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Overview
Plumbers and pipefitters install and repair pipe systems that
carry water, steam, air, or other fluids or gases.
Plumbers and pipefitters are considered a single trade. However, workers usually
specialize in one area. Plumbers install and repair water, waste, and gas
systems in homes and commercial buildings. Pipefitters install and repair pipe
systems used in manufacturing. They also work on pipe systems that generate
electricity and heat and cool buildings. Some pipefitters specialize in one type
of system. Steamfitters install pipe systems that move liquids or gases under
high pressure.
Though the systems they work on are different, all three types of plumbers have
many tasks in common. First, they study blueprints and inspect buildings to
determine what materials to use. They select pipe sizes and types according to
requirements. They also select other materials, such as supports or hangers.
Next, plumbers lay out the job. This means they try to fit piping into the
building with the least amount of waste. They measure and mark areas where pipes
will be installed. They also check for things that are in the way, such as
electrical wiring. They must be sure to plan the layout around such
obstructions. Then, plumbers cut holes in walls, ceilings, or floors where the
pipes will go. For large pipe systems, such as those in manufacturing, they may
hang steel supports from ceiling joists.
The next step is to cut and bend the lengths of pipe, using saws, pipe cutters,
and pipe-bending machines. Plumbers then assemble the pipe system, using
different methods. For plastic pipe, they use glues to join pipe with fittings.
For copper pipe, they slide fittings over the end of the pipe and solder the
fitting in place with a torch. Finally, plumbers install the pipe, fixtures, and
appliances. They connect the system to water, gas, or sewer lines. They also
check the system with pressure gauges to be sure it is free from leaks and
operates properly.
Plumbers also repair and maintain plumbing. They replace defective fittings and
broken pipes. They open clogged drains. They also modify existing pipe systems
and maintain related equipment. Sometimes plumbers operate pump equipment to
remove water from flooded areas, such as basements or manholes. For large jobs,
plumbers may direct other workers in cutting, assembling, and installing pipe
systems.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this
career.
- Study blueprints and inspect structures to
determine materials and layout.
- Select pipe sizes and types and related materials,
such as supports, according to needs.
- Lay out job to fit piping into structure of
building with least amount of waste.
- Measure and mark areas where pipes will be
installed. Check for obstructions and plan layout around them.
- Cut holes in walls, ceilings, and floors, or hang
steel supports from ceiling joists.
- Cut and bend lengths of pipe. Use saws, pipe
cutters, and pipe-bending machines.
- Connect pipe with fittings, using glues (plastic
pipe) or soldering torch (copper pipe).
- Install assembled pipe, fixtures, and appliances.
- Connect system to water or sewer lines.
- Check system to ensure proper fit and operation,
using gauges.
- Repair and maintain plumbing. Replace defective
fittings and broken pipes or open clogged drains. May also modify pipe
systems and maintain related equipment.
- Operate motorized pump to remove water from
flooded areas.
- Direct other workers in pipe cutting,
pre-assembly, and installation.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but
the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Handle and move objects.
- Perform activities that use the whole body.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
- Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Evaluate information against standards.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Have a low level of social contact. They often
work alone, but talk to supervisors for brief periods.
- Provide a service to customers and businesses.
- May coach or train apprentices.
Physical Work Conditions
- Often work indoors, but sometimes work outdoors.
- Sometimes wear protective attire.
- Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that
require getting into awkward positions.
- Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
- Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment.
There is some possibility of moderate injury.
- Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that
produce cuts or burns. However, the likelihood of even slight injury is low.
- May on rare occasions be exposed to very hot or
very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
- May on rare occasions be exposed to hazardous
conditions. There is a slight chance of injury, but injuries are likely to
be moderate.
- Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels
that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Work Performance
- Must be sure that all details are done and their
work is exact. Errors could have serious consequences for the safety of
workers.
Hours/Travel
- Usually work a standard 40-hour week, when working in
construction.
- May work evening or weekend shifts or be on-call, when
involved in maintenance work.
Physical
Demands
People in this career frequently:
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects,
tools, or controls.
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
- Bend or twist the body.
- Repeat the same motions.
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
- Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble
small objects.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the
hand steady while moving the arm.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine
controls.
- Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers,
hands, and wrists.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two
arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in one place.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body,
arms, and/or legs.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the
body for long periods without getting tired.
- Use muscles for extended periods without getting
tired.
- See details of objects that are less than a few
feet away.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this
career to be able to:
- Move arms and legs quickly.
- Choose quickly and correctly among various movements
when responding to different signals.
- React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
- Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when
in an unstable position.
- Use muscles to jump, sprint, or move heavy objects.
- Be physically active for long periods without getting
out of breath.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet
away.
- See objects in very low light.
Skills
and Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Speak so listeners understand the information.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in
a certain order.
- Identify problems and review information.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go
wrong.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Use Math and Science
- Use math skills to solve problems.
Work with People
- Change behavior in relation to others’ actions.
Work with Things
- Install equipment to meet needs.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a
job.
- Operate and control equipment.
- Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and
find solutions for them.
- Repair machines or systems.
- Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine
when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Perceive and Visualize
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or
its parts are rearranged.
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers,
objects, pictures, or patterns.
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of
constructing buildings and other structures.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and
repairing machines and tools.
