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Occupation Description

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.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed.

• Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
• Plumbers

Knowledge:

• 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.
• 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.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• 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.

Skills:

• Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Abilities:

• Information Ordering - The 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).
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Problem Sensitivity - The 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.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters.

Knowledge:

• 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.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• 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.

Skills:

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Active Listening - Giving 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.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities:

• Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
• Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• Multilimb Coordination - The 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 Sensitivity - The 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.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Plumbers.

Tasks and Activities

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed.

• Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
• Plumbers

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Assemble and secure pipes, tubes, fittings, and related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, and threading joints.
• Attach pipes to walls, structures and fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools or welding equipment.
• Cut and bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, and mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand and power tools.
• Cut, thread, and hammer pipe to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, and pipe threaders and benders.
• Dip nonferrous piping materials in a mixture of molten tin and lead to obtain a coating that prevents erosion or galvanic and electrolytic action.
• Inspect work sites for obstructions and to ensure that holes will not cause structural weakness.
• Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
• Install automatic controls used to regulate pipe systems.
• Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment, following blueprints.
• Measure and mark pipes for cutting and threading.
• Modify, clean, and maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, and related machines and equipment, following specifications and using hand and power tools.
• Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
• Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair according to specifications.
• Prepare cost estimates for clients.
• Remove and replace worn components.
• Select pipe sizes and types and related materials, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
• Turn valves to shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Detailed Work Activities:

• adhere to safety procedures
• apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
• assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
• braze metal parts or components together
• build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
• clean equipment or machinery
• cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
• cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• determine material or tool requirements
• determine project methods and procedures
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• identify base metals for welding
• inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
• install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
• lay out piping systems
• measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
• move or fit heavy objects
• operate power driven pumps
• perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
• plan or organize work
• pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
• read blueprints
• read specifications
• read tape measure
• read technical drawings
• repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
• repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
• solder metal parts or components together
• understand construction specifications
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use arc welding equipment
• use basic plumbing techniques
• use braze-welding equipment
• use building or land use regulations
• use combination welding procedures
• use hand or power tools
• use hazardous materials information
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Source: Occupational Information Network: Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Assemble pipe sections, tubing and fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing and welding equipment.
• Clear away debris in a renovation.
• Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
• Direct workers engaged in pipe cutting and preassembly and installation of plumbing systems and components.
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Hang steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
• Install oxygen and medical gas in hospitals.
• Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks and toilets, using hand and power tools.
• Install underground storm, sanitary and water piping systems and extend piping to connect fixtures and plumbing to these systems.
• Keep records of assignments and produce detailed work reports.
• Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, and fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers and levels.
• Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, and pipe-bending machines.
• Perform complex calculations and planning for special or very large jobs.
• Prepare written work cost estimates and negotiate contracts.
• Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, and opening clogged drains.
• Review blueprints and building codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures.
• Study building plans and inspect structures to assess material and equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, and to plan installation around obstructions such as electrical wiring.
• Use specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as performing computer-assisted welding of small pipes, or working with the special piping used in microchip fabrication.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities:

• adhere to safety procedures
• apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
• assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
• braze metal parts or components together
• build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
• clean rooms or work areas
• compute production, construction, or installation specifications
• cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
• cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• determine material or tool requirements
• determine project methods and procedures
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• install household appliances
• install underground storm, sanitation, or water piping systems
• lay out piping systems
• maintain or repair work tools or equipment
• maintain records, reports, or files
• maintain repair records
• measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
• move or fit heavy objects
• negotiate business contracts
• perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
• plan or organize work
• pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
• read blueprints
• read specifications
• read tape measure
• read technical drawings
• repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
• solder metal parts or components together
• understand construction specifications
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use arc welding equipment
• use basic plumbing techniques
• use braze-welding equipment
• use building or land use regulations
• use combination welding procedures
• use hand or power tools
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Source: Occupational Information Network: Plumbers.

Tools and Technology

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are grouped into the following occupations for which Tools and Technology information is available.

• Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
• Plumbers

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Blow torches - Air-acetylene torches, Cutting torches, Propane torches
• Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus - Oxyacetylene welding equipment, Plasma cutting guides, Torch cutter guides
• Levels - Automatic levels, Dumpy levels, Laser levels, Levels, Pipe flange aligners
• Power grinders - Offset grinders, Pedestal grinders, Portable grinders, Stationary grinders
• Screwdrivers - Flat screwdrivers, Impact screwdrivers, Phillips head screwdrivers, Screwdrivers

Technology:

• Analytical or scientific software - AutoPIPE software, COADE CAESAR II, Pipepro Pipefitting software, Watter Hammer Software Hytran
• Computer aided design CAD software - AEC Design Group CADPIPE, Computer aided design CAD software, Pipe 2D software, ViziFlow software
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Project management software - Piping construction costs estimation software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel, PipingOffice software

Source: Occupational Information Network: Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters.

