Time-Saving Tools When Working with Pipe Fittings & Connectors

Reading time: 5 minutes

Within your trade, you will free up time to complete more jobs whenever you find ways to reduce how long a task takes. This could help to increase your profits and allow your business to stand out from your local competitors as your positive reputation grows.

Make use of plastic pipe cement

Before you install any pipes and fittings onto a new plumbing system that you are setting up, you want to ensure these items are watertight.

Plastic pipe cement can help here, as the material is designed to safeguard the joining sections of the pipework. This means water will be less likely to pass outside of a plumbing system’s joining areas when flowing, as well as the pipes being at a reduced risk of slipping apart.

As plastic pipe cement is a solvent though, make sure you are in a ventilated area when using it as part of your next plumbing job. Any pipes being worked on also need to be clean and clear of any debris and grease. 

These five steps provide guidance on using plastic pipe cement, but always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions too:

1. Apply the cement to the outside of a pipe initially, before repeating this application on the inside of the fitting.
 

2. Place the pipe and the fitting together.
 

3. Keep the two elements held in place for at least ten seconds when working on a small pipe or a minimum of 30 seconds for a larger pipe.
 

4. Let go of the two parts to check the cement has set (repeat step three for a longer period if the parts slip apart when released).
 

5. Once the parts are securely in place, use a cloth to wipe away any cement that is visible on the outside of the pipe.

Have a set of pipe cutters in your toolbox too

A set of pipe cutters is another item that you should never head to a plumbing job without.

This equipment can make quick and easy work of any instance when you need to adjust the size of any piping or tubing that you are working with, whether the material is made from copper, steel or uPVC.

Thanks to their handheld size as well, you should have no problem fitting them into your toolkit. It is because of this small size that pipe cutters are also very handy when you need to complete a plumbing job in a confined space.

Sometimes referred to as a pipe slicer, here are a few steps to follow to ensure you always cut the piping you need without the items being left with rough or crooked ends:

1. Use a pencil to mark the line that you want the piping length to be.
 

2. Align your pipe cutter up with that marked line, making sure you have the tool aligned at the right angle.
 

3. Place pressure on the pipe cutter and rotate the tool around the pipe until it has completely cut through.
 

4. Smooth out the edges of the pipe to ensure there are no sharp parts exposed from the cut.

Use push-fit fittings when possible

You can save so much more time on a plumbing job if the task allows you to use push-fit fittings.

This type of pipe fitting is designed so that the equipment can simply push onto a pipe and then be locked quickly into place. It is a procedure that will see you not needing to reach for any specialist tools to complete the work.

You will not even need to use sealing applications for the job, as push-fit fittings have their own internal seals for establishing a leak-proof connection in a plumbing system.

Just make sure to note that push-fit fittings are not designed to work effectively on high-pressure plumbing applications. For these types of tasks, check out our guide to choosing the correct type of pipe fittings every time so that you always use the right equipment.

Additional equipment you need to complete your time-saving plumbing toolkit

Your essential time-saving plumbing toolkit will be complete and ready for you to easily tackle any task that comes your way as a plumber if you also ensure these five essential pieces of equipment are packed into it:

• Adjustable wrench – Avoid the need to carry multiple tools, as an adjustable wrench can be used on a variety of different-sized pipes and an array of applications and plumbing fixtures.
   

• Cordless tool charger – A handy accessory to use when travelling between jobs so that you never need to worry about your plumbing power tools not working part way through a task.
   

• PTFE tape – Ideal for quickly creating a seal on threaded pipe joints, preventing leaks in gas, water and air lines.
   

• Soldering torch – Great for soldering, brazing or welding any metal pipework on a plumbing system quickly and without any hassle.
   

• Soldering mat – Laying this down when you need to use a naked flame around plumbing pipework will help you avoid additional work by protecting the likes of walls, floors and skirting boards from being burnt and damaged.

After more advice to improve your plumbing skills and work in the trade? Read through more of our latest ideas and how-to guides in this area within our excellent Trade Corner hub to become inspired about how to approach your next project.