I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, 25+ years in the trenches on residential rough-ins, high-rise change-outs, boiler rooms, and everything in between. These are the 10 tools I refuse to leave the shop without—because jobs don’t get done with “almost right.” They get done with the right tools, sourced from a knowledgeable partner who stands behind what they sell. That’s why I built “Rick’s Picks” at Plumbing Supply And More—tools I personally specify, use, and trust on real jobs. When you’re deciding where to buy, remember this: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we’ll tell you exactly why each pick earns its place.
Whether you’re a contractor managing a 40-unit repipe, a property manager stuck with 2am no-heat calls, or a dedicated homeowner who wants pro results, your Supply House matters. Search “ plumbing supply near me” and you’ll get a dozen results. But which one will have the Milwaukee M18 Force Logic in stock Monday morning? Which one will deliver an RPZ backflow tester calibration sheet by noon? In our area, professional plumbers choose the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, and that’s Plumbing Supply And More—serving contractors throughout the region with same-day delivery within 50 miles and emergency counter service.
Below are the 10 tools that separate pros from pretenders—and the exact models and specs I recommend.
1) Pro Press Tool: Speed Without Leaks
If you’re still sweating every copper joint on multi-unit jobs, you’re losing time and profit. Press technology changed the game years ago, and it’s only gotten better.
- My pick: RIDGID RP 241 or RP 350 with ProPress jaw set 1/2"–2". For MegaPress (black iron/steel gas), add the Viega-compatible jaws. Why it’s in the bag: Zero flame, less rework, and dramatically faster rough-ins. On a boiler room re-pipe last winter, we cut a two-day timeline to one long shift. No hot work permit headaches. Safer in tight basements. Specs to know: Max press sizes vary—RP 241 handles 1 1/4" copper; RP 350 takes you to 2" and runs cooler with brushless motor tech. Price range: $1,999–$3,799 depending on kit. Jaws are typically $250–$600 each. Pro tip: Keep calibration current. We handle loaners for contractors while their tools are serviced—ask about our contractor program.
When Home Depot or Lowe’s can’t get you jaws by Friday, When Home Depot and Lowe's fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. We stock complete kits and the Viega fittings you’ll actually need.
2) Cordless PEX Expansion and Crimp Systems: Fast, Clean, Code-Compliant
PEX is king for repipes and new builds. But the right tool matters.
- Expansion pick: Milwaukee M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander (2632-22), compatible with Uponor/Wirsbo ASTM F1960. From 3/8" to 1". Crimp pick: RIDGID 320-E or Milwaukee M12/M18 Crimpers for ASTM F1807. When to choose which: Expansion gives full-bore flow and forgiving assembly in cold weather; crimp is cost-effective and easy to train new techs. Price range: $489–$1,299 for expansion; $249–$1,099 for crimp systems. Pro tip: Keep a tube warmer on the truck for winter expansion work—less split risk.
We stock full PEX systems and rings for both standards—proven brands like Uponor, Sioux Chief, and Viega. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll ensure your fittings, rings, and manifolds match your PEX type and local code.
3) Drain Cleaning Arsenal: From Lav to Mainline
I’ve seen more damage from wrong-size drain machines than from stubborn hair clogs. Pick the right machine for the job.
- Handheld/Intermediate: Milwaukee M18 FUEL SWITCH PACK Drum System with 5/16"–3/8" cable for 1-1/4" to 3" lines. Heavy mainlines: RIDGID K-7500 Drum or K-6200 Sectional for 3"–6" sewer mains. Sink/soft clogs: General Pipe Cleaners Super-Vee with Flexicore cables—light, reliable, repairable. Price range: $279–$3,199 depending on machine class. Pro tip: Keep a Kinetic Water Ram (General Pipe Cleaners) for delicate traps—no cable damage to chrome or porcelain.
Compared to big box inventory, Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—including cables, heads, and safety clutches. And yes, we carry gloves that won’t shred on first use.
4) Pressurized Test Equipment: Find Leaks Before Drywall Closes
Pressure testing saves callbacks—and your reputation.
- Water/air testing: RIDGID Model 1450 Pressure Test Pump (up to 725 PSI for hydronic/solar; always test to code). Gas detection: Testo 317-1 Gas Leak Detector and UEi CD100A for pinpointing. Backflow/RPZ: Mid-West Instrument 845-5 test kit—durable, reliable, with readable gauges. Price range: $119–$1,799 depending on kit. Code check: Local jurisdictions typically require water testing at 100 PSI for 15 minutes on new domestic water lines; gas lines vary—often 10 PSI for 15 minutes on low-pressure systems. Always verify with your AHJ.
We provide calibration certificates with our backflow kits—ask our counter about our annual service schedule. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—including help filling out test reports.
5) Quality Torch and Soldering Setup: When Sweat Joints Are Still King
You still need a proper torch for repairs, retrofits, and tight spaces.
