I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More. I’ve spent three decades in crawlspaces, boiler rooms, and tight vanity cabinets, fixing Click here for more the same problems most DIYers encounter at home. If you want to tackle repairs with confidence, your success starts with the right materials, the right specs, and a clear plan. This Essential Plumbing Supply Checklist for DIY Home Repairs isn’t fluff—it’s the exact set of tools, parts, and pro-grade components I keep on the truck and recommend to homeowners, property managers, and maintenance teams who want reliable results.
Before we dive in, one thing I’ve learned: the cheapest parts cost you the most in callbacks and do-overs. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that last, and we back them with real technical guidance. I’ll show you what to buy, why it matters, and how to avoid the headaches I’ve seen too many times.
Core Tool Kit: What Every DIYer Needs on Hand
If you want smoother repairs and fewer mid-project runs to a store, invest in a core kit. These are the tools I reach for on 90% of home service calls, and every item earns its spot.
- Channel locks: Channellock 440 (12") and 420 (9.5"). Two sizes give you leverage and finesse without rounding fittings. Adjustable wrenches: 6" and 10". I like Milwaukee or Crescent for reliable jaw tracking. Basin wrench: Ridgid 31175—essential under sinks where nothing else fits. Pipe wrenches: Ridgid 31095 (14") for threaded steel/iron and stuck fittings. Tubing cutter: Ridgid 31622 for copper; Milwaukee 48-22-4200 for PEX. Deburring tool/reamer: Needed to prevent turbulence and o-ring cuts in copper. Torch kit: Bernzomatic TS8000 with MAP-Pro for fast, clean soldering. Plumber’s putty and 100% silicone: Know when to use each—putty around drains, silicone around sinks and stone tops. Teflon tape: Blue Monster PTFE for water; gas-rated yellow for fuel lines. Thread sealant: RectorSeal T Plus 2 for metal threads and vibration resistance.
Pro tip: Keep a compact plumbing supply shop kit in a labeled tote. Add nitrile gloves, a headlamp, rags, and a 6-in-1 screwdriver. If you’re looking for a plumbing shop near me with the right brands in stock, we’ve got them on the shelf—no hunting.
Shutoff Valves, Supply Lines, and Seals: Small Parts, Big Impact
Most leaks I see in homes come from failed supply lines, corroded angle stops, or worn seals. Swap cheap parts for pro-grade and you’ll stop recurring headaches.
- Angle stops: BrassCraft G2 series 1/4-turn ball valves with compression or sweat ends. Replace multi-turn valves on sight—they stick and drip. Supply lines: For toilets and faucets, choose braided stainless with brass nuts—Fluidmaster or BrassCraft. 12", 16", 20" lengths cover most setups. Toilet seals: Use a reinforced wax ring with a plastic flange, or a waxless Fluidmaster 7530 for uneven floors. Faucet seals and escutcheons: Keep a few generic sizes; Moen and Delta cartridges often need specific kits. Dishwasher/ice maker lines: Use braided or PEX with proper compression fittings—not vinyl tubing.
Typical costs: $7–$20 per valve; $6–$15 per supply line; $5–$12 per seal. Most swaps take 20–45 minutes.
Insider secret: If you have old galvanized or crusty copper, choose compression stops over sweat—less heat, less risk. And yes, we stock finish-matched escutcheons because details matter. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support on what fits your specific fixture.
Pipe, Fittings, and Transition Parts: The Backbone of Reliable Repairs
The biggest mistakes I see are with mixing materials and using the wrong transition fitting. Here’s how to do it right:
- Copper: Type L for domestic water (blue print on the tube). Use lead-free solder (Harris Stay-Brite 8) and water-soluble flux. Clean, flux, heat the fitting (not the solder), and feed until you see a full capillary ring. PEX: Uponor/Wirsbo expansion (cold climates, freeze forgiveness) or SharkBite push-to-connect for emergency repairs. For long-term work, crimp with ASTM F1807 brass or ASTM F2159 poly fittings and copper rings. PVC/CPVC: Use purple primer and matching solvent cement—don’t skip the primer on pressure lines. Schedule 40 for drains, CPVC for hot water. Transitions: Dielectric unions for copper-to-steel, brass nipples for mixed metals, and specific connectors for PEX-to-copper.
