber. Save hundreds on calls you didn’t need.