- Design: Knowledge of making and using plans,
blueprints, drawings, and models.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider achievement important. They like to see
the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to
get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Consider relationships important. They like to
work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for
other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things
that go against their sense of right and wrong.
- Consider good working conditions important. They
like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that
fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Consider independence important. They like to make
decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can
plan their work with little supervision.
- Have realistic interests. They like work
activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They
like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood,
tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
Preparation
To work as a plumber or pipefitter, you must:
have a high school diploma or GED;
complete classroom coursework;
complete on-the-job training;
have a license to work as a contractor;
pass a state or local licensing exam;
have good communication skills;
be honest; and
have good integrity.
Formal Education
Nearly all plumbers and pipefitters learn their skills through apprenticeship
training programs. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:
have a high school degree or GED;
be at least 18 years old; and
be in good physical condition.
Apprenticeship programs usually consist of three to five years of
on-the-job training. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of
classroom training. Classroom subjects include:
blueprint reading;
safety regulations;
welding; and
plumbing codes and laws.
On-the-job, apprentices learn to:
use and maintain materials, tools, and equipment;
install and repair plumbing fixtures and supports;
install and repair pipes for drainage, waste and vents;
install and repair water mains and services; and
install and repair storm piping.
To find out more about apprenticeships, contact your local
apprenticeship agency.
You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional
technical school or two-year college. Courses in shop, general math, and
drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these
courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.
On-the-job Training
Some plumbers and pipefitters learn their skills informally on the job. In this
case, you learn from an experienced worker.
Military Training
The military is an excellent source of training for this occupation. The
military trains people to install and repair plumbing and pipe systems on
aircraft, missiles, and ships. If you receive this type of training in the
military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a
civilian apprenticeship program.
Helpful
High School Courses
A high school degree is almost always required to work in this
occupation. You should take courses in high school that prepare you to earn a
high school diploma. This includes courses in English, math, science, and social
studies. You also need to take courses in physical education, health, and
applied art or second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you
for this specific occupation. While you do not have to take all of them, you
should consider them in planning for high school. Some of these courses are also
available at colleges and technical schools.
Business
Introduction to Business
Construction Trades
Exploration of Construction Careers
Plumbing
Construction Trades Work Experience
Drafting
Drafting
Blueprint Reading
Industrial and Technology Education
Exploration of Careers
General Industrial Arts
Materials and Processes
Industrial Safety and First Aid
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Industrial and Technology Education Work Experience
Life and Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Integrated Math
General Math
Applied Math
Pre-Algebra
Algebra
Business Math
Precision Metalwork
Welding
Since many plumbers and pipefitters are self-employed, you may find
it useful to take accounting, business management, and computer courses.
Hiring
Practices
Employers prefer applicants who have plumbing experience. This
experience can be from an apprenticeship or the military. Many employers prefer
applicants who have at least a high school degree or GED. In addition, good
hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are important. Physical fitness and a
good sense of balance are also important.
Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet local
requirements. For example, some union locals test an applicant's aptitude for
plumbing.
Licensing
/ Certification
In most states, plumbers who are contractors must be licensed.
However, licensing is often regulated by individual cities. As a result,
licensing requirements vary widely.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for plumbers and pipefitters is $3,350 per month
($19.31 per hour). Half of all plumbers and pipefitters earn between $2,540 and
$4,480 per month ($14.68 and $25.87 per hour).
Wages vary in different areas of the country. Apprentices usually begin at about
half the wage rate paid to experienced plumbers and pipefitters. Wages increase
regularly as their skills improve.
Full-time salaried plumbers may earn benefits. These typically include vacation,
sick leave, and health insurance. After an initial waiting period, apprentices
receive the same benefits as experienced plumbers and pipefitters. Self-employed
plumbers and pipefitters must provide their own benefits.
Employment
Nationally, about 492,000 plumbers and pipefitters work in this medium-sized
occupation.
Major employers:
Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors
About 10 percent of plumbers and pipefitters are self-employed.
Outlook
In North Carolina, employment for plumbers and pipefitters is
expected to grow about as fast as average through 2012.
Nationally, the number of jobs for plumbers and pipefitters is expected to
increase about as fast as average through the year 2012.
The demand for plumbers and pipefitters is expected to outpace the supply of
workers trained in this field. In addition, several thousand jobs will occur
each year as workers retire or leave the occupation. Thus, job opportunities
will be good for those who are interested in this occupation. However, job
openings and apprenticeships vary with local conditions.
New construction is expected to grow slowly through the year 2012. Much of the
work for plumbers will stem from the repair and maintenance of residential,
commercial, and industrial pipe systems. It will also stem from building
renovation.
Jobs for plumbers and pipefitters are usually less affected by the economy than
other construction trades. This is because plumbing repairs often cannot be put
off.
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Employment
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Employment
Change
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2002
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2012
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Number
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Percent
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National
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492,000
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584,000
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92,000
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18.7
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Advancement
Opportunities
Experienced plumbers and pipefitters may become supervisors
for plumbing contractors. Others go into business for themselves.
Please see Plumbing Courses.
For More Information Contact:
The Prosperity Christian Resource
and
Community Housing Development Center, Inc.
P. O. Box 2683, Reidsville, NC 27323
Tel: (336) 361 - 4066
FAX: (336) 348 - 1802
E-mail: webmaster@theprosperitycenter.com
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