Just the Tip

If you’re a plumber, then you know how crucial it is to have the right tool on hand when you need it. The most effective way to ensure this is to turn your work vehicle into a mobile workshop, essentially carrying every tool, supply, and spare part you may need for all the types of jobs you regularly do.

Ensuring that your plumbing vehicle is equipped with the right equipment will ensure that you’re not only organized but ready to respond to a call out at a moment’s notice. We take a closer look at a few features you’ll need to create an effective mobile workshop.

Get Insured

Getting your plumbing vehicle insured is the first step in having a competitive edge over other plumbers. Before you even start setting up your mobile workshop, it’s essential to have the right mechanical breakdown insurance in the event of vehicle failure en route to a job.

A quick look and understanding of what is mechanical breakdown insurance will highlight that this type of coverage extends to everything from accidents to engine failures. It’s essential to choose the option best suited to your specific professional needs.

Add a Partition

If your plumbing vehicle doesn’t already have a partition that separates the diver’s cabin from the workspace, it’s essential to add one. This ensures anyone in the front of the vehicle isn’t injured by loose tools that may slide forward. Mesh screen partitions are an option to consider if you want to keep an eye on the back of the vehicle while driving.

Install Shelving

Shelving is essential for organizing your plumbing vehicle and an effective way to create as much storage space as possible. Since shelving can be customized to fit a range of different shapes and sizes, you’ll easily find the best shelves that suit your vehicle’s dimensions.

Adjustable shelves or folding options are also a good idea if you’re limited in space. Check for shelves that can accommodate hooks for any smaller items that may get lost if they’re not secured.

Include Floor Mats

While some may regard floor mats as unnecessary in a work van, adding a mat in the section where you work, or store components will reduce the dirt and debris accumulating there. They not only provide a non-slip surface to work but also reduce the cleaning needed and prevent damage to the floor. Rubber options are a good choice here.

Add Cabinets and Bins

A cabinet is an effective way to store all the smaller, loose tools that you may need, such as TwinGrip pliers and screwdrivers. Bins are ideal for storing small plumbing components and spare parts needed for basic repairs and replacements. Having the parts on hand means there are no unnecessary delays because you need to leave the job to find the necessary components.

Use the shelves, bins, and cabinets to organize the tools you use most frequently. The more organized you are, the easier and quicker the job can get done. If you have an assistant who also uses the tools, consider labeling the drawers and cabinets to ensure that everything stays organized.

Some examples may include “cleaning supplies” or “repairing tools”. It’s also a good idea to add latches to all the drawers and doors on your cabinets, as this will keep them from sliding open.

Opt for a Van Rack

Depending on the type of plumber you are and the types of jobs you do, the interior of your vehicle may not be big enough for ladders and longer components. The top of your vehicle may be better suited for securing ladders and long pipes. To achieve this, consider adding a van rack or conduit carrier to keep items secure.

Consider Ready-to-Fit Van Packages

If you’re not sure how you’re going to fit everything into your vehicle, consider opting for a van package. These are shelving solutions specially designed for storing plumbing equipment in the back of a van. Typically, these packages consist of the following:

• Partition
• Shelving
• Cabinets
• Storage hooks

While these packages are a good idea, they may contain aspects that you don’t need or it may be a struggle to get them to fit if you have other shelves already in the vehicle. You may need to check with more than one supplier for the option that works most effectively for your vehicle dimensions.

Wrapping Up

Whether you work for a contracting company or you have your own plumbing business, having a fully stocked plumbing vehicle is crucial. You will not only look more professional and reliable but will also get the job done quickly because you have what you need available when you need it. In a profession where time is money, this makes the most economic sense.

RefrigiWear, a 70-year pioneer in safety apparel and insulated PPE for winter workers, now delivers two high-visibility versions of its best-selling insulated softshell bib overalls.

Available in high-visibility lime or high-visibility orange, the HiVis Insulated Softshell Bib Overalls are perfect for plumbers, pipefitters, tower climbers and road construction workers who need to stay warm and visbile in cold, wet weather.

Ready for Rough Weather

HiVis Insulated Softshell Bib Overalls from RefrigiWear give workers the protection they need to get the toughest jobs done, even in temperatures as cold as -20°F. With a wind-tight and water-repellent outershell to guard against rain, sleet, snow and icy winds, these bibs help workers stay warm, dry and focused on the job.

Working through rough weather requires outerwear tough enough to take on the cold without falling apart. Abrasion-resistant patches and reinforcements help these insulated overalls stand up to tough work, especially when the job requires kneeling, squatting or climbing. Two rows of durable silver reflective tape are bonded, not stitched, on the legs to avoid snagging on equipment or unraveling with long use.

Warm, Comfortable & Functional

When the wind chill falls below freezing, most folks would rather head for home. For those who must stay and face the freeze, HiVis Insulated Softshell Bib Overalls deliver over 400 grams of lightweight, synthetic insulation. Plus, a silver heat-reflecting lining traps escaping body heat and reflects it back to the wearer for extra warmth and comfort.

Adjustable Y-back suspenders provide higher coverage for the back and torso. This design protects the vulnerable organs in the core from the cold without limiting range of motion in the shoulders, so workers can swing hammers, lift lumber or simply stretch their arms in complete comfort. Above-knee leg zippers make it quick and easy to step in or out of these overalls, so there’s no need to waste time removing boots when workers need to warm up or cool down quickly.

Safety Standards for Visibility

The high-visibility outershell materials and reflective silver tape on these bibs meet American and Canadian standards for safety on hazardous job sites. Both the high-visibility lime and high-visibility orange styles meet ANSI/ISA 107-2020 Class E and CSA Z96 Class 2, Level 2 standards.

