Last Updated: February 25, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes, Licensed Master Plumber
No proud, DIY, manly homeowner should be without basic plumbing supplies that equip you to be ready at the drop of a hat to become Mr. Fix It (or Mrs.!) in a plumbing emergency. And trust us—plumbing emergencies happen at the worst time, and need immediate remedy.
So, to help you be ready for your next plumbing emergency we’ve put together a list of the 7 plumbing supplies that you shouldn’t live without:
1.Washers
A plumber can literally never have enough washers. Not only are they needed on almost every plumbing device—they also wear out after a time and need to be replaced. So, our first tip is to have washers on hand, in every size needed to care for your various water-using appliances.
2.Wrenches
Not only can you never have enough washers—you can never have enough wrenches…and that isn’t just our manly side coming out all Tim-‘the-Tool-Man’-Taylor style. You can’t fix any plumbing devices without at least one wrench. One wrench won’t cut it however as the likelihood of your one wrench matching up with your emergency-plumbing task at hand is slimmer than a woman in a Calvin Klein ad. Before you stack up on 97 different wrenches though, consider purchasing one multi-purpose one like Black & Decker’s ReadyWrench.
3.Drain ‘Stuff’
Clogged drains are the most common scourge for homeowners—so get ready. Buy yourself some drain-unclogging chemicals and buy a snake. Also, learn how to use them, and learn how to remove the p-trap so that you can unclog your drain that way when needed.
4.Toilet Repair Kit
Just as drains clog, as sure as the sun will rise your toilet will break down. Most toilet issues are easy to fix yourself (unless there is an issue with the piping, bowl or seal), provided you have a toilet repair kit on hand. These generally consist of a replacement fill valve, refill tube, clip, flapper and float rod.
5.Sink Repair Kit
Ditto for sink repair. The parts are slightly different but having a sink repair kit on hand is a smart move. These contain bolts, nuts and washers and may contain a stem for the handle.
If you encounter a plumbing emergency or job that you simply can’t handle, even with these basic plumbing supplies—then call the pros here at Hayes.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call a plumber for plumbing tools?
You should call a licensed plumber for plumbing tools when the issue persists after basic troubleshooting, involves water pressure changes, or requires access to pipes behind walls. Hayes Plumbing serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering in Durham Region.
How much does plumbing tools cost in Durham Region?
The cost of plumbing tools in Durham Region depends on the complexity of the job and parts required. Hayes Plumbing provides upfront pricing before beginning any work so there are no surprises.
Should I try DIY or hire a professional for plumbing tools?
While minor issues can sometimes be addressed with DIY methods, plumbing tools often requires a licensed plumber to ensure the work meets Ontario plumbing code. Hayes Plumbing is fully licensed, WSIB certified, and BBB accredited in Oshawa.
Need help with plumbing repairs or installations? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
