Occupation Details
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$43,970.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,200.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$97,340.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
29,840
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
36,300
+646 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
3,988
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Earn While You Learn: Discover hands-on training opportunities that combine paid work experience with classroom instruction for this career path.
AT Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 JATC (Central Region)
Syracuse, NY
Announcement
Sprinkler Fitters install, test, inspect and maintain Fire Suppression Systems. We install subterrainean piping from municipality water supply underground into a building pump room (Fire Hydrants along the way), and overhead/automated/integrated Piping Systems (90% of work is overhead- could be 100' in the air) Sprinkler Fitters are Specialized Pipefitters that work with 45 different types of Fire Suppression Systems, 1,000 different types of sprinkler heads and will work with up to 8" Pipe.
Additional Information
Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669 will furnish our contractors with journeymen and apprentices that have the aptitude, knowledge and skill to install a quality fire protection system. Our members work safely, proudly and reliably to assure our contractors and end-users that the fire protection system will operate correctly every time.Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669, U.A., AFL-CIO, is dedicated to the education and training of its members. We strive to stay abreast of the continual evolution of fire sprinkler systems. Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669 will furnish our contractors with journeymen and apprentices that have the aptitude, knowledge and skill to install a quality fire protection system. Our members work safely, proudly and reliably to assure our contractors and end-users that the fire protection system will operate correctly every time.
Program Dates
Contact Information
Syracuse, NY 132061800
AT United Service Workers LU #355
Bohemia, NY
Announcement
he Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for United Service Workers, Local Union #355, will conduct a recruitment from January 20, 2026 through February 2, 2026 for two Steamfitter apprentices. Applications can be completed at the Local Union #355 Training Center, 267 Knickerbocker Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. All applications must be completed on site and received no later than February 2, 2026.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 17 years old at the time of application and must be 18 by the enrollment date in the apprenticeship program. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED), including one year of high school algebra. Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to perform the work required of a Steam Fitter, which may include: Working an 8-hour day continually on their feet. Lifting and carrying weights in excess of 75 pounds for extended periods. Working in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures for extended periods. Working in restrictive or confined spaces. Working at heights of 20 feet or more on ladders, scaffolds, scissor lifts, or boom lifts. Working in ditches or trenches up to six feet deep. Must be able to read, hear, and understand instructions and warnings. Must pass a substance abuse test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school (in and around Nassau and Suffolk counties). Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact Local Union #355 at (631) 589-5880. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center. Local 355 Joint Apprenticeship Training Funds apprenticeship program has been operating its NY State approved sheetmetal program as well as its service program for several years and the first class of Journeymen graduates received their diplomas in spring 2009. The JATF also recently received NY State approval for its sprinklerfitting, steamfitting, plumbing, and pipefitting programs.
Program Dates
Contact Information
Bohemia, NY 11716
AT United Service Workers LU #355
Bohemia, NY
Announcement
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for United Service Workers, Local Union #355, will conduct a recruitment from January 5, 2026 through January 16, 2026 for two Sprinkler Fitter apprentices. Applications can be completed at the Local Union #355 Training Center, 267 Knickerbocker Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. All applications must be completed on site and received no later than January 16, 2026.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 17 years old at the time of application and must be 18 by the enrollment date in the program. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED), including one year of high school algebra. Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to perform the work required of a Sprinkler Fitter, which may include: Working an 8-hour day continually on their feet. Lifting and carrying weights in excess of 75 pounds for extended periods. Working in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures for extended periods. Working in restrictive or confined spaces. Working at heights of 20 feet or more on ladders, scaffolds, scissor lifts, or boom lifts. Working in ditches or trenches up to six feet deep. Must be able to read, hear, and understand instructions and warnings. Must pass a substance abuse test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school (in and around Nassau and Suffolk counties). Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact Local Union #355 at (631) 589-5880. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center. Local 355 Joint Apprenticeship Training Funds apprenticeship program has been operating its NY State approved sheetmetal program as well as its service program for several years and the first class of Journeymen graduates received their diplomas in spring 2009. The JATF also recently received NY State approval for its sprinklerfitting, steamfitting, plumbing, and pipefitting programs.
