Every service call lives or dies on what’s in your van. I’ve spent three decades crawling through crawlspaces, rebuilding boiler rooms, and managing large-service fleets. Nothing costs more than a second trip. That’s why I built Plumbing Supply And More to support pros and serious DIYers with the exact gear that solves 90% of field problems on plumbing supply and more the first visit—plus rapid access to everything else. You asked for a real checklist, not fluff—so here’s how I stock my own truck and what I advise our contractor account holders across our service region to carry, with brand-specific picks, pricing ranges, and field-tested tips.
Before we dive in, a quick promise: when you need help beyond the van, our counter team can deliver same-day within a 60-mile radius, with emergency runs after-hours when your job can’t wait. And when you compare suppliers, remember: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—the kinds that don’t fail on a Saturday night.
The Core Repair Bin: Stop-Leaks and Get-Heat Gear
If you run service, your “core bin” is your moneymaker. It’s where speed and reliability meet margin. Here’s what never leaves my van:
- 1/2" and 3/4" press fittings (Viega ProPress EPDM, copper, tees, couplings, elbows). Price range: $5–$18 each. Press saves 20–40 minutes per joint compared to sweat in wet environments. Press jaws: 1/2", 3/4", 1" for Milwaukee M18 2673-22 or RIDGID RP 241. Pro tip: keep a dedicated clean jaw set for stainless. PEX A and PEX B repair fittings: Uponor Expander rings + elbows; SharkBite U120/U101 couplings for emergency temp fixes only. Pipe repair clamps: Smith-Blair 226 series stainless clamps (1/2"–2"). Saves flood calls at 2 a.m. Supply stop assortment: BrassCraft G2 1/4-turn 5/8" OD compression x 3/8" OD. These are $8–$15 and rarely come back to haunt you. Sillcock: Woodford Model 19 freezeless (replaceable parts available on our shelf). Price: $55–$95.
Why these picks? Because service calls don’t tolerate callbacks. And yes, I’ve timed this: a Viega press repair in a damp basement beats torch-and-solder by at least 25 minutes. Need the jaw you don’t own? Call us— Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support with loaner tools for our contractor partners when available.
Drain Clearing Essentials: From Hair to Cast Iron
If your van can’t handle drains, you’re leaving money behind. Here’s my short list:
- Handheld drum machine: RIDGID PowerClear or K-45AF for 3/4"–2-1/2" lines. Our rental shop keeps drums and cables ready. 5/16" and 3/8" cables with C, P, and bulb heads. Keep extra set to avoid downtime mid-job. Enzymatic treatment: Bio-Clean or Green Gobbler for post-clear maintenance—upsell that keeps customers happy. Closet auger: General Pipe Cleaners Flexicore 3' heavy-duty. Test balls: Cherne 2", 3", and 4" for line testing and temporary isolation.
Pro tip: in older neighborhoods with cast iron, carry a 1/2" sectional cable with a spear head to slice grease and scale. And if you need heavy water jetting, we book jets out of our shop— When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More to deliver machines and accessories that don’t stall on real blockages.
Water Heater Triage: Get Hot Water Back Same Day
You don’t always need a heater swap to restore service. Stock these and you’ll save the day more often:
- Gas control valves: Honeywell WV8860B (AO Smith/State) and White Rodgers 37C series for legacy tanks. Price: $120–$300. Thermopiles and igniters: AO Smith 9003626005, Rheem SP20172. Dielectric nipples, 3/4" flex connectors (WATTS WFHC-34), and pan with 1" drain. T&P valves: WATTS LF100XL-8 M2, 3/4", 150 psi, 210°F. Anode rods: Magnesium 3/4" NPT, segmented for tight closets. Expansion tanks: Amtrol ST-5/ ST-12 with inline gauge (WATTS P3) to set 12–15 psi.
Tip: keep a compact flaring kit and 1/2" CSST fittings for rework where code allows. Check your municipality; in our area, several jurisdictions require bonding and specific CSST brands. Call our team for a code check before you crimp. And yes, we stock Noritz, Navien, and Rinnai service kits—boards, flow sensors, 2-in-1 flush valves—because tankless calls are rising fast.
