Skip navigation

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters - 47-2152.00

The occupation code you requested, 47-2152.01 (Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 47-2152.00 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters) instead.

O*NET-SOC 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. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Drain Technician
  • Fire Sprinkler Service Technician
  • Pipe Welder
  • Pipefitter
  • Plumber
  • Plumbing Installer
  • Residential Plumber
  • Service Plumber
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Steamfitter

SOC Occupation Groups

47-0000 Construction and Extraction Occupations
47-2000 Construction Trades Workers
47-2150 Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
47-2152.00 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

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.
  • Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
  • Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
  • Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
  • Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
  • Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
  • Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
  • Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
  • Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
  • Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
  • 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 pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
  • Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
  • Keep records of work assignments.
  • Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
  • 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.
  • Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or 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.
  • Repair hydraulic or air pumps.
  • Repair or remove and replace system components.
  • Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
  • Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
  • Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
  • Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Clean equipment or facilities.
  • Create construction or installation diagrams.
  • Cut metal components for installation.
  • Cut openings in existing structures.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.
  • Estimate construction project costs.
  • Estimate construction project labor requirements.
  • Fabricate parts or components.
  • Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
  • Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
  • Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
  • Install gauges or controls.
  • Install green plumbing or water handling systems.
  • Install plumbing or piping.
  • Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Operate pumps or compressors.
  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
  • Record operational or environmental data.
  • Remove parts or components from equipment.
  • Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
  • Select construction materials.
  • Weld metal components.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Assistant Public Works Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Auxiliary Equipment Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Boiler Repairer Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cannon Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Construction Engineering Supervisor (Army - Enlisted)
  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Conversion NEC HT Hull Maintenance Technician Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Conversion NEC UT Utilitiesman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Damage Controlman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Damage Controlman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Facilities Construction/Facilities Services Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Facilities Engineering Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Fire Controlman (AEGIS) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Fire Controlman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hull Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hull Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hull Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Infrastructure Systems Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Machinery Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Machinist's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinists Mate, Non-Nuclear, Submarine Auxiliary (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Marine Safety Specialist Engineer (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Material Maintenance Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • NAMTS Pipefitter (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Naval Engineering Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Officer in Charge, Naval Construction Battalion Unit (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Plumber (Army - Enlisted)
  • Public Works Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Shipfitter - Pipefitter (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Utilitiesman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilitiesman - Plumber (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Craftsman, Fuel Systems Maintenance (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Journeyman, Fuel Systems Maintenance (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water Support Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Coppersmith (Ship & Boat)
  • Gas-Main Fitter
  • Plumber
  • Sprinkler Fitter (Existing Title: Pipe Fitter)
  • Steam Service Inspector
  • Utilities Systems Repair Operator (Dry Docks) (Existing Title: Pipe Fitter (Ship and Boat))
  • Water Distribution Operator

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
  • Plumber
  • Plumber Apprentice
  • Steam Service Inspector
  • Water-Softener Servicer-And-Installer