Program Dates
Contact Information
Bohemia, NY 11716
AT Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #22
West Seneca, NY
Announcement
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local Union #22, will conduct a recruitment from December 2, 2025 through December 1, 2026 for 15 Plumber apprentices. Please note that the 15 openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions, the Finger Lakes and Western regions of the state. Applications must be obtained in person at Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local Union #22, 120 Gardenville Parkway, West Seneca, NY, 14224, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Applications can be returned to this same address by mail or in person. If returning applications in person, candidates may deposit their application in a drop box next to the front entrance of the facility. The drop box is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Must provide signed statement from own personal physician attesting he/she can physically perform duties of a Plumber. Must possess a valid NYS drivers license in order to operate company vehicles. Must have reliable means of transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school. Must have residency in the following counties and/or townships: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming Counties. In Genesee County - the townships of Alabama, Oakfield, Elba, Pembroke, Batavia, Darien, and Alexander. In Orleans County - the townships of Yates, Ridgeway, and Shelby. In Allegany County - the townships of Allen, Alma, Amity, Angelica, Belfast, Bolivar, Caneadea, Centerville, Clarksville, Cuba, Friendship, Genesee, Granger, Hume, New Hudson, Rushford, Scio, and Wirt. Must pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in the apprenticeship program. Must take and pass Work Keys Applied Mathematics, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy Assessment tests with a minimum score of four (out of a possible seven) in each of these categories to be selected for an interview.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local Union #22 at (716) 668-8500. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: https://dol.ny.gov/career-centers).
Program Dates
Contact Information
West Seneca, NY 14224
AT Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #112 (Northern Zone)
Utica, NY
Announcement
The Plumber-Pipefitters JAC Lo. #112 (Northern Zone), will conduct a recruitment from May 7, 2025 through April 1, 2026 for four Plumber and Steamfitter apprentices. Please note, the four openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions the Central, Mohawk Valley, and North Country regions of the state.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old at time of employment and sign an affidavit attesting to this. Proof may be required after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED), as recognized by local school authorities. Must sign an affidavit attesting to this. Proof may be required. Must pass a physical examination and a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to do the work of a Plumber and Steamfitter, which may include: Must be able to work regularly at varying heights, hot and cold temperatures indoors and outdoors. Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school. Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign a scholarship loan agreement in conjunction with related instruction classes, if accepted to the program.
How to Apply
Applications can be obtained from and filled out in-person at Local Union #112, Northern Zone Office, 110 Dry Road, Oriskany, NY 13424, during regular working hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the first working Wednesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Applications can also be completed on-line at www.ualocal112.org anytime during the recruitment period. Once on the website, click on the Training tab then Application process. Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2026.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact the Plumber-Pipefitters JAC Lo. #112 at (607) 723-9593 or (607) 772-0344. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: https://dol.ny.gov/career-centers)
Program Dates
Contact Information
Utica, NY 10014
AT Plumbers and Pipefitters Binghamton LU #112
Binghamton, NY
Announcement
The Plumbers and Pipefitters Binghamton Local Union #112 will conduct a recruitment from May 5, 2025 through April 6, 2026 for two Steamfitter apprentices and four Plumber and Steamfitter apprentices. Please note, the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier regions of the state.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old at time of employment and sign an affidavit attesting to this. Proof may be required after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED), as recognized by local school authorities. Must sign an affidavit attesting to this. Proof may be required. Must pass a physical examination and a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to do the work of a Steamfitter or a Plumber and Steamfitter, which may include: Must be able to work regularly at varying heights, hot and cold temperatures indoors and outdoors. Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school. Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign a scholarship loan agreement in conjunction with classroom instruction classes, if accepted to the program.
