DIY & Tools — Plumbing Supplies (2026)

Pros

• Standard UK bathroom fitting so replacements are easy to source
• Multifit compression outlet suits plastic, copper and lead pipe
• Compression joints need no solvent cement or soldering

Cons

• Plastic nuts can crack if overtightened

Pros

• Solvent weld system gives a permanent, leak-free joint
• Widely stocked, so fittings and offcuts are easy to match
• Suitable for sink, bath and washing machine waste runs

Cons

• Requires accurate cutting and solvent cement for a good joint

Pros

• Essential cheap fix for leaking threaded joints on taps and radiators
• Five-roll pack keeps a spare in every toolbox or van
• Waterproof seal for shower heads and faucets too

Cons

• Not a substitute for a proper compression or solder joint on high-pressure lines

Pros

• Serrated jaws grip pipework and fittings that plain spanners slip on
• Forged steel construction stands up to regular tradesperson use
• Adjustable jaw handles a wide range of pipe and fitting diameters

Cons

• Serrated jaws can mark chrome or polished fittings if used carelessly

Pros

• Seals small, inaccessible leaks without draining the whole system
• One bottle treats up to 130 litres of system water (around 16 radiators)
• Non-toxic and safe to leave permanently in the heating system

Cons

• Not a fix for larger leaks or damaged pipework

Pros

• Two sizes in one set cover most tap, basin and pipe fitting nuts
• Chrome vanadium steel forging resists wear on a damp job site
• SAE and metric scales printed on the jaw for quick sizing

Cons

• Not as heavy-duty as a dedicated pipe wrench for large fittings

Pros

• Quick, secure 90° bend without tools, glue, flux or hot works
• Works with hot and cold water and central heating pipe runs
• Demountable and reusable if a pipe run needs altering

Cons

• Push-fit joints cost more per fitting than solvent weld equivalents

Pros

• Self-clamping, one-handed design speeds up work on longer jobs
• Forged steel body with anti-corrosion treatment for damp sites
• Spring-loaded jaw gives ratchet-like repeated grip

Cons

• Larger and heavier than a compact 10-inch wrench

Pros

• Four sizes cover the full range of Hep2O push-fit pipe diameters
• Releases push-fit fittings cleanly without damaging the pipe
• Compact set fits in a plumber's tool bag or van door pocket

Cons

• Only compatible with Hep2O-style push-fit fittings

Pros

• Removes sludge, scale and debris to restore heating efficiency
• pH neutral formula is safe for all common system metals
• Concentrated formula treats up to 100 litres of system water

Cons

• Best used alongside a system flush for badly sludged radiators

Pros

• Tool-free compression joint needs no solvent cement or soldering
• Standard 15mm size fits the most common UK copper pipe runs
• Demountable if a pipe run needs altering later

Cons

• Olives and nuts can crack if overtightened

Pros

• Isolates a section of pipework for repairs without shutting off the whole system
• Solid brass body resists corrosion in damp under-sink cupboards
• Compression ends suit standard 15mm copper pipe

Cons

• Gate valves can seize if left unused for long periods

Pros

• Caps off pipework instantly without tools, glue or hot works
• Demountable and reusable if the system needs extending later
• Works with both hot and cold push-fit pipe runs

Cons

• Only suits Speedfit-compatible push-fit pipework

Pros

• Trusted UK-manufactured copper tube for hot and cold water runs
• 25 year manufacturer warranty on the tube itself
• Five 3m lengths cover most single-room replumbing jobs

Cons

• Needs a pipe cutter and fittings, sold separately

Pros

• Reaches tap and basin back-nuts in awkward under-sink spaces
• Cast iron jaw grips securely for horizontal or vertical use
• Simple, durable design with no batteries or setup required

Cons

• Bulkier to store than a set of open-end spanners

Pros

• World-leading fill valve design fits most UK toilet cisterns
• Height adjusts from 9in to 14in without cutting the overflow pipe
• Two-pack keeps a spare on hand for the next running toilet

Cons

• Universal fit means some cisterns need a little extra trimming

Pros

• Hinged design clips around 15mm pipe without removing the run
• UV-stabilised and rated to 85°C for hot or cold water pipework
• Chrome finish looks neat on exposed pipework in bathrooms

Cons

• Only suits standard 15mm copper or plastic pipe diameter

Pros

• Push-fit design needs no soldering or solvent cement
• Ideal for joining and extending 15mm hot and cold water pipe runs
• Demountable collet allows the joint to be reused if needed

Cons

• Only suits 15mm barrier or copper pipe

Pros

• Seals threaded pipe joints against water, gas and air leaks
• Cheap enough to keep a spare roll in every toolbox
• Compact roll fits easily in a pocket or plumbing bag

Cons

• Single roll only, no multi-pack option

Pros

• Slim head reaches into tight spaces where a wheel cutter will not fit
• Leaves a clean, square, burr-free cut ready for compression fittings
• Trade-grade build handles daily use on copper pipework

Cons

• Only cuts 15mm pipe — a separate tool is needed for 22mm

Pros

• Push-fit joint needs no solvent cement, soldering or specialist tools
• Joint recognition collar shows at a glance the pipe is fully home
• Pack of 10 covers a full bathroom or kitchen pipe run

Cons

• Push-fit joints are generally accessible only, not for chasing into walls

Pros

• Tool-free push-fit joint installs, demounts and refits in seconds
• Pack of 10 covers a full bathroom or kitchen pipe run
• Works with copper, PEX and polybutylene pipe without solvent or solder

Cons

• Push-fit joints need the pipe end cut square and deburred to seal properly

Pros

• 10-pack keeps a roll in every toolbox and van compartment
• Reliable leak-proof seal on threaded water and gas joints
• Colour-coded rolls make it easy to tell tapes apart

Cons

• Thinner tape than some heavy-duty gas-rated alternatives

Pros

• Affordable trade-standard PTFE tape for everyday plumbing jobs
• BS7786 compliant for water, gas and air joints
• Two rolls per pack for both van stock and home use

Cons

• Basic packaging compared to premium branded tapes

Pros

• One-handed ratchet action speeds up repeat cuts
• Leaves a clean, square edge ready for compression fittings
• Compact size works in tight stud and floor void spaces

Cons

• Single fixed size — need a separate cutter for other pipe diameters

Pros

• Push-fit design joins 15mm pipe without soldering or compression tools
• Stainless steel teeth and O-ring give a secure, leak-free joint
• 25-year guarantee from John Guest

Cons

• Needs a clean, square pipe end to seat correctly