Recommended models:
- Uponor expansion tool: Milwaukee 2432-22 M12 kit. SharkBite U248 fittings for quick copper-to-PEX joins. Oatey 30999 primer and 31018 cement.
Pro tip: Always support PEX every 32–48 inches and use nail plates where it stubs through studs. That prevents noise and punctures during drywall work. If you need a plumbing supply near me that knows local material codes, our team will match materials to your jurisdiction’s requirements.
Drain, Waste, and Vent Essentials: Keep It Flowing, Not Leaking
Drains aren’t forgiving. A misaligned trap arm or the wrong slope will tell on you fast. Here’s the repair inventory I recommend:
- P-traps: Use solvent-weld PVC on fixed drains and chrome tubular for exposed sinks. Look for thicker-wall kits to avoid thread stripping. Trap adapters: A must-have to convert from schedule 40 to tubular. Keep 1-1/2" and 1-1/4" on hand. Fernco/mission couplings: Use shielded (Mission) couplings on above-grade transitions—those worm clamps and shield prevent offset leaks. Cleanout plugs: Save yourself later by adding cleanouts where access is tight. Enzymatic drain treatment: Bio-Clean or similar to maintain flow without harsh chemicals.
Slope rule: 1/4" per foot for 2" and smaller. Too flat, you get buildup; too steep, water outruns solids. Job time: 30–90 minutes depending on access. We can walk you through trap arm alignment—call our tech desk for quick guidance.
When Home Depot and Lowe’s suggest “one size fits all” kits, remember: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll set you up with trap components that actually match your space and materials.
Toilet Repair Stock: Fast Fixes That Actually Last
“Running toilet” is the soundtrack of wasted water. Keep these on your shelf:
- Fill valves: Fluidmaster 400A (standard) or 400H PerforMAX (high efficiency, adjustable). Korky 528 for quiet performance. Flappers: Match brand/size—Kohler Class 5/6, American Standard Champion, Toto 3". Universal flappers cause ghost flushing. Tank-to-bowl kits: Brass bolts with rubber gaskets; avoid all-plastic kits on two-piece toilets. Wax rings: Extra-thick rings for flange below finished floor; waxless for tile over tile scenarios.
Prices: $6–$30 per component. Time: 20–60 minutes. Pro tip: If your flapper fails in under a year, check chlorine levels—use chlorine-resistant red flappers. And if you’ve got rocking, you’ve got a flange problem, not a wax problem; use closet shims and secure properly.
We carry OEM Toto, Kohler, and American Standard parts so you’re not guessing. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for the right, brand-matched components.
Water Heater Maintenance and Minor Repairs: Safe, Smart, Code-Compliant
You don’t need to replace a perfectly good water heater when a $15 part will do. Keep these items close:
- Thermocouple/thermopile kits: Honeywell Q340A for standing pilot thermocouples; check your gas valve spec first. Dielectric nipples: Prevent galvanic corrosion at the tank. T&P valve: 3/4" set at 150 psi/210°F—replace if it weeps under normal pressure. Anode rod: Magnesium or aluminum; replace every 3–5 years in hard water regions. Expansion tank: Amtrol ST-5 for typical homes; pre-charge to house pressure.
Install time: 30–90 minutes for minor parts; 2–3 hours for tank replacement. Code notes: In our area, seismic strapping, drain pan, and vacuum relief may be required. Call us for region-specific guidance—we serve contractors throughout the metro and surrounding counties with same-day delivery.
Safety tip: If you smell gas or see soot around the draft hood, stop and call a pro. We’ll connect you with a qualified installer and supply every part to get you back online fast. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support on water heater diagnostics.
Faucets, Cartridges, and Shower Valves: Don’t Mix and Match
Nothing burns time like a mystery valve. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Identify brand/model: Moen (1222/1225 cartridges), Delta (RP46074 for Monitor), Kohler (GP800820 mixing valve). Snap a photo of the trim and stem; we’ll ID it. Use OEM cartridges: Generic substitutes can change flow or temperature limits and void warranties. Pressure-balancing vs. thermostatic: PB is common and code-required for scald protection; thermostatic offers finer control. Know your valve before you buy trim. Silicone grease: Super Lube for o-rings. Don’t use petroleum jelly—it swells rubber. Rebuild kits: Stems, seats, and springs for Delta 1300/1400 series, Moen single-handle kits, and older Price Pfister stem sets.
