Can You Correctly ID These Common Pieces of Plumbing Equipment?

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About This Quiz

A wide variety of home improvement projects can be adjusted, fixed and improved upon with the helpful hands of a plumber. Though a plumber is quite knowledgeable on how to unclog drains and how to fix leaky faucets, they use a wide range of tools to get any kind of job done.

This post: Can You Correctly ID These Common Pieces of Plumbing Equipment?

Common tools that are within a plumber’s reach include a pipe cutter, an adjustable spanner and a bucket. Though these are small, inexpensive and easy to use, these types of tools play an important role in the daily life of a plumber. Other tools may not be so obvious, like a blowlamp and a soldering pad. A blowlamp, for instance, is used to solder pipes together using an intense flame. A soldering pad may be used in conjunction with a blowlamp to prevent damage on the work surface or nearby appliances.

Other handy pieces of equipment that a plumber may use include a pressure tester and an inspection camera. These tools are essential for pipe-work. For example, a pressure tester is used to check pipe pressure, while an inspection camera is used to check for a clogged source with a pipe.

Whether you’re a plumber or someone who is interested in plumbing tools, we encourage you to test your knowledge by taking this plumbing equipment identification quiz. All you have to do is match the photo to the correct name of the tool. Think you can do it? Try to score a 100% now!

Image: deepblue4you / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

This post: Can You Correctly ID These Common Pieces of Plumbing Equipment?

Camco Manufacturing via YouTube
This piece of equipment is used to clean out drains. What’s its name?

Cleanout plug wrench

Immersion heater spanner

Basin spanner

Hacksaw

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A cleanout plug wrench is used to open the cover to clean out drains and is shaped to fit cleanout plugs within countersinks. These are also typically made of iron.

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drainbrain12 via YouTube
A plumber can unclog toilets and drains by using a…

Telescopic tube cutter

Closet auger kit

Radiator spanner

Immersion heater spanner

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A closet auger kit is used to unclog a variety of vessels, including toilets and urinals. These are also shaped like a long rod with a cord attached at the end.

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Wiki Commons by Anthony Appleyard
Which of these pieces of plumbing equipment is used to produce heat?

Pipe bender

Water heater element removal wrench

Blowlamp

Soldering pad

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Plumbers use a blowlamp to solder pipes together, because this handy tool produces a flame. A blowlamp is also typically used in conjunction with a soldering pad to prevent damage on appliances.

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Floortje / E+ / Getty Images
This easy-to-use tool is a household staple that can unclog toilets.

Hacksaw

Cleanout plug wrench

Plunger

Radiator spud wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Almost every household has a plunger near the toilet. These are cheap and easy to use for clogged toilets.

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Wiki Commons by Svjo
A ______ _______ is used to “level” a variety of surfaces.

Radiator level

Spirit level

Allen keys

Teflon tape

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Plumbers can easily “level” a surface with a spirit level. Their are also magnetic versions of this, which allows the plumber to work hands-free.

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Sparky Channel via YouTube
A _____ ______ is a handy tool that is used to check pipe pressure.

Pipe level

Pipe monitor

Pipe shears

Pressure tester

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A pressure tester has a dial on one end that allows the plumber to accurately determine how high or low the pressure is in various pipes. These are also relatively easy to use.

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Ultimate Handyman via YouTube
This piece of plumbing equipment is used to peer inside drains and pipes.

Inspection camera

Drain rods

Plunger

Pressure tester

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

An inspection camera has a long cord attached that can fit inside almost any type of pipe or drain. This is typically used to find the source of a clogged drain.

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Home Repair Tutor via YouTube
This piece of plumbing equipment is used for adjusting various types of tap fittings under the sink. Can you name it?

Immersion heater spanner

Basin spanner

Angle grinder

Cleanout plug wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

When under-sink tap fittings need some adjustment, a plumber will often use a basin spanner. These often look like a medium-length pole with a “T” attached at the end.

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Trade Counter Direct via YouTube
Plumbers will often use this to freeze pipes.

Nitrogen ice

Blowlamp

Pipe freezer spray

Pipe cutter

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

When plumbers need to freeze pipes for plumbing jobs, they will often use pipe freezer spray. This causes no harm to the pipes.

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RIGID Tools via YouTube
Which of these plumbing tools has a powerful grip?

