Power Tools for Rough-In Plumbing

• Plumbers use several types of power drills and power saws to install the piping systems that rest behind a structure's walls in a process referred to as "rough-in." Plumbers use both standard and hammer-type power drills to bore holes for water supply, drain, waste and vent access. Following the creation of access holes, plumbers cut plastic pipes, such as ABS, to length with bench saws, such as miter saws and chop saws.
  
  

Power Tools for Plumbing Renovations

• Plumbers frequently rely on reciprocating saws to slice through pipes during renovations and repairs. A sharp-toothed blade protrudes from the tip of the reciprocating saw's long, straight body. Upon the depression of the reciprocating saw's pistol-like trigger, the tool's blade rapidly saws back and forth in a reciprocating motion. Reciprocating saws cut through plastic pipes, metal pipes and wall materials, such as drywall and wood. Additionally, plumbers use power drills and bench saws to route and cut replacement pipes.
  
  

Power Drain Cleaning Tools

• Plumbing repair professionals use powerful auger tools to "root" through clogged drain pipes. The most common power drain cleaning tool is the motorized "sewer snake," also called a drain auger. The main component of a power drain auger is a flexible metal coil, often hundreds of feet in length. One end of the coil attaches to rotating motor and the other end attaches to a corkscrew-like tip. Plumbers force the corkscrew tip into a drain system and activate the machine's motor to cause the metal snake to grab, pull and break blockages.
  
  

Power Pipe-Fitting Tools

• Many plumbing applications call for custom-built pipe fittings, such as threaded connection and grooved joints. To create threaded fittings and pipes, plumbers use motorized machines called pipe threaders. Pipe threading machines rotate sharp-edged dies around the exterior of a pipe's end to cut threads of a precise size and angle. Alternatively, many industrial pipe-fitting applications call for grooved joints, also called "roll-groove joints." Roll-groove joints connect adjacent plumbing components via corresponding tabs and grooves. To create roll-groove connections, plumbers use stationary or portable power tools called "roll groovers."