Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

What the job really is

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-2152
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
• Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
• Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
• Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
• Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
• Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
• Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
• Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
• Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
• Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.

Tools and technology

Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, AEC Design Group CADPIPE, Acetylene torches, Adjustable slip lock nut wrenches, Adjustable wrenches, Air compressors, Air operated grinders, Air pressure gauges

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Boilermakers
• Pipelayers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.