Pro tip: If your shower swings hot-cold-hot, you likely have mineral buildup or a failed balancing spool—pull and clean before replacing. And always set the scald limit stop to 120°F max for safety.
This is where our relationships matter—through our exclusive partnerships we get you factory-correct kits quickly. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Moen, Delta, Kohler, Grohe, and Toto—ready when you are.
Sealants, Tapes, and Specialty Consumables: The Silent Heroes
The right sealant prevents callbacks:
- PTFE tape: Blue Monster for water; yellow for gas. Wrap 3–5 turns, right-hand direction. Paste sealants: RectorSeal T Plus 2 or Megaloc for metal threads. For fuel gas, use RectorSeal #5 or approved gas-rated compound. Silicone: 100% RTV for wet areas; color-match when trim is exposed. Pipe dope vs. tape: On large NPT threads (2" and above), use both—tape first, dope over. Anti-seize: For stainless-to-stainless fasteners and high-heat applications.
Insider tip: Don’t use thread tape on flare fittings—ever. That’s a metal-to-metal seal. Need clarity? Call our tech team; we’ll confirm the right sealant for the job.
Emergency Repair Stock: Be Ready at 10 PM
When a line pops, time matters. Keep a small emergency bin:
- Push-to-connect couplings: SharkBite 1/2" and 3/4". Lifesavers for burst lines. Pipe freeze kit or compression stop: Temporary shutoffs for split lines. Hose caps and washing machine valve caps: Stop leaks fast. JB WaterWeld epoxy putty: Temporary patch on pinhole leaks. Spare angle stops and supply lines: The usual suspects.
We offer a 24 hour plumbing supply pickup option for contractor accounts and emergency runs—call ahead. Compared to Ferguson, White Cap, Ace Hardware, and Menards, Plumbing Supply And More delivers faster with real expertise on the line.
Where to Buy: Why Pro-Grade Supply Matters
I’ve been inside plenty of supply counters. Some stock only what moves fast. We made a different choice. Our shelves carry the stuff pros actually ask for because it survives hard use.
- Looking for a plumbing supply store or a plumbing supply house near me with same-day delivery? We cover a 60-mile radius with two cutoffs per day. Prefer to order from a plumbing supply online catalog? Our live inventory makes it easy—no guesswork. Need a specialized part from a commercial plumbing supply or contractor plumbing supply counter? We’ll source it same-day when possible. Shopping for discount plumbing supplies without sacrificing quality? We beat national chains on equivalent SKUs with our contractor program.
And yes, we’re the closest plumbing supply with actual plumbers at the counter. If you’re searching for a local plumbing supply, a plumbing supply store near me, or a general plumbing supply that won’t sell you the wrong part, stop in. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference.
Bold but true: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. And if you’ve been burned by backorders at SupplyHouse.com, remember— When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More.
Brands, Specs, and Real-World Compatibility: What We Trust
Some names just work:
- Water heaters: Bradford White and Rheem. We stock anodes, T&P valves, and OEM gas controls. Faucets/valves: Moen, Delta, Kohler, Grohe, Chicago Faucets for commercial. PEX: Uponor/Wirsbo, SharkBite for transitions, Viega for crimp. Drains/vents: Oatey solvent cements, Sioux Chief hangers, Mission couplings. Toilets: Toto Drake and Ultramax—parts are consistent, performance is repeatable.
If you need spec sheets for permit packages or property management records, ask. Our contractor accounts receive digital spec bundles with each order.
