Starter Plumbing Tool Kit for Faucet & Toilet Fixes (10 Tools You’ll Actually Use)

If you’ve ever stood under your sink or stared into your toilet tank thinking, “I know this is fixable… but with what?” this guide is for you.

Instead of buying random tools each time something breaks, you can build a small, focused plumbing tool kit that covers most faucet and toilet repairs you’ll run into.

Below are 10 plumber-approved tools that Jaz McBean recommends for typical DIY fixes around sinks and toilets—and when you’ll actually reach for each one.

This guide is all about your core plumbing toolkit—the tools you’ll reach for again and again when you’re fixing leaky faucets, running toilets, and other everyday plumbing issues. Think of it as your baseline setup. If you’re looking for budget-friendly picks instead, check out our Plumber-Approved Tools Under $25.

1. 8–10" Adjustable Wrench

If you only buy one plumbing tool, make it this.

• What it does: Tightens and loosens nuts on faucet connections, shutoff valves, and some supply lines.
• Where you’ll use it: removing or tightening faucet nuts, adjusting compression fittings under sinks, snugging up toilet supply line connections.

2. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

These are your “grip anything” pliers.

• What it does: Grabs and turns irregular shapes—like shutoff valves, slip nuts, and stubborn parts.
• Where you’ll use it: loosening old PVC slip nuts on traps, holding one fitting while you turn another with a wrench, gripping stubborn faucet or toilet nuts.

Use them when you need extra leverage and a solid grip on something larger than a standard wrench can handle.

3. Basin Wrench

This is the tool most homeowners skip… until they try to change a faucet.

• What it does: Reaches up behind the sink basin to loosen or tighten the faucet mounting nuts you can’t get to with anything else.
• Where you’ll use it: swapping out a kitchen or bathroom faucet, tightening a loose faucet from underneath.

If your faucet is wobbly or you’re installing a new one, a basin wrench can turn a frustrating job into a simple one.

4. Small Bucket or Pan

Not glamorous—but essential.

• What it does: Catches leftover water when you disconnect supply lines or drain traps.
• Where you’ll use it: under sink traps when you remove them, under toilet or faucet supply lines when you loosen connections.

5. PTFE Thread Seal Tape

Also called “Teflon tape,” this is used on threaded connections to help prevent leaks.

• What it does: Fills tiny gaps in threaded metal connections so water can’t sneak through.
• Where you’ll use it: shower arm connections, threaded faucet and toilet supply fittings (when the manufacturer recommends it).

Wrap in the same direction the fitting will turn so the tape doesn’t bunch up.

6. Pipe Joint Compound (Pipe Dope)

Think of this as PTFE tape’s partner.

• What it does: Creates a watertight seal on threads, especially where tape alone might not be enough.
• Where you’ll use it: metal-to-metal threaded connections and some tricky joints that see movement or vibration.

Use either tape or tape plus compound where recommended—don’t slather it on everything. Always follow manufacturer instructions.

7. Utility Knife with Sharp Blades

You’ll use this more than you think.

• What it does: Cuts old caulk, tape, small tubing, and packaging.
• Where you’ll use it: cutting away old caulk around faucets or sink edges, trimming PTFE tape neatly, opening packaging safely.

Always retract the blade when you set it down. Plumbing work gets slippery.

8. Compact Flashlight or Headlamp

Seeing clearly is half the battle.

• What it does: Lights up dark cabinets, behind toilets, and tight spaces under sinks.
• Where you’ll use it: under-sink inspections, checking for slow drips after you turn the water back on, looking into toilet tanks and overflow tubes.

Jaz prefers a small headlamp—you can keep both hands free for tools.

9. Pair of Work Gloves

Protect your hands from sharp edges and grime.

• What it does: Keeps skin away from jagged metal, mineral buildup, and old gunk.
• Where you’ll use it: under-sink work, handling old traps or rusty parts.

You don’t need anything fancy—just something that fits well and lets you grip tools securely.

10. Old Toothbrush or Small Nylon Brush

Your secret weapon for clean, functional parts.

• What it does: Scrubs mineral deposits and debris from small parts.
• Where you’ll use it: cleaning aerators on faucets, brushing grime off toilet parts during troubleshooting, cleaning threads before reassembly.

Sometimes the fix is just “clean this part and reinstall it.”