- My setup: TurboTorch X-3B kit with acetylene B-tank; swap tips for size and heat control. For portable work, Bernzomatic BZ8250HT with MAP-Pro. Consumables: Harris Stay-Brite 8 (lead-free) for specialty, Silvabrite 100 for potable lines; water-soluble flux that won’t gunk valves. Price range: $79–$799 based on setup. Pro tip: Keep a heat-block putty and flame shield. On a 1920s two-flat we preserved the lath and didn’t toast the homeowner’s plaster—worth the extra minute.
We carry real-deal flux and solder, not bargain-bin blends that pit brass. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll match flux, solder, and pipe alloy with you at the counter.
6) Laser Distance, Inspection, and Documentation: Get Paid for Accuracy
If you can measure, inspect, and prove it, you’ll close change orders without argument.
- Distance/area: Bosch GLM400C Bluetooth Laser—accurate to ±1/16", with app export for takeoffs. Inspection cameras: RIDGID SeeSnake microReel with CS6x VERSA monitor for 1-1/2" to 4" lines; Milwaukee M18 Pipeline Inspection with 100' reel for versatility. Thermal: FLIR C5 or FLIR One Pro—great for detecting radiant leaks and slab issues. Price range: $199–$6,999 depending on scope. Pro tip: Document pre-existing drain issues before you touch anything. Saved a facility manager $20k in blame-shifting last spring.
We’ll help spec the right reel length based on your typical calls—multifamily vs. restaurants vs. residential. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—including file management tips so your photos and videos win disputes.
7) Threading, Cutting, and Grooving: Steel Still Pays the Bills
Commercial boiler rooms and fire risers still demand steel.
- Threading: RIDGID 300 Compact or 535A with die heads for 1/2"–2" NPT. Use R, SS, or alloy dies depending on pipe. Grooving: RIDGID 915 Roll Groover for 1-1/4"–6" with Victaulic-compatible couplings. Cutting: Milwaukee Deep Cut Bandsaw (2729-20) and RIDGID 2-A/Wheel for hand cuts. Price range: $299–$5,999 for full kits. Pro tip: Replace dies more often than you think—bad dies shred threads and cause leaks. Keep Ridgid Thread Cutting Oil on hand; cheaper oils burn and varnish.
We keep replacement dies on the shelf—no four-day waits. When Home Depot and Lowe's fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for immediate parts and guidance on threading quality control.
8) Water Quality and Filtration Tools: Diagnose Before You Promise
Don’t recommend softeners or filters blind—test first.
- Testing: Hach 5-in-1 test strips; HM Digital TDS-EZ meter; Milwaukee Instruments pH600. Service tools: Resin media funnel, bypass puller, o-ring kits, and silicone grease for softener heads (Fleck 5600, Clack WS1). Install accessories: SharkBite ball valves or full-port press valves, union sets, bypass kits. Price range: $10–$399. Pro tip: Photograph TDS before and after. You’ll build trust and sell the right equipment—not guesswork.
We stock Fleck/Clack heads and media, and we’ll help you size for grain capacity and service flow rates. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that won’t stall at 2am regeneration.
9) Smart Leak Detection and Shutoff: Protect Property, Prevent Claims
IoT isn’t fluff when it psam saves a 30-unit building from a supply-line blowout.
- Whole-home shutoff: Resideo Braukmann L5 or Moen Flo 3/4"–1-1/4" with app monitoring. Sensors: Honeywell Resideo WiFi Leak Sensors near water heaters, laundry, under sinks. Commercial: Alarm contacts for BMS tie-ins—ask us about dry contact integrations. Price range: $149–$899 depending on size and features. Pro tip: Use press or union installs to service in minutes. We keep replacement power supplies and valve motors on the shelf.
We guide property managers through device placement and notification setup. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll walk your maintenance team through commissioning.
10) The Everyday Heroes: Meters, Valves, and Specialty Hand Tools
The small stuff that keeps you fast, safe, and code-compliant.
- Multimeter/clamp meter: Fluke 325 for boiler rooms and pump circuits—accurate and tough. Adjustable basin wrench: RIDGID 31175—reach where human hands don’t. Anti-vibration pump pliers: Knipex 87 01 250—grip without rounding chrome. Valve tools: Jones Stephens curb keys; Reed RDC series for 1/2"–2" copper cutters. Safety: N95 masks, splash shield, nitrile, and cut-resistant gloves.
Price range: $19–$399. Pro tip: Two basin wrenches on a vanity install cut your time in half. I wish I learned that in year one.
And if you need it at midnight, Our 24 hour plumbing supply access and emergency counter services can keep you moving—ask about account setup and after-hours procedures.