How to Apply
Applications can be obtained from and filled out in-person at Local Union #112, 11 Griswold Street, Binghamton, NY 13904, during regular working hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the first working Monday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Applications can also be completed on-line at www.ualocal112.org anytime during the recruitment period. Once on the website, click on the Training tab then Application process. Applications must be received no later than April 6, 2026.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact the Plumbers and Pipefitters Binghamton Local Union #112 at (607) 723-9593 or (607) 772-0344. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: https://dol.ny.gov/career-centers)
Program Dates
Contact Information
Binghamton, NY 13904
AT Plumbers and Pipefitters Binghamton LU #112
Binghamton, NY
Announcement
The Plumbers and Pipefitters Binghamton Local Union #112 will conduct a recruitment from May 5, 2025 through April 6, 2026 for two Steamfitter apprentices and four Plumber and Steamfitter apprentices. Please note, the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier regions of the state.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old at time of employment and sign an affidavit attesting to this. Proof may be required after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED), as recognized by local school authorities. Must sign an affidavit attesting to this. Proof may be required. Must pass a physical examination and a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to do the work of a Steamfitter or a Plumber and Steamfitter, which may include: Must be able to work regularly at varying heights, hot and cold temperatures indoors and outdoors. Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school. Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign a scholarship loan agreement in conjunction with classroom instruction classes, if accepted to the program.
How to Apply
Applications can be obtained from and filled out in-person at Local Union #112, 11 Griswold Street, Binghamton, NY 13904, during regular working hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the first working Monday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Applications can also be completed on-line at www.ualocal112.org anytime during the recruitment period. Once on the website, click on the Training tab then Application process. Applications must be received no later than April 6, 2026.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact the Plumbers and Pipefitters Binghamton Local Union #112 at (607) 723-9593 or (607) 772-0344. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: https://dol.ny.gov/career-centers)
Program Dates
Contact Information
Binghamton, NY 13904
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Air operated grinders
- Air pressure gauges
- Air wire brushes
- Air-acetylene torches
- Allen wrenches
- Alternating current AC welding equipment
- Amp meters
- Angle air grinders
- Augers
- Automatic levels
- Backhoes
- Ball peen hammers
- Bandsaws
- Basket strainer wrenches
- Bench yoke vises
- Bibb seat tools
- Block and tackle equipment
- Bolt cutters
- Box end wrenches
- Brazing equipment
- Butane torches
- Cable saws
- Calipers
- Caulking guns
- Centering head tools
- Chain falls
- Chain tongs
Technology
- AEC Design Group CADPIPE
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
- Autodesk Building Systems
- Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
- Bookkeeping software
- COADE CAESAR II
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Database software
- Drawing and drafting software
- Elite Software HSYM
- Elite Software Plumbing CAD
- Elite Software Spipe
- Elite Software Sprinkler CAD
- Email software
- FastEST software
- Heat loss calculation software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain records, reports, or files
- install household appliances
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- maintain repair records
- negotiate business contracts
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine material or tool requirements
- determine material or tool requirements
- adhere to safety procedures
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- lay out piping systems
- lay out piping systems
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use hazardous materials information
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use combination welding procedures
- use combination welding procedures
- use building or land use regulations
- use building or land use regulations
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
- repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
- maintain or repair work tools or equipment
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- clean equipment or machinery
- operate power driven pumps
- use hand or power tools
- use hand or power tools
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use pressure gauges
- use pressure gauges
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- use braze-welding equipment
- use braze-welding equipment
- solder metal parts or components together
- solder metal parts or components together
- braze metal parts or components together
- braze metal parts or components together
- use soldering equipment
- use soldering equipment
- use arc welding equipment
- use arc welding equipment
- plan or organize work
- plan or organize work
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- move or fit heavy objects
- move or fit heavy objects
- clean rooms or work areas
- cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
- cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
- install underground storm, sanitation, or water piping systems
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
- pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- determine project methods and procedures
- determine project methods and procedures
- understand construction specifications
- understand construction specifications
- identify base metals for welding
- read blueprints
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read specifications
- read tape measure
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- read technical drawings
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
- Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
- Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
- Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
- Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
- Keep records of work assignments.
- Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
- Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
- Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
- Repair or remove and replace system components.
- Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
- Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
- Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
- Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
- Repair hydraulic or air pumps.
- Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
- Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
- Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MorePlumbers and Pipe Fitters
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn More