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Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Occupation Detailed Description

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

The main tasks and work activities of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are to review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements, cut openings in existing structures, direct construction or extraction personnel, fabricate parts or components. In general, for the Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, critical Thinking, speaking, time Management, active Listening and other 16 skills are required.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious 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.
Job TrainingEmployees 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.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs. 31.31% of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 60.70% of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
3.34%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
31.31%
Post-Secondary Certificate
60.70%
Some College Courses
0.00%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
4.65%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
0.00%

Tasks and Work Activities of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
  • Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
  • Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
  • Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
  • Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
  • Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
  • Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.
  • Remove and replace worn components.
  • Prepare cost estimates for clients.
  • Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
  • Dip nonferrous piping materials in a mixture of molten tin and lead to obtain a coating that prevents erosion or galvanic or electrolytic action.
  • Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
  • Install or test gray water systems, such as recycling, treatment, or irrigation systems.
  • Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
  • Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
  • 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.
  • Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
  • Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesPerforming physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesUsing either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRunning, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
  • Cut openings in existing structures.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.
  • Fabricate parts or components.
  • Cut metal components for installation.
  • Weld metal components.
  • Install plumbing or piping.
  • Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
  • Select construction materials.
  • Drill holes in construction materials.
  • Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
  • Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
  • Estimate construction project costs.
  • Operate pumps or compressors.
  • Install green plumbing or water handling systems.
  • Test green technology installations to verify performance.
  • Estimate materials requirements for projects.

Skills and Abilities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • RepairingRepairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
  • InstructingTeaching others how to do something.
  • Systems AnalysisDetermining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Equipment MaintenancePerforming routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Multilimb CoordinationThe ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Gross Body EquilibriumThe ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Gross Body CoordinationThe ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
  • Extent FlexibilityThe ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Trunk StrengthThe ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Perceptual SpeedThe ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Adjustable wrenchese.g. Adjustable wrenches
  • Air compressorse.g. Air compressors
  • Pneumatic grinderse.g. Air operated grinders
  • Wire brushese.g. Air wire brushes
  • Blow torche.g. Air-acetylene torches
  • Hex keyse.g. Allen wrenches
  • Alternating current AC arc weldere.g. Alternating current AC welding equipment
  • Voltage or current meterse.g. Amp meters
  • Pneumatic grinderse.g. Angle air grinders
  • Augerse.g. Augers
  • Levelse.g. Automatic levels
  • Backhoese.g. Backhoes
  • Ball peen hammere.g. Ball peen hammers
  • Specialty wrenchese.g. Basin wrenches
  • Blocks or pulleyse.g. Block and tackle equipment
  • Bolt cutterse.g. Bolt cutters
  • Box end wrenchese.g. Box end wrenches
  • Caliperse.g. Calipers
  • Metal markers or holderse.g. Centering head tools
  • Hoistse.g. Chain falls
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Building and ConstructionKnowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • DesignKnowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge 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.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge 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.
  • Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.