As a professional tile setter, having the right tools and products can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your work. Beyond the typical tile-specific items like tile cutters and grout floats, several plumbing products can also enhance your service offerings and ensure a seamless job from start to finish.
This list highlights essential plumbing products that every tile setter should have in their toolkit. By incorporating these items, you can simplify your workflow, diversify your services, and save significant time, ultimately expanding your capabilities and delivering outstanding results.
1. Wax Gasket, T-Bolts, Liquilock
Starting with the basics, the wax gasket, T-bolts, and Liquilock form the trifecta for setting a toilet. If setting or repairing toilets isn’t part of your service repertoire, it might be time to reconsider. You’re already removing the toilet to set the tile; why not complete the job and reset or repair it as well? This additional skill can be a valuable upsell, allowing you to offer a more comprehensive service without needing to call in a plumber.
2. Toilet Supply Line
A flexible toilet supply line is another essential item. If the existing supply line is old or damaged, replacing it with a new, flexible one can be a straightforward task that saves your client from potential plumbing issues down the road. Just as importantly, it can keep your project on schedule. Instead of waiting for a plumber to handle this minor fix, complete it yourself and continue tiling, ensuring there are no unnecessary delays.
3. Multi-Purpose Jobsite Wipes
General cleanup is crucial to any tile-setting job, and Hercules Multi-Purpose Jobsite Wipes are perfect for this purpose. These jobsite wipes are effective for cleaning up grout, adhesive, and other residues that can accumulate during the tiling process. They’re gentle on the skin yet tough on grime, ensuring you can maintain a clean and professional workspace.
4. Plumber’s Putty
Plumber's Putty is a versatile tool in a tile setter’s arsenal. When drilling through floor tiles or granite countertops, you can use putty to create a small pool around the drill site. This pool holds water, which helps keep the drill bit cool and prevents overheating. This technique extends the life of your drill bits and ensures cleaner, more precise holes.
5. Plumber’s Caulk
Plumber's Caulk is essential for sealing joints and edges where tiles meet walls, floors, or other surfaces. It helps prevent water infiltration and provides a finished, professional look to your tile work. High-quality caulk can also accommodate slight movement and expansion, reducing the risk of cracks and gaps over time.
6. Tile Shower Base Drains
Oatey 130 Series Tile Shower Base Drains are designed for easy installation and reliable performance. These drains are perfect for any tile shower project, providing a secure and efficient drainage solution.
7. Perfect Slope Tile Shower Pre-Slope Base
Achieve a flawless tile shower pre-slope while optimizing both time and materials. Oatey Perfect Slope simplifies the installation process by requiring just half the amount of mortar and half the time compared with traditional methods.
8. Universal Freestanding Tub Drains
For projects involving freestanding tubs, the Universal Freestanding Tub Drains are a must-have. These drains offer a stylish and functional solution, ensuring proper drainage and ease of installation.
9. 1/4 Turn Angle Water Stop Valves
Along with supply lines, Oatey 1/4 Turn Angle Water Stop Valves are also a great product to have on hand for any plumbing-related tile-setting project. They provide reliable shut-off control, making them indispensable for both repair and installation tasks.
Incorporating these plumbing products into your toolkit can significantly enhance your efficiency and the quality of your tile-setting projects. They enable you to offer a more comprehensive service and help maintain a smooth workflow free from unnecessary interruptions. Equip yourself with these essentials and elevate your tile-setting business to the next level.