DEWALT

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.

As a plumber, you will want to be as effective and efficient at the job as possible, so you can keep your customers happy and maximize your profits, right? Well, in order to do that, there are a few tools that you must be able to wield with confidence and precision, including the following:

1. The Almighty Wrench

No plumber’s toolkit is complete without a wrench—or several, because size and type do matter here, folks. From adjustable wrenches to pipe wrenches, these are the bread and butter of plumbing. They twist, turn, tighten, and occasionally serve as an impromptu hammer (though we didn’t officially tell you that). Treat your wrenches like a knight treats his swords; keep them clean, dry, and ready for battle.

2. Plunger: The Suction Cup of Destiny

The humble plunger. Often underestimated, never overvalued. This tool is your first line of defense in the war against clogs. Be it a rebellious toilet or a slow-draining sink, a good old-fashioned plunger usually puts things right. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as that ‘pop’ when the clog clears. Ah, the sweet sound of success!

3. Pressure Washing Equipment: The Power Player

Sometimes, a job requires pulling out the big guns—or in this case, the big hoses. Pressure washing equipment isn’t just for cleaning driveways or stripping paint; it’s a game-changer for blasting through tough clogs in main sewer lines. It’s like the pressure washer is saying, “I find your lack of flow disturbing,” before restoring order to the galaxy… or at least to your pipes.

4. Hacksaw: The Rough Rider

When you need to cut through metal or plastic pipes, screws, nuts, or bolts, a sturdy hacksaw is your go-to. It’s not the prettiest tool in the shed, but when you need to make a cut, it’s your best friend. Just remember to keep extra blades on hand because nothing dulls the mood quite like a dull blade.

5. Pliers: Grip It Good

Pliers are like your hand’s stronger, tougher older brother. They twist, pull, pinch, hold, and occasionally rescue smaller tools that have fallen into the abyss behind the sink. Locking pliers, especially, are indispensable for those moments when you need an extra hand.

6. Torch: Light It Up

Not just for late-night horror stories, a good torch (or soldering torch, if we’re being technical) is essential for any plumbing work involving copper pipes. Whether you’re sweating a joint or just trying to see in the dark confines of an under-sink cabinet, a torch brings light and heat to the job.

7. Toilet Auger: Go Deeper

Sometimes a plunger just won’t cut it. That’s when the toilet auger, aka the plumber’s snake, slithers in. Designed specifically for toilets, this tool lets you reach deeper into the drain to clear out those particularly awkward clogs that lie beyond the reach of traditional tools.

Equip yourself with these tools, and you’ll be ready to tackle just about any plumbing problem that flows your way, and that means your business will be all the better for it!

Save $500 during the RLS Summer Tool Promo

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to start using RLS press fittings – or to upgrade your RLS tool or jaw set – now is the time. RLS is offering $500 discounts on several of their tool and jaw sets.

With RLS fittings – the original HVAC/R press fittings – you get reliable flame-free joints in seconds. The company’s proven track record, with more than 20 million fittings installed since 2015, is unmatched in the industry. The RLS double circular press results in two 360˚  metal-to-metal connections, creating a permanent mechanical joint every time. Plus, with RLS press fittings, there’s no flame, no fire hazards, no brazing materials, no burn permits, no fire spotters and no nitrogen purging.

Visit your local RLS distributor/wholesaler to take advantage of $500 discounts on the following tool and jaw sets:

Klauke 19kN Tool and 5-Jaw Set

Includes the Klauke 19kN press tool, 2 lithium-ion batteries, a battery charger, 5 Jaws (3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″) and the accessory kit (depth gauge, press gauge, tube cutter, deburring tool, abrasive pad, wire brush and permanent marker) in a hard plastic carrying case.

Klauke 19kN 8-Jaw Set

Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″ and 1-3/8″ jaws in a hard plastic carrying case.

Klauke 32kN 8-Jaw Set

Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″ and 1-3/8″ jaws in a hard plastic carrying case, plus a depth gauge, press gauge, abrasive pad, wire brush and permanent marker.

RIDGID 24kN 8-Jaw Set

Includes 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″ and 1-3/8″ jaws in a hard plastic carrying case, plus the accessory kit (depth gauge, press gauge, tube cutter, deburring tool, abrasive pad, wire brush and permanent marker).

The jaw sets listed above can be used with most popular press tools, including RIDGID, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Rothenberger and many others. To see the full RLS Tool & Jaw Compatibility Matrix, click here.

Discounts are available on purchases made through 7/31/2024 at participating authorized RLS wholesalers in North America. Get complete details here.

Designed for pros in the construction industry, DEWALT unveils its most powerful battery in its class, delivering 50% more power, 50% more work per charge, and 2X the lifespan**

DEWALT®, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in cordless solutions, shares the expansion of its revolutionary DEWALT POWERSTACK™ platform, THE NEXT DIMENSION IN POWER™ that utilizes groundbreaking pouch cell technology. DEWALT is proud to unveil its newest DEWALT POWERSTACK™ 20V MAX* 5Ah Battery, its most powerful battery in its class, throughout North America.

Since the North American launch in October 2021, DEWALT POWERSTACK™ battery technology has earned highly coveted industry awards, driven robust retail demand and favorable customer ratings and reviews. The DEWALT POWERSTACK™ 20V MAX* 5Ah Battery builds upon the innovative POWERSTACK™ platform providing unparalleled performance for many DEWALT cordless power tools. Users will experience the following benefits:

• POWER PACKED – 50% more power
• MORE EFFICIENT**– 50% more work per charge making it DEWALT’s most efficient battery in its class
• 2X LIFESPAN – Provides more overall investment value
• DURABLE DESIGN – The non-marring over-molded rubber base also helps to protect finished surfaces

“As the world’s first major power tool brand to use pouch cell battery technology, DEWALT yet again brings leading-edge cordless innovation to the construction industry with the growth of the DEWALT POWERSTACK™ 20V MAX* platform,” said Allison Nicolaidis, President, Power Tools Group, Stanley Black & Decker. “Pouch technology is crucial to driving the cordless jobsite of the future. The 5Ah POWERSTACK™ battery reflects DEWALT’s commitment to ushering our users into the next frontier of performance and productivity, and our passion for powering the pros that help make our world.”