What You'll Do

  • 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.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
  • Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
  • 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.
  • Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
  • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
  • Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

Essential Skills

Critical Thinking 3.5/5
Troubleshooting 3.25/5
Repairing 3.25/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.25/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Operations Monitoring 3.0/5
Operation and Control 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Reading Comprehension 2.88/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Attention to Detail, Independence, Leadership, Analytical Thinking

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Finger Dexterity 3.62/5
Near Vision 3.62/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.5/5
Manual Dexterity 3.5/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.38/5
Trunk Strength 3.38/5
Far Vision 3.38/5

Technologies & Tools

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 DPIPE Elite Software FIRE Elite Software HSYM Elite Software Plumbing CAD Elite Software Spipe Elite Software Sprinkler CAD Email software Estimating software FastEST FastPipe FastEST software Heat loss calculation software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.52/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.47/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 4.08/5)
  • Leadership (High importance: 4.08/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.01/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic Commercial Plumber Corrosion Control Fitter Diesel Engine Pipefitter Drain Cleaner Drain Technician Dry Docks Utility Systems Repair Operator Equipment Service Associate (ESA) Fire Control System Installer Fire Hydrant Mechanic Fire Sprinkler Fitter Fire Sprinkler Installer Fire Sprinkler Service Technician Fire Sprinkler Technician Fitter Gas Line Installer Gas Line Repairer Gas Line Servicer Gas Main Fitter Gas Meter Installer Gas Pipe Layer Gas Plumber Gasfitter Green Pipefitter Green Plumber Heating Mechanic Heating Unit Installer Hot Water Heater Installer Hydrant Setter Hydraulic Plumber Industrial Gasfitter Irrigation System Installer Irrigation Technician Journeyman Plumber Licensed Plumber Locomotive Pipefitter Maintenance Plumber Manhole Steamline Inspector Marine Pipefitter Marine Plumber Marine Steamfitter Meter Setter Pipe Fitter Pipe Welder Pipefitter Pipefitter Helper Pipefitter Journeyman Pipeline Technician (Pipeline Tech) Piping Designer Plumber Plumbing Installer Plumbing Mechanic Plumbing Service Tech (Plumbing Service Technician) Plumbing Technician Residential Plumber Residential Service Plumber Service Plumber Ship and Boat Coppersmith Ship and Boat Pipe Fitter Soft Water Mechanic Sprinkler Fitter Sprinkler Installer Sprinkling System Installer Steam Heating Installer Steam Pipefitter Steam Service Inspector Steam Trap Man Steam Trap Worker Steamfitter Steamfitter Furnace Installer Tinner Underground Steamline Inspector Valve Repairer Water Distribution Operator Water Hydrant Installer Water Mechanic Water Meter Installer Water Pipe Installer Water Pump Installer Water Regulator Water Softener Installer Water Softener Servicer