Where plumbers buy
Plumbers keep a supply house account for pipe, fittings and water heaters, and use big-box stores for after-hours parts.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hajoca | Distributor | Wholesale plumbing supplies, sold under more than 60 local trade names. | Ask at the counter |
| Winsupply | Distributor | A network of local supply companies for residential and industrial supplies. | Ask at the counter |
| Marcone | Distributor | OEM appliance repair parts, equipment and supplies for appliance pros, now with HVAC and plumbing products too. | Ask at the counter |
| The Home Depot | Retailer | Calls itself the world's largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores across North America. | Pro Xtra |
| Lowe's | Retailer | Runs MyLowe's Pro Rewards for small and mid-sized pros, with points from the first dollar spent. | MyLowe's Pro Rewards |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items plumbers buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| Supply lines, angle stops and ball valves | Most fixture calls end with one of these |
| Wax rings, closet bolts and fill and flush valves | Toilet repairs |
| Copper, PEX and PVC fittings in the common sizes | Repairs without a supply house trip |
| Water heater parts: elements, thermostats, thermocouples, anode rods | Same-day water heater repairs |
| Thread sealant, tape, primer and glue | Every joint |
| P-traps, slip nuts and drain fittings | Sink and tub drains |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: pipe wrenches in two or three sizes and adjustable wrenches; basin wrench and a faucet socket set; tubing cutters and a pvc or pex cutter; torch kit, flux, solder and a flame protector; pex crimp or expansion tool; hand auger and a closet auger; multimeter; step ladder; wet and dry vacuum; knee pads, gloves, eye protection and a respirator. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: drum drain machine sized for main lines; sewer inspection camera with locator; press tool with copper jaws; water heater dolly; gas leak detector and manometer; thread machine or power threader.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the plumbing tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Fluke, Little Giant).
When supplier prices change
Update your plumbing price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- Hajoca: About us, checked October 9, 2026
- Winsupply: About us, checked October 9, 2026
- Marcone: About, checked October 9, 2026
- The Home Depot: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Lowe's: MyLowe's Pro Rewards announcement, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.