Plumbing Tools

Equipping your toolkit with dedicated plumbing hand tools saves time and prevents costly mistakes on site or at home. From preparation to final assembly, having reliable equipment allows you to make clean, accurate cuts, achieve precise angles and create secure, leak-free joints across various pipe materials. 

The right gear also makes working in tight, hard-to-reach spaces significantly easier. High-grip hand tools and versatile power tool accessories help you tackle tricky installations behind fixtures or under floorboards with confidence. If you’re running new pipework, unblocking drains, or fixing leaky taps, Wickes supplies trade-tested reliability for every project. 

FAQs

What are the essential plumbing hand tools for basic repairs?

The following tools would be useful to have in your plumbing kit:

• Adjustable wrench
• Water pump pliers
• Copper pipe cutter
• PTFE tape
• Basin wrench for sink installations 

What tools for fixing leaky pipes?

For minor joint leaks, adjustable wrenches or water pump pliers are great for tightening compression nuts, paired with PTFE tape to seal threads. For active pipe bursts or emergency fixes, a temporary pipe repair clamp/wrap or a pipe freezing kit allows you to isolate or stop water flow while replacing the damaged section.

What drain cleaning tools do I need for a blocked sink or pipe?

For simple surface clogs in sinks or toilets, a standard rubber plunger or pump-action drain blaster usually does the job. See our guide on How to Unblock a Toilet. For deeper blockages further down waste pipes, a flexible coil drain cleaner or drain rod kit lets you clear debris without using harsh chemicals. 

How to use a drain unblocker coil

1. Feed it in by gently pushing the flexible cable down the drain, twisting it to manoeuvre around bends and pipe turns.

2. Once you hit resistance, hook or break the blockage by rotating the handle. The spiral hook on the end will either grab the clog so you can pull it out, or break it up. 

3. Pull the coil out, clear off any debris, and run hot water down the drain to flush away any remains.

Does Wickes sell drain cleaner?

Yes, at Wickes we sell a range of drain cleaners available to help you solve drain blockages efficiently and effectively.