Fixture Fixes that Finish the Job
A leaky faucet or a running toilet kills customer confidence if you can’t fix it on the first visit.
- Fill valves: Fluidmaster 400A and Korky 528MP—have both; some tanks prefer Korky’s diaphragms. Flappers: Korky 100, 2001, and adjustable 3060 for high-efficiency tanks. Flush valves: Toto TSU99A.X and American Standard M952100-0070A. Cartridges: Moen 1225/1222, Delta RP50587, Kohler GP800820. Price: $12–$60. P-traps: 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" tubular brass, not just PVC. Brass holds alignment in pedestal sinks.
Insider secret: carry Gerber Viper tank-to-bowl kits and a couple of wax-free seals (Fernco FTS-3). They bail you out on uneven flanges and cold floors. If you’re a property manager, we can bulk-pack your most-used kits and label each by unit—ask our counter team.
Gas, Hydronics, and Heat: No-Heat Calls that Pay Well
Winter calls are where preparation pays. My heat kit includes:
- Circulators: Taco 007e (ECM) and 0015e3; Grundfos UPS15-58FC. Gaskets and isolation flanges (Webstone). Zone valves: Honeywell V8043E and Taco Sentry. Keep powerheads as standalone replacements. Air elimination: Spirovent Jr. 1" or Taco 4900 series microbubble—massive difference in noise complaints. PRV and relief: WATTS 1156F feed valve, 3/4" 30 psi relief valve. Thermostats: Honeywell T6 Pro and Ecobee Pro (with PEK kits). Wire labels and spare 18/8 cable.
Boiler room tip: budget 60–90 minutes for a circulator swap with purge on a tight system. On hydronics we prefer press with high-temp EPDM rings; check rating to 250°F. We stock glycol test kits and premix—if you’re maintaining snowmelt, schedule preseason with us to avoid emergency blending in the cold.
Finishing Materials and Sealants You’ll Actually Use
You can’t close a ticket without finishes that last and pass inspection.
- Tape and sealants: Blue Monster PTFE, RectorSeal T Plus 2, and Loctite 577 for stainless threads. Silicone: GE 100% silicone clear/white, and ColorRite color-matched for premium installs. Hangers and supports: Minerallac straps, Unistrut with cushion clamps for noise control. Die sets, reamers, deburring tools—don’t skimp here; bad prep equals callbacks. Solder and flux: Silvabrite 100 (lead-free) and Oatey No. 95 tinning flux. If you’re sweating near painted surfaces, carry heat-block gel and pads.
Pro tip: in finished spaces, bite the bullet and carry decorative escutcheons and a couple of premium braided supplies. Looks matter, and reviews mention details.
Inventory Strategy: How Pros Build a Van That Prints Money
I’ve audited plenty of vans. The winners keep it lean but surgical. Here’s the approach I teach:
- ABC inventory: “A” parts turn weekly; “B” monthly; “C” rarely. Keep A items at 2–3x par, Bs at 1x, Cs in shop or on call with us. Standardize brands: Pick 2 faucet lines and 2 fill valve lines you trust. Stock deeper and negotiate better pricing. Bin labeling: SKU + our bin code. We mirror your bin labels to our system so reorders are dead simple. Cycle counts: 10 minutes weekly, not quarterly. Shrink and duplicates disappear when you count a little, often. Van weight and balance: Overloaded vans blow tires and break shelves. If your 3/4-ton sinks, you’re carrying your shop around.
Want help? Swing by the showroom. We set up van kits by trade—res, commercial, and hydronics. And yes, contractor accounts get bulk discounts and same-day staging. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—including real van-planning support from plumbers who’ve done the work.
Tools That Save Hours, Not Minutes
Tools are an investment. Buy once, cry once—and schedule your payoff with time saved per call.