Plumbers  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Drain or pipe cleaning equipment - Drain cleaning cables, Hand spinners, Heavy duty drain cleaning machines, Power sink machine drain cleaners, Power spinners
• Pipe or tube cutters - Copper cutting machines, Mini tubing cutters, Pipe cutters, Polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters, Polyvinyl chloride PVC saws
• Pipe wrenches - End pipe wrenches, Offset pipe wrenches, Pipe wrenches, Straight pipe wrenches
• Pressure indicators - Air pressure gauges, Comprehensive water gauges, Heavy duty water pressure gauges, Maximum reading water pressure gauges, Water pressure gauges
• Specialty wrenches - Basin wrenches, Basket strainer wrenches, Bibb seat tools, Chain wrenches, Cleanout plug wrenches

Technology:

• Accounting software - Bookkeeping software, Intuit QuickBooks, Intuit Quicken software, Job costing software, KRS Enterprises Service First!
• Analytical or scientific software - Elite Software DPIPE, Elite Software FIRE, Elite Software HSYM, Elite Software Spipe, Klear Estimator
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk Building Systems, Drawing and drafting software, Elite Software Plumbing CAD, Elite Software Sprinkler CAD, Horizon Engineering Sigma Plumbing Calculator
• Project management software - Estimating software, FastEST FastPipe, FastEST software, Vision InfoSoft Plumbing Bid Manager
• Word processing software - Atlas Construction Business Forms, Contractor City Contractor Forms Pack, Microsoft Word, Wilhelm Publishing Threshold, Word processing software

Source: Occupational Information Network: Plumbers.

Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements

• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Boilermakers
• Carpenters
• Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
• Rail Car Repairers
• Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
• Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Web Resources

Construction Trades Workers
Extraction Workers
Helpers, Construction Trades
Other Construction and Related Workers
Supervisors, Construction and Extraction Workers

• Boilermakers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Brick Masons, California Occupational Guide
• Brickmasons and Blockmasons, CareerZone
• Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Carpenter, Princeton Review
• Carpenters, California Occupational Guide
• Carpenters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers, California Occupational Guide
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, Segmental Pavers, and Terrazzo Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Construction Carpenters, CareerZone
• Construction Trades Helpers, California Occupational Guide
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, Tapers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Drywall Installers and Tapers, California Occupational Guide
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas, Learn More Resource Center
• Electrician, Princeton Review
• Electricians, California Occupational Guide
• Electricians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System), Job Futures
• Explosives Workers, Learn More Resource Center
• Fence Erectors, Learn More Resource Center
• Floor Covering Installers, California Occupational Guide
• Glaziers, California Occupational Guide
• Glaziers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Insulation Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall, Learn More Resource Center
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Learn More Resource Center
• Painters and Paperhangers, California Occupational Guide
• Painters and Paperhangers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Paperhangers, Learn More Resource Center
• Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators, Learn More Resource Center
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons, California Occupational Guide
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, California Occupational Guide
• Plumbers, Pipelayers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Rock Splitters, Quarry, Learn More Resource Center
• Roof Bolters, Mining, Learn More Resource Center
• Roofers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Sheet Metal Workers, California Occupational Guide
• Sheet Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Structural and Reinforcing Iron and Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Tile Setters, California Occupational Guide

• Continuous mining machine operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Derrick operators, oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Earth drillers, except oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--extraction workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Mine cutting and channeling machine operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Rock Splitters, Quarry, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Roof Bolters, Mining, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas, Learn More Resource Center
• Rotary drill operators, oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Roustabouts, oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Service unit operators, oil, gas, and mining, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Construction Laborers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Construction Trades Helpers, California Occupational Guide
• Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other, Learn More Resource Center
• Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--carpenters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--electricians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--roofers, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Construction and Building Inspectors, California Occupational Guide
• Construction and Building Inspectors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Construction Laborers, Learn More Resource Center
• Elevator Installers and Repairers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Fence erectors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--Electricians, Learn More Resource Center
• Highway Maintenance Worker, California Occupational Guide
• Highway maintenance workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Roustabouts, Learn More Resource Center
• Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Contractors and Supervisors, Trades and Related Workers, Job Futures
• First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook