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Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters - 47-2152.01

O*NET-SOC Description

Lay out, assemble, install, or maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Pipe Fitter
  • Pipefitter
  • Welder
  • Steamfitter
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Equipment Service Associate (ESA)
  • Machine Repairman
  • Journeyman Pipe Fitter
  • Millwright
  • Pipe Welder

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
  • Dip nonferrous piping materials in a mixture of molten tin and lead to obtain a coating that prevents erosion or galvanic or electrolytic action.
  • Inspect work sites for obstructions and to ensure that holes will not cause structural weakness.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
  • Install automatic controls used to regulate pipe systems.
  • 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 and cooling systems.
  • Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment, following blueprints.
  • Measure and mark pipes for cutting or 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, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or 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.

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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Hull Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hull Maintenance Technician Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • NAMTS Pipefitter (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Shipfitter - Pipefitter (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Coppersmith
  • Gas-Main Fitter
  • Pipe Fitter
  • Pipe Fitter - Sprinkler Fitter
  • Pipefitting
  • Steam Service Inspector

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Coppersmith
  • Coppersmith Apprentice
  • Gas-Main Fitter
  • Industrial-Gas Fitter
  • Pipe Fitter
  • Pipe Fitter, Diesel Engine I
  • Pipe Fitter, Diesel Engine II
  • Pipe-Fitter Apprentice
  • Steam Service Inspector