Top 5 Plumbing Fittings Every Tradie Needs on Site

A Practical Guide for Plumbers and Apprentices

If there’s one thing every plumber knows, it’s this: the job never goes smoothly without the right fittings on hand. Whether you’re fixing a leaky tap, installing a new hot water system, or working on site for a big construction project, plumbing fittings are the small but essential pieces that keep everything connected, sealed, and flowing.

At Plumbers HQ, we stock fittings designed for Australian conditions—reliable, compliant, and ready to keep tradies moving on the job. In this guide, we’ll run through the Top 5 Plumbing Fittings every tradie should always have on site.

Why Carry Spare Plumbing Fittings?

Even the best project plan can go off-track if you don’t have the right parts. That’s why experienced plumbers and apprentices alike always carry a core selection of fittings in the ute. Having them on hand means:

• ✅ Faster Repairs – No running back to the supplier mid-job.

• ✅ Happy Clients – Quick solutions keep customers satisfied.

• ✅ Fewer Call-Backs – Using the right, compliant fittings ensures long-lasting results.

• ✅ Professional Efficiency – Being prepared makes you look (and work) like a pro.

1. Elbows (90° and 45°)

Elbows are one of the most common fittings on any job. They allow you to change pipe direction—whether it’s a tight 90° corner or a softer 45° angle.

Where You’ll Use Them:

• Domestic pipework installations

• Routing around corners or obstacles

• Bathroom and kitchen renovations

Plumbers HQ Pick:

• Copper and Brass Elbows – Durable and compliant with Australian plumbing codes.

• PVC Elbows – Lightweight and easy to install for non-pressure applications.

Pro Tip: Always keep both 90° and 45° elbows in a few common pipe sizes (15mm, 20mm, 25mm). You’ll use them daily.

2. Couplings (Joiners)

Couplings are used to connect two pieces of pipe, either permanently or temporarily. They’re a lifesaver when repairing damaged sections or extending a line.

Where You’ll Use Them:

• Fixing burst or cracked pipes

• Extending existing installations

• Emergency repairs

Plumbers HQ Pick:

• Brass Compression Couplings – Strong and versatile for water lines.

• PVC Couplings – Ideal for drainage systems.

Pro Tip: Invest in a mix of slip couplings (slide over the pipe) and repair couplings (with rubber seals) for maximum flexibility.

3. Tees (T-Joints)

A “tee” fitting allows you to split a line into two, making it one of the most important fittings for plumbing systems.

Where You’ll Use Them:

• Branching a main water line into multiple outlets

• Irrigation systems

• Hot and cold water distribution in bathrooms and kitchens

Plumbers HQ Pick:

• Copper Tees – Perfect for domestic hot/cold water.

• PVC Drainage Tees – For waste and stormwater applications.

Pro Tip: Always align tees properly. Poor installation can cause pressure drops or uneven water flow.

4. Ball Valves & Stop Valves

Valves are fittings with control built in—they allow you to shut off or regulate water flow. Without them, repairs and maintenance would be impossible.

Where You’ll Use Them:

• Isolating water to fixtures like toilets, sinks, and hot water systems

• Emergency shut-offs

• Controlling flow in irrigation systems

Plumbers HQ Pick:

• Brass Ball Valves – Durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to operate.

• Mini Stop Valves – Compact and convenient for under-sink or behind-toilet use.

Pro Tip: Always keep a few spare ball valves in your kit. They’re one of the most common fittings replaced during call-outs.

5. Unions

A union is a special type of fitting that lets you disconnect pipes easily—perfect for situations where maintenance or future replacement is expected.

Where You’ll Use Them:

• Hot water system connections

• Pumps and filtration systems

• Any system that may require regular service or replacement

Plumbers HQ Pick:

• Brass Unions – Robust and heat-resistant, ideal for hot water applications.

• PVC Unions – Great for irrigation and pool systems.

Pro Tip: Always use unions where equipment will eventually need servicing. It saves hours of cutting and re-joining pipes down the line.

Bonus Fittings Every Tradie Should Carry

While the Top 5 will get you through most jobs, here are a few extras worth keeping in the ute:

• Reducers – Transition between different pipe sizes.

• Caps & Plugs – Seal off pipe ends temporarily or permanently.

• Hose Bibbs/Tap Connectors – For garden taps and outdoor connections.

• Nipples – Short connectors for tight spaces.

These smaller fittings might not seem urgent—until you’re stuck on site without one.

Tips for Managing Your Plumbing Fittings

1. Organise by Size – Keep fittings in labelled containers (15mm, 20mm, etc.) for quick access.

2. Restock Regularly – After each week, top up your ute so you’re never caught short.

3. Mix Materials – Carry both brass/copper for water supply and PVC for drainage jobs.

4. Buy in Bulk – Save money and reduce downtime with multi-packs of common fittings.

Why Buy Plumbing Fittings from Plumbers HQ?

• Trade-Grade Quality – Only fittings that comply with Australian standards.

• Competitive Pricing – Affordable whether you’re a sole trader or part of a larger business.

• Huge Range – From brass and copper to PVC and specialty fittings.

• Fast Australia-Wide Delivery – Stock up without losing time on site.

Final Thoughts

The best plumbers are the best-prepared. By carrying a reliable selection of fittings, you’ll always be ready to tackle unexpected challenges and keep jobs running smoothly.

To recap, the Top 5 Plumbing Fittings Every Tradie Needs are:

1. Elbows (90° & 45°)

2. Couplings

3. Tees

4. Valves

5. Unions

Add a few extras like reducers, caps, and tap connectors, and you’ll be equipped for nearly any plumbing job that comes your way.

👉 Stock up today with Plumbers HQ’s plumbing fittings collection, and make sure you’re always prepared on site.