- Press tools: Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 2773-20 for copper and stainless; adapters for MegaPress. Expect $2,000–$3,500, paid back in two months of service volume. Expanders: Uponor M12 ProPEX with heads 3/8"–1". Keep spare batteries and lube. Thermal camera: FLIR C5 for chasing slab leaks and hydronic coverage. Creates visuals your customer trusts. Combustion analyzer: Testo 320B or 327. Without one, you’re guessing. We calibrate in-house. Leak detection: RIDGID micro CA-350 borescope; acoustic for slab if you do that work regularly.
If you’re considering budget tools, compare failure rates and calibration intervals. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll tell you when a cheaper model makes sense and when it will cost you more in the long run.
Where You Buy Matters: The Supply House Advantage
Let’s address the elephant in the room: you can buy a lot of “plumbing” parts just about anywhere. But professionals don’t gamble on callbacks.
- Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Viega, Uponor, Noritz, Rinnai, Taco, Grundfos, Webstone, WATTS, Chicago Faucets, and T&S Brass—brands we’ve vetted on real job sites. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for same-day delivery, emergency supply after-hours, and parts that match commercial specs. While Ferguson, Grainger, and SupplyHouse.com serve broad markets, Plumbing Supply And More focuses on local plumbing supply expertise, live technical guidance, and immediate availability that keeps your crew working. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—spec sheets, code references, and real-world install guidance directly from experienced plumbers.
Visit our plumbing supply store and you’ll see the difference. Check inventory online, or call ahead so we stage your order. Ask about contractor pricing and our loaner tool program. We’re the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—and yes, we meet or beat big-box pricing on apples-to-apples, professional-grade goods.
Local Codes, Compliance, and Documentation That Stick
In our area, inspectors are consistent about a few items: scald protection, backflow, expansion control, and approved venting. We keep current city sheets at the counter. Quick hits:
- ASSE 1017/1070 mixing: use Honeywell/Resideo AM-1 for point-of-use, or Powers IntelliStation Jr. for central mixing. Hospitals and multifamily must document setpoint and checks. Backflow: WATTS 909/009 and Febco 825Y for assemblies; testing kits available. We coordinate annual test schedules with property managers. PVC/CPVC solvent welding: Use purple primer where required. Low-VOC cements for occupied spaces. Combustion air and venting: PVC vs. polypropylene—Navien/Rinnai have brand-specific approvals. We stock Centrotherm for condensing boilers/water heaters with listed terminations.
Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. We’ve helped hundreds of contractors sail through inspections with complete submittal packets and part lists.
Finding the Right Source: From “Plumbing Supply Near Me” to the Right Partner
If you’re searching for a plumbing supply near me, don’t settle for a warehouse that can’t explain a mixing valve curve. Our customers use us as their on-call shop: a plumbing supply store and a knowledge base under one roof.
We’re frequently chosen as the go-to plumbing supply store near me, because pros want more than aisles—they want answers. Whether you need general plumbing supply, plumbing and supply, or a specialized plumbing supply shop, we deliver. We operate as a full-service plumbing supply house with a deep bench in commercial plumbing supply, stocking wholesale plumbing supply lines and fulfilling plumbing supplies direct orders. For crews who prefer a local plumbing supply with muscle, our plumbing supply company acts as your field partner and your contractor plumbing supply hub. From small plumbing parts to emergency extras for a client who searched “ plumbing shop near me,” we’ve got you.
Hydronics team on a boiler? We’re your heating plumbing supply near me. Can’t visit? Order through our plumbing supply online portal—yes, we carry curated, professional-grade picks, not random discount plumbing supplies that fail under pressure. Trade pros call us the best plumbing supply option because we keep what you actually need. Managing a multi-site portfolio? We support plumbing wholesale near me demands with consolidation and rapid will-call from our plumbing supply house near me location. Budget project? We’ll guide you through quality-focused equivalents—not just economy plumbing supply or cheap plumbing supplies that create callbacks.