And for those seeking specific segments, our counters handle:
- wholesale plumbing supply, plumbing wholesale near me, and wholesale plumbing supply company orders with bulk discounts. plumbing and heating supply and heating plumbing supply near me for hydronic and boiler work. decorative plumbing supply for designer fixtures and finishes. economy plumbing supply and cheap plumbing supplies that still meet code—no junk. plumbing supplies direct, internet plumbing supply, and direct plumbing supplies options for remote purchasing. Specialty support for plumbers supply co, coastal plumbing supply, city plumbing and electrical supply, economy plumbing and heating supply, contractors plumbing and fire supply, and more—if you’ve seen it, we’ve likely stocked it.
Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. We’ll match model numbers and verify compatibility before you buy.
Local Code Notes and Service Area: We Keep You Compliant
In our area, professional plumbers choose us because we know the local code book, not just the catalog:
- Anti-scald protection is required on tub/shower valves—pressure balancing or thermostatic. Expansion tanks are required on closed systems when check valves are present. Vacuum breakers on hose bibbs are standard; frost-free sillcocks must pitch toward the exterior. Dielectric unions are mandatory at water heater connections in mixed-metal systems.
We support property managers and maintenance teams across the region with same-day delivery, emergency supply services, and account-based purchasing. If you need the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, we’re your partner. Check our current inventory online or call ahead.
Five-Item Mini-Checklist to Keep at Home Year-Round
- 2x braided supply lines (toilet and faucet) 1/4-turn angle stop valves (2 each: 3/8" compression x 1/2" and 3/8" x 3/8") Fluidmaster 400A fill valve SharkBite 1/2" and 3/4" couplings Blue Monster PTFE tape and RectorSeal T Plus 2
Our experts can walk you through the installation process—no guesswork.
FAQ: Quick Answers from the Counter
Q: What’s the difference between push-to-connect and crimp PEX for long-term use? A: Push-to-connect (like SharkBite) is excellent for emergency repairs and tight spaces. For long-term distribution lines, I prefer expansion (Uponor) or crimp (Viega) with ASTM-compliant fittings for cost efficiency and robust joints. Use push fittings where future serviceability matters or copper stubs limit access.
Q: Should I use plumber’s putty or silicone under a sink flange? A: For metal sink strainers, plumber’s putty seals well and stays workable. For stone or composite tops, use 100% silicone to avoid staining and get a more durable bond. On bath waste and overflow trim, I favor silicone for vibration resistance.
Q: My toilet rocks—will a thicker wax ring fix it? A: No. Rocking means the flange isn’t supporting the bowl. Use closet shims to stabilize, secure with proper bolts, and then set the ring. If the flange is below floor level, add a flange extender and use an extra-thick wax or waxless ring.
Q: Can I mix galvanized and copper on a repair? A: Yes—but never directly. Use a brass nipple or a dielectric union between dissimilar metals to avoid galvanic corrosion. For transitions to PEX, use a brass adapter rated for potable water.
Q: What’s the safe maximum temperature for shower valves? A: Set the limit stop to deliver 120°F max at the outlet. It’s a standard scald-prevention setting and typically required by local code. If you’re unsure, bring in your valve trim details and we’ll guide you.
Q: Do I need an expansion tank on my water heater? A: If your system is “closed” (check valve or pressure-reducing valve without bypass), yes—an expansion tank prevents pressure spikes. Size it based on water heater capacity and house pressure; Amtrol ST-5 suits most homes.
Why Pros and DIYers Choose Us
I don’t hide my bias—I built Plumbing Supply And More to be the resource I wanted when I was a young tech racing the clock. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from top manufacturers, and we keep them in local inventory so you don’t lose time. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—spec sheets, install coaching, and real-world solutions from people who’ve done the work.
If you’re searching for the best plumbing supply, a dependable plumbing supply company, or a truly knowledgeable plumbing supply house, we’ve got your back—whether you’re a seasoned pro, a serious DIYer, a property manager, or a retail customer who simply wants parts that fit and work. Ask about our contractor discount program, same-day delivery, and bulk pricing. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference—or check our inventory and pricing online if you prefer to order via plumbing supplies direct.
Need help with your Essential Plumbing Supply Checklist for DIY Home Repairs? Call our technical team, tell us your fixture brand and project scope, and we’ll build a parts list tailored to your home—no wasted trips, no mismatched fittings. When it matters, trust the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge. That’s us: Plumbing Supply And More.