Available in Extended Men’s Sizes

Available in extended men’s sizes from small to 5XL, HiVis Insulated Softshell Bib Overalls protect workers from cold, wet and windy conditions without compromising warmth, visibility or range of motion.

Complete Protection from Cold, Wet Winter Weather

When temperatures are freezing and falling fast, the secret to staying safe on the job is staying warm and staying visible. HiVis Insulated Softshell Bib Overalls coordinate perfectly with other garments, gloves and waterproof work boots from RefrigiWear, including the HiVis Insulated Softshell Jacket and several insulated hoodies and thermal sweatshirts in high-visibility colors.

Learn more about outfitting your team with weather-ready, high-visibility outerwear at pro.refrigiwear.com.

J’s One Stop Plumbing wanted a reliable push-to-connect fitting solution for a new-build project in Long Beach, CA.

They had used Uponor PEX-a pipe and ProPEX® expansion fittings on previous projects and experienced the quality of the brand firsthand. They knew using Uponor products provided longer service life and better system performance on residential new construction and wanted to use TotalFit™ for their new project to help get the job done faster and easier.

With its patent-pending design for secure connections and a 25-year limited warranty, TotalFit also provided J’s One Stop Plumbing with peace of mind that the Uponor products they were using on their project were designed and manufactured to last.

J’s also appreciated the versatility of TotalFit when transitioning between different types of piping. Since TotalFit is approved for use with PEX, PE-RT, CPVC, and copper, it provided easier transitions to Uponor PEX-a and eliminated the need for torches, solvents, and expensive tools, saving installation time and lowering construction costs.

Overall, J’s boosted their installation efficiency significantly, allowing them to maximize profitability with greater confidence.

Click here to learn more about Uponor TotalFit.

General Pipe Cleaners’ Kinetic Water Ram® uses a burst of compressed air that drives a shock wave (kinetic energy) through water to break up the stoppage. The shock wave bypasses vents and stacks to break up clogged drains. You get instant impact with no pressure build up. The built-in pump and pressure gauge lets you choose the right amount of force for each job. Thanks to technical advancements, the device is designed to deliver effective results without risking damage to the plumbing system. To some, this might sound too easy and create the belief that the shock wave will damage pipes or cause a bigger issue. Well, that isn’t the case, and following, we will discuss the top myths of the Kinetic Water Ram and how to properly use the product.

Myth #1 – “This will damage the pipe.”

The Kinetic Water Ram does not pressurize the pipe, so the thought that it will burst the pipe due to the introduction of PSI, is not correct. The Kinetic Water Ram creates a shock action that travels through the pipe like a wave and goes around tight bends that quickly and effectively clears the obstruction and flushes water particles away. This method is efficient and reduces the risk of harming pipes.

Myth #2 – “I’m going to get wet every time.”

Now, while you could get wet the first time you use it, you shouldn’t get wet every time you use the Kinetic Water Ram. We recommend pumping the machine up to 10 lbs., and if that doesn’t work, move up to 5 lbs. increments until the stoppage is clear. You will want to start slowly and gradually work your way up in pressure as necessary. You also need to hold the Kinetic Water Ram down with as much force as you’re discharging. If you don’t do this crucial step, then the pressurized water stream will blow away from the pipe and you’ll get soaked. If you start with too high of a pressure, then you will have more difficulty holding it down. Proper technique with the Kinetic Water Ram ensures a dry, mess-free experience, unlike what many assume.

Myth #3 – “I only need to pay attention to the drain I’m working on.”

Pay attention to your surroundings! If you’re using the Kinetic Water Ram at a school or a business, take note of where the pipes might lead. If you have sinks that are next to each other that are connected to the same pipe, when you use the Kinetic Water Ram on the blocked sink, water will very likely shoot out of the other sink or sinks. In order to prevent this, you will need to plug up all the other exit points when clearing lines. This proactive approach confirms that you productively tackle the clogged sink without causing additional disruptions.

Myth #4 – “I can use the Kinetic Water Ram on any job.”

No one machine is perfect for every job. With the Kinetic Water Ram the most effective situation is to have standing water between you and the obstruction. If the water is moving slowly, that’s when it’s perfect to use a snake style machine like the Power-Vee or Super-Vee. It’s important to recognize what type of job you’re about to tackle and determine whether you should use a jetter, Kinetic Water Ram or a snake style machine, as not every tool will be perfect for the job.

Design and Operation

The design of the Kinetic Water Ram includes a built-in pump and pressure gauge that allows users to control the intensity of the air burst. The tool is shaped to fit securely against a drain opening, ensuring that the kinetic energy is directed precisely where it is needed. This setup prevents the buildup of pressure within the plumbing system itself, which could otherwise lead to damage. The simplicity of the device—requiring only the application of air pressure—makes it invaluable in the arsenal of plumbing tools, being both portable and easy to operate.

Kinetic Energy at Work

The principle behind the Kinetic Water Ram is the conversion of compressed air into kinetic energy. When the device is activated, it releases this energy in a controlled shock action that travels through water in the pipe like a wave. This wave is powerful enough to dislodge difficult blockages caused by common debris such as hair, grease, or soap residue, bypassing vents and stacks that could dissipate the energy ineffectively.

If you learn how to work the Kinetic Water Ram properly then it will soon become a favorite of your hand tools in your truck. The Kinetic Water Ram is a quick and efficient drain cleaning machine that clears drains within minutes. Mastering the Kinetic Water Ram is about appreciating its design and utilizing its capabilities to the fullest to efficiently clear drains.

For more information, call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200, or visit https://drainbrain.com/kinetic-water-ram/