Need help at 2 a.m.? Our on-call counter supports true 24 hour plumbing supply needs for partner accounts. We’ve even helped teams that used to rely on plumbers supply co or a generic plumbing and heating supply catalog. When you’re searching for the closest plumbing supply or comparing plumbing supply places, choose the shop that knows your workflow. From standard plumbing supply to high-end decorative plumbing supply, from bathroom plumbing supplies to plumbing kitchen packages, we cover every segment. If your customer asks for “ plumbing spares near me,” we’ll build a bin that matches your service list. As a wholesale plumbing supply company and trusted consumer plumbing supply resource, we also handle coastal builds—yes, salt air is brutal, and our coastal plumbing supply guidance will keep you from mixing dissimilar metals. Prefer to buy via internet plumbing supply channels? We’ll still support your spec. Looking at supplyhouse plumbing or city plumbing and electrical supply listings? Bring us your cart—our team will review for compatibility and code. We’ve supported teams from economy plumbing and heating supply scopes to complex contractors plumbing and fire supply packages. Whether you need direct plumbing supplies or curated plumbing supplies supply, our bench has answers.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, and you can always check our current inventory online or call ahead.
FAQ: Quick Answers from the Field
- What’s the minimum press inventory to carry if I’m switching from sweat? Start with 1/2", 3/4", and 1" copper couplings, 90s, tees, and a handful of unions; add EPDM rings rated to 250°F if you touch hydronics. Expect $300–$600 in fittings to get rolling. We’ll bundle your first kit and include a ring care guide. Press cuts typical repair time by 30–50% in wet conditions. Which toilet repair parts cover most brands on a first visit? Korky 528MP fill valves plus Korky universal adjustable flappers (3060) handle most 1.28–1.6 GPF tanks. Add Moen 1225/1222 and Delta RP50587 cartridges to fix the majority of single-handle faucet issues. Keep a wax-free seal for wobble-prone flanges. How do I stock for both residential and light commercial without overloading? Split bins by use-case: residential core (1/2", 3/4", fixture repairs) and light commercial (1", 1-1/2", PRVs, backflow test cocks, urinal kits). Keep heavier commercial stock staged at our counter for rapid pickup. We’ll tag your orders by job so your helper grabs the right tote. What hydronic parts fail most often in older boiler rooms? Circulator pumps (bearings/seals), zone valve heads, auto air vents, and feed valves. Carry Taco 007e/0015e3, Honeywell V8043 powerheads, a Spirovent Jr., and a WATTS 1156F. Bring gasket kits and isolation flanges so you don’t drain the whole system. Purge in 20–40 minutes with proper valves. Is it worth carrying tankless service parts? If you regularly service Navien, Noritz, or Rinnai—absolutely. Keep descaling solution, 3-way flush valves, and common sensors/igniters. We stock manufacturer boards and gaskets. A one-hour flush and sensor swap beats a cold-shower callback and locks in your maintenance contract. Can you help me set up a van from scratch? Yes. Bring your job mix and zip codes. We’ll design A/B/C inventory, bin labels that match our SKUs, and a reorder cadence. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery windows serving contractors throughout our region.
Bring It Home: Stock Smart, Work Faster, Call Us When It’s Critical
Stocking your work van isn’t about carrying everything—it’s about carrying the right things. If you follow the structure above, you’ll solve most calls in one trip and keep your margins healthy. And when you need deeper inventory, field-proven advice, or a specialized part at 4 p.m. on a Friday, remember: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components with rapid access, tech support, and a quality guarantee.
Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. And if you’re ready to streamline, ask about our contractor discount program and delivery radius—we’re the local plumbing supply expertise you’ve been looking for. Whether you typed “ plumbing supply house near me” or “ plumbing wholesale near me,” you’ve found the partner that keeps your wheels turning and your callbacks down.
Use this checklist, build your bins, and let’s keep you profitable on every stop. And if you want the full Stocking Your Work Van: Plumbing Supply Must-Haves list customized to your trade and territory, swing by—coffee’s on, bins are labeled, and the parts are ready.