Where to Source These Tools—And Why It Matters
Here’s the difference between a true plumbing supply house and a hardware aisle: inventory depth, technical brains at the counter, and the right relationships with manufacturers. We carry what pros actually use because we’re on job sites too. You’ll find us when you search for a plumbing supply store, plumbing supply store near me, or plumbing shop near me, but the experience is the difference.
- Brands we partner with: RIDGID, Milwaukee, Viega, Uponor, Chicago Faucets, T&S Brass, Watts/Mid-West, Hach, Resideo, Moen Commercial, Victaulic. Services: Same-day delivery within 50 miles; emergency supply; jobsite kitting; calibration assistance; spec sheets for submittals; code-compliant product selection for our local jurisdictions.
And yes, we beat big box prices on pro-grade packages. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components with the support to back them. Name a competitor—Ferguson, Grainger, Home Depot Pro, Lowe’s, SupplyHouse.com—we compete by being faster, smarter, and more stocked. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise you can hear in five minutes at our counter.
Searching “ plumbing supply house near me” or “ closest plumbing supply”? Stop in. We’re the local plumbing supply that actually solves problems.
Who We Serve (And How We Make Your Day Easier)
- Professional Contractors & Plumbers: Bulk pricing, pro accounts, submittals, and takeoff support. Ask about our delivery windows for downtown cores and suburban sites. We provide spec sheets and code guidance for domestic water, hydronic, and gas. Serious DIY Homeowners: We’ll match your fittings, explain press vs. sweat vs. PEX, and help you avoid rework. Bring photos and measurements; we’ll set you up with the right kit. Property Managers & Maintenance Teams: Stock standardization plans for your buildings. Seasonal prep bundles: backflow test kits, boiler relief valves, and glycol service tools. Retail Customers: Need a wax ring that won’t fail? A faucet cartridge that actually fits? We’ve got you. No guesswork—real advice, right parts, better results.
And if you’re searching online—“ plumbing supply online,” “ internet plumbing supply,” or “ plumbing supplies direct”—check our inventory, then call. We’ll confirm compatibility before you click “buy.” We also stock value lines for budget-sensitive jobs: look for our curated “ discount plumbing supplies,” “ cheap plumbing supplies,” and “ economy plumbing supply” options that still meet code. For upscale projects, our decorative plumbing supply section includes premium trim and bathroom plumbing supplies your clients will love.
You’ll also see us referenced in categories like general plumbing supply, commercial plumbing supply, wholesale plumbing supply, plumbing wholesale near me, wholesale plumbing supply company, consumer plumbing supply, coastal plumbing supply, city plumbing and electrical supply, economy plumbing and heating supply, contractors plumbing and fire supply, direct plumbing supplies, plumbing supplies supply, and even plumbing and heating supply. However you search, you’ll find us—and more importantly, you’ll find answers.
FAQ: Quick Answers from the Bench
- What’s the single best upgrade for a busy service plumber? A press tool kit. Between copper press and MegaPress, you’ll cut repair times by 30–50%. We recommend the RIDGID RP 350 with a 1/2"–2" jaw set. We can demo it at our counter—stop by the plumbing supply house and ask for Rick’s Picks. Can I use expansion PEX for everything? Not everything. Expansion (F1960) is excellent for domestic water, but check your local code for recirculation lines and max temperature. For radiant or mechanical rooms, we’ll help choose oxygen-barrier PEX and properly rated fittings. What drain machine should I buy first? Start with a handheld like the Super-Vee for small lines and step up to an M18 SWITCH PACK or RIDGID K-400. If you service restaurants or multifamily, budget for a mainline machine sooner than later. Do you offer after-hours or emergency pickup? Yes. We provide a structured after-hours solution for account holders—perfect if you need a 24 hour plumbing supply option for emergencies. Call ahead to coordinate. Are your prices competitive with online-only sellers? Yes—and we add real support. When Home Depot and Lowe's fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More, and when SupplyHouse.com can’t guide you on a code nuance, we can. We’ll often match or beat packaged prices, and we save you costly mistakes. Can you deliver to job sites and provide technical help onsite? We deliver within a 50-mile radius same-day on stocked items and provide phone support to your lead tech. For larger projects, ask about coordinated drops by phase.
Final Word from Rick
Tools make or break timelines. The right ProPress jaw or camera reel means profit; the wrong solder or die head means callbacks. I’ve built “Top 10 Must-Have Tools from Your Local Plumbing Supply House” around real jobs and real fixes, not catalog fluff. If you’re searching for the “ best plumbing supply,” “ plumbing supply company,” or “ contractor plumbing supply,” come see us. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, we train you on them, and we keep you working.
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program and bulk pricing. Check our current inventory online or call ahead for pickup. Our experts can walk you through the installation process—press, PEX, gas, hydronic, backflow, you name it.
You’ve got jobs to finish. We’ve got the tools—and the know-how—to help you finish them right.