4 New and Improved Plumbing Tools and Methods to Be Aware Of

The industry is always coming out with new and improved plumbing tools and more advanced plumbing methods to help plumbers work more efficiently. Sure, the classic pipe wrench will always be a favorite, but a lot of the new innovations in plumbing are allowing everyone from independent plumbers to regional plumbing companies to do a lot more in less time.

If you’re interested in learning about the latest tools and techniques, here’s our guide to the newer, more efficient plumbing tools and methods every plumber, DIY-er, and general contractor should be aware of.

Improved Pipe Cutting Tools

Plumbers do a lot of tube cutting to fit pipes together for installation work and to cut piping during repairs. So, manufacturers have come up with some excellent improvements on classic pipe cutting devices.

• Self-tightening imp cutter: For small copper and aluminum pipes, a lot of plumbing professionals are using these self-tightening cutters. Instead of having to tighten the device as you turn it, this pipe cutter self-tightens, making it easy to cut through small metal pipes quickly. Simply fit the device into a ratchet, tighten onto the pipe with the knob on the side, and then move the cutter around the pipe by cranking the ratchet lever. That’s it—you can achieve clean, perfect cuts in less than a minute!
• Pipe cutters with piston blades: Standard tube cutters use two rollers with a blade on top, which can make it tricky to fit the cutter on properly while cutting. With these newer cutters with a piston blade, it’s easier to clamp onto the tube tightly. A lot of plumbers feel they’re more convenient; just be careful as the device can wander out of place.

Electromagnetic Underground Pipe Locating Devices

This is one of our favorite innovations in plumbing—an easy-to-use tool with the ability to locate underground pipes with incredible accuracy. The newer pipe locating tools let you use passive locating. These pipe locators transmit an electromagnetic frequency through the metal pipes below the ground.

This means all you have to do to operate the device and locate underground piping is to hover it above the ground. The locator will automatically calculate the depth and verify the position with micro mapping.

Trenchless Piping

Trenchless piping has completely revolutionized the industry over the last few years by eliminating the need for traditional digging. Instead of having to tear through the ground to replace or repair broken pipes, plumbers can now reline the pipe with an epoxy saturated liner.

Once you let the epoxy cure, it hardens and forms a new pipe that will last for years. What’s amazing is, not only do you only need one entry point for a Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP), but the epoxy is flexible so it can maneuver through various fittings like wyes and 90-degree pieces. This allows you to deal with even complex underground repair work without destroying someone’s landscaping or flooring just to get underground. It’s less expensive and takes way less time to complete.

For short sections of pipes, plumbers with trenchless pipelining equipment can use a technique known as pipe bursting. With pipe bursting, you only need two access points to fix or repair a short section of sewer pipes.

Smart Pipes

An exciting innovation that’s just starting to take hold is the use of smart technologies in plumbing. Instead of installing pipes and waiting for the building owner to recognize signs of a leak or damage to the pipe, some plumbers are now embedding smart sensors in the pipework. These sensors can detect leaks early on, alerting home or business owners to a problem before it has the chance to cause damage.

Not only will smart pipes make early detection easier, benefiting the building owner, but they’re also great for plumbers. With the sensors, it’s easier to narrow down the exact location of a leak. Smart wireless sensor technology is one industry innovation we all should keep an eye on.

Staying Ahead of Plumbing Innovations

From better designs on classic plumbing tools to innovations in plumbing technology that are making it easier, faster, and far cheaper to complete necessary plumbing tasks, the industry has a lot going on. Knowing which tools are the easiest to use and what’s possible today can help professional plumbers and other contractors stay competitive. If you have any questions on what tools might be right for your plumbing needs, get in touch with us.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.