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Plumbers - 47-2152.02

O*NET-SOC Description

Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Drain Technician
  • Plumber Gasfitter
  • Plumbing and Heating Mechanic
  • Residental Plumber
  • Service Plumber
  • Commercial Plumber

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
  • Calculate costs or savings for water- or energy-efficient appliances or systems.
  • Clear away debris in a renovation.
  • Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices.
  • Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
  • Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements.
  • Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
  • Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems.
  • Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
  • Install oxygen and medical gas in hospitals.
  • 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 underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
  • Install, test, or commission solar thermal or solar photovoltaic hot water heating systems.
  • Keep records of assignments and produce detailed work reports.
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
  • Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.
  • Perform complex calculations and planning for special or very large jobs.
  • Perform domestic plumbing audits to identify ways in which customers might reduce consumption of water or energy.
  • Prepare written work cost estimates and negotiate contracts.
  • Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters.
  • Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or 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.
  • Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Plumber (Army - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman - Plumber (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Water Support Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Plumber
  • Plumbing

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Plumber
  • Plumber Apprentice
  • Water-Softener Servicer-And-Installer