Plumbers assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, waste disposal, gas, and drainage systems. Plumbers must work according to set rules, specifications, and plumbing codes. They usually work with pipes and related fixtures which are 4 inches in diameter or less.

Pipe Fitters lay out, fabricate, assemble, install, and maintain piping and piping systems, fixtures, and equipment for steam, water, gas, heating, cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing systems.

Pipe Fitters often apply knowledge of system operation, building plans, and work drawings in performing their tasks.

Study building plans and working drawings

Inspect work sites to determine possible obstructions

Locate and mark the position of pipes, pipe connections and passage holes in walls and floors

Cut openings in walls and floors for pipes and pipe fittings

Cut, thread, and bend pipes

Assemble and install valves, pipe fittings, and pipes

Join pipes by use of screws, bolts, fittings, solder or plastic solvent and caulk joints

Fill pipe system with water or air

Read pressure gages to determine if there is leakage

Install and repair plumbing fixtures

Repair and maintain plumbing

Assist in design of blueprints or drawings

Select type and size of pipe and other materials

Inspect work sites and plan sequence of installation

Cut, thread, and bend pipes

Assemble and install a variety of metal and non-metal pipe and pipe fittings

Join and secure pipes by welding, threading, cementing or bolting

Install and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems

Test pipe systems for leaks

Click to see Plumbers & Pipe Fitters at work!  

862.381-030 PLUMBERS assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems. They must work according to set rules, specifications, and plumbing codes. They usually work with pipes and related fixtures which are 4 inches in diameter or less.

862.381-030 MAINTENANCE PLUMBERS inspect, maintain, and repair heating, water, and drainage systems in industrial or commercial establishments.

862.361-014 GAS-MAIN FITTERS lay pipe to repair and extend non-welded gas mains, and to install or repair service pipes between gas mains and residences.

862.281-022 PIPE FITTERS lay out, fabricate, assemble, install, and maintain piping and piping systems, fixtures, and equipment for steam, water, gas, heating, cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing systems.

Pipe Fitters often apply knowledge of system operation, building plans, and work drawings in performing their work.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

Plumbers and Pipe Fitters may work alone or in groups, depending on the type of work and the size of the employing firm. Usually, there is little direct supervision of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. Much of the work is performed indoors or at least in the semi-shelter of unfinished buildings. Work areas are often dirty, wet, and cramped.

Hazards may include burns from hot pipes, blowtorches, steam, or molten metal, falls from ladders, and cuts from pipes and tools. They may also be exposed to unpleasant odors and fumes from leaking or broken pipes.

Plumbers and Pipe Fitters usually work 40 hours per week. Maintenance Plumbers and Pipe Fitters work any one of three separate shifts. They might work overtime to meet construction deadlines or make emergency repairs. They may have to travel considerable distances to reach job sites. They do not usually work on the same job for a long period of time.

Employers usually provide the heavy equipment used by Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. However, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters provide their own hand tools, hard hats, and safety shoes.

Many Plumbers and Pipe Fitters are members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada . Union members must pay dues.

 Working with tools and equipment to make and repair things

 Learning and applying principles of how things work

 Working as part of a team

 Working in all types of settings

 Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

 Demonstrate mechanical aptitude

 Make decisions based on measurable criteria

 Visualize objects in three-dimensions from plans and drawings

If the latitude is 34 degrees, what should the collector angle be?

Should be able to read and comprehend plumbing terminology.

For example, spring relief valve, diaphragm relief valve, British thermal unit, cross connection, solvent drainage systems, aerator, siphonage, hydrostatic pressure.

Prepare a written estimate for a plumbing job.

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills in assessing plumbing specifications and plumbing problems.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration script:

Approved vocational education programs in the Construction/Building Maintenance prepare students to erect, maintain, and repair buildings, highways, airports, and other structures using materials such as metal, wood, stone, brick, glass concrete, and composition substances. Instruction is given in cost estimating, the use of hand and power tools, and in following technical specifications and blueprints. Instruction may be given in classroom, shop, or laboratory settings or at the actual location of construction projects.

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a  Michigan Teaching Certificate .

Programs in Plumbing and Pipe Fitting provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to work for a licensed Plumber or Pipe Fitter. The first year(s) of training toward a plumbing license may also be acquired in these programs. Program #35, Construction and Building Technology,identifies similar opportunities.

Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

Military buildings and equipment require pipe systems for water, steam, gas, and waste. Pipe systems are also needed on aircraft, missiles, and ships for hydraulic (fluid pressure) and pneumatic (air pressure) systems. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters install and repair plumbing and pipe systems.

Plumbers and pipe fitters in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

 Plan layouts of pipe systems using blueprints and drawings

 Bend, cut, and thread pipes made of lead, copper, and plastic

 Install connectors, fittings, and joints

 Solder or braze pipe and tubing to join them

 Install sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures

 Troubleshoot, test, and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic systems

 Keep accurate records of tasks completed and materials used

Plumbers and pipe fitters have to lift and carry heavy pipes and tubes.

Plumbers and pipe fitters work both indoors and outdoors on land and aboard ships.

Job training consists of 8 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in repairing plumbing systems. Course content typically includes:

 Installation, operation, and repair of pipe systems

 Installation and repair of plumbing fixtures and boiler controls

 Installation and repair of water purification and distillation systems

 Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems

 Methods of soldering, welding, silver brazing, and cutting

The Army, Navy and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Helpful school subjects include math and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

 Preference for doing physical work

 Ability to work with detailed plans

Civilian plumbers and pipe fitters usually work for mechanical or plumbing contractors or as self-employed contractors. Some plumbers and pipe fitters work for public utilities. Civilian plumbers and pipe fitters perform duties similar to those performed in the military.

The military has about 1,000 plumbers and pipe fitters. Due to personnel changes and field demands, new plumbers and pipe fitters are needed annually. After job training, plumbers and pipe fitters work under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise others. Eventually, they may advance to become managers of utilities departments, construction units, or missile maintenance units.  

Postsecondary programs in plumbing and pipe fitting and construction and building technology, as well as secondary vocational education programs in construction and building maintenance may offer co-op portions through which experience may be gained. Other ways to explore or gain experience in this field are part-time employment as a helper, military service, and a formal apprenticeship.

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Plumber and Pipe Fitter employer

internships

volunteer work with a Plumber and Pipe Fitter employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of finding Plumber and Pipe Fitter jobs include applying directly to employers, completing a formal apprenticeship, and contacting civil service offices. Assistance may be available from local unions, high school or community college placement offices, plumbing and pipe fitting contractor associations, apprenticeship information consultants at local offices of the Michigan Works!, and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan

Building Industry Exchange

Associated Builders and Contractors

Michigan Careers, Colleges, Jobs & Training

Careerbuilder   

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.  

Monster jobs  

Yahoo! hotjobs  

Michigan Talent Bank

Wages depend on geographical location, size and type of employer, training and skill of the worker. Yearly wages for these workers are among the highest in the building trades.

Nationally, basic