Rubber strap wrenches

Bibb seat tool

File set

Radiator spud wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Rubber strap wrenches features long rubber material that can be adjusted to a spout or filter. The rubber will “grip” the spout or filter, which a plumber can then utilize to loosen or tighten it.

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perfectoproducts via YouTube
This tool is used to fix garbage disposers. Are you familiar with it?

Radiator spanner

Garbage disposer wrench

Stop cock key

Hand grabbing tool

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A garbage disposer wrench is used to fix garbage disposers that are clogged or jammed. These also have a long reach for safety purposes.

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Wiki Commons by Targje
______ _______ are used to alleviate knee discomfort.

Soldering pad

Insoles

Knee pads

Pillows

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Knee pads are used to alleviate discomfort in plumber’s knees. These pads also come in handy for sink and tub work.

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dereton33 via YouTube
Which of these tools is used to unclog drains?

Drain rods

Hand grabbing tool

Radiator spanner

Adjustable wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Drain rods come in a set of attachable rods. These rods can be “hooked” together and inserted into a drain to unclog it.

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Some Old Guy Coding via YouTube
This piece of plumbing equipment is used to protect a work surface against high heat.

Water heater element removal wrench

Bulb auger

Immersion heater spanner

Soldering pad

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

When plumbers use a blowlamp to solder pipes together, they may use a soldering pad as well. The soldering pad contains fire-resistant properties, and protects work surfaces from heat damage.

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misterplumber via YouTube
The _______ ________ is used for faucet shank locknuts.

No-hub torque wrench

Bibb seat tool

Slip joint pliers

Quick nutcracker

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A quick nutracker features cutter blades that are used to adjust or remove locknuts. These also contain ball thrust bearings for ample cutter blade grip.

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seejanedrill via YouTube
This piece of equipment is used for compression sleeves within pipes. Can you identify it?

Bibb seat extractor

Telescoping basin wrench

Compression sleeve puller

Pedestal sink wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Compression sleeve pullers are used for removing or adjusting compression sleeves within various types of pipes. The end of this tool is pushed into a tube or pipe using the top “T” handle.

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Wiki Commons by M338
Rounded bolts can be adjusted by using an…

Adjustable pipe wrench

Faucet handle puller

Blowlamp

Adjustable internal spud wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

These are not only great for adjusting pipes, but also for adjusting rounded bolts. The jaws of this tool are also powerful enough to grip onto almost any surface.

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Superior Tool via YouTube
Faucet handles can be removed by using a…

Bibb seat extractor

Faucet handle puller

Slip joint pliers

Mole grips

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A faucet handle puller is used to literally “pull” faucet handles out. These may also be used in conjunction with a compression sleeve puller.

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EDWIN via YouTube
A plumber can easily bend a pipe by using a _____ _____.

Telescopic tube cutter

Faucet seat wrench

Pipe bender

Sabre saw

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A pipe bender does exactly what its name implies: it bends pipes! These are also considered to be affordable and easy-to-use.

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newburghbmx via YouTube
This tool is used to cut pipes. Do you know what it is?

Pipe cutter

Compression sleeve puller

Quick nutcracker

Long-nosed pliers

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A pipe cutter is used to cut pipes, as its name implies. These quick and easy-to-use tools are also small enough to fit into any pocket for ease of portability.

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Pixabay / byrev
This type of tool is used to precisely cut very thick pipes. Are you familiar with it?

Deluxe tube bender

Telescopic tube cutter

Hacksaw

Adjustable internal spud wrench

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Telescopic tube cutters are used to cut very thick tubes, up to 35 mm. The attached built-in deburrer is also used to clean up any rough edges.

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Klein Tools via YouTube
This piece of plumbing equipment is used for wall conduits. Can you name it?

Universal basin nut wrench

No-hub torque wrench

Adjustable spanner

Conduit reamer

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

This handy tool can be used in conjunction with a screwdriver for wall conduit jobs. These are also small and lightweight in size.

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Wiki Commons by M338
“Water pump pliers” are also known as which of these tools?

Mole grips

Adjustable pipe wrench

Slip joint pliers

Basin spanner

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Slip joint pliers aren’t just for grooves for water pumps, but they are also used for adjusting and holding various objects and surfaces. The jaws of this tool are also toothed and very powerful.

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Monument Tools Limited via YouTube
Radiator valves can be adjusted by using a…

Radiator spanner

Basin spanner

Immersion heater spanner

Universal stop key

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Radiator spanners are used to adjust various types of radiator valves. These are also called a “radiator valve lever.”

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Wiki Commons by Kottakkalnet
When fixing a leak, a plumber may often utilize a ________ to catch water drips.

Biohazard bag

Bucket

Hosepipe

Soldering pad

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A bucket is a versatile tool that has many uses, including storing tools and catching water drips from a leak. These are also fairly cheap to buy.

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Wiki Commons by Lucasbosch
A _____ ______ is used to polish rough edges on a surface.

Bibb seat tool

Bibb seat extractor

File set

Mole grips

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

When a plumber cuts a pipe (or another type of object), they might use a deburrer or a file set to smooth away rough edges. File sets come in various sizes and lengths as well.

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Wiki Commons by Cschirp
This piece of plumbing equipment is used to smooth rough edges from a surface.

Basin spanner

Hacksaw

Pipe deburrer

Polybutylene copper crimp ring tool

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

After a plumber cuts through a pipe, they might often use a pipe deburrer to smooth away sharp and rough edges. This is not only for safety, but for aesthetics as well.

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Pixabay / Capri23auto
This type of plumbing tool is used to adjust ahex grub screws. Can you name it?

Basin spanner

Universal stop key

Cleanout plug wrench

Allen keys

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Allen keys are used to adjust ahex grub screws within various types of shower heads. These also come in various sizes and lengths.

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Know How Now via YouTube
This tool is used for adjusting nuts in toilets and basins. Can you identify it?

Telescoping basin wrench

Drain rods

No-hub torque wrench

Immersion heater spanner

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

When plumbers need to adjust various nuts in toilets and basins, they’ll often reach for a telescoping basin wrench. These handy tools are also shaped like a long “T” pole.

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Wiki Commons by Evan-Amos
This handy tool is used for “hitting” nails into a surface.

Sabre saw

Hammer

Conduit reamer

Bibb seat tool

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Easy to use and affordable, a hammer is an essential tool for any plumber. Hammers have a flat end for hitting nails into a surface, and a claw-like end for removing nails.

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Leo Brush via YouTube
This tool is used to clean pipes. Can you name it?

Pipe freezer spray

Nitrogen ice

Pipe cleaning brush

Disinfectant

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Pipe cleaning brushes can clean both the exterior and interior of a pipe. A clean pipe is essential for an adequate soldering job.

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Wiki Commons by Batholith
Bolts can be easily adjusted by using a/an…

Strap wrench

Radiator spud wrench

Sabre saw

Adjustable spanner

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Adjustable spanners are used to adjust a variety of bolts in various sizes. In fact, these types of spanners can also be adjusted by “turning” the jaws to fit the size of the bolt or nut.

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Wiki Commons by Duk
“Locking pliers” are also known as…

Torque wrench

Rubber strap wrenches

Slip joint pliers

Mole grips

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Rounded nuts are no match for mole grips, which feature powerful jaws. A plumber can also work hands-free with this tool since it “locks” in place on almost any surface.

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Wiki Commons by Evan-Amos
Pipes and screws can be cut by using a…?

Hacksaw

Conduit reamer

Stanley knife

Drain rods

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A hacksaw is ideal for cutting almost any type of object. Its sharp blade is attached to two ends with strong grips for hand safety.

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NewMetalworker via YouTube
A ______ _______ can be attached magnetically to almost any kind of surface.

Faucet seat wrench

Spirit level

Magnetic level

Adjustable spanner

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A magnetic level can be attached magnetically to almost any surface to “level” it. This also allows the plumber to work hands-free.

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Toolguyd via YouTube
A _____ _______ features a short neck with a strong grip that is used to adjust a variety of screws.

Long-nosed pliers

Stubby screwdriver

Long phillips head screwdriver

Soldering pad

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A stubby screwdriver features a short neck and a large, strong grip. These are best used in small spaces.

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Wiki Commons by Mark Hunter
A plumber can easily drill holes and screws into surfaces by using a…

Cordless combi drill

Jig saw

Angle grinder

Circular saw

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

A cordless combi drill is used to drill in a variety of screws into various work surfaces. These are also rechargeable and easy to use.

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Wiki Commons by souflish
This type of saw is shaped like a pizza cutter. Can you name it?

Immersion heater spanner

SDS drill

Circular saw

Angle grinder

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

An angle grinder looks like a pizza cutter, but spins rapidly to cut through a variety of objects and surfaces. A variety of discs can also be swapped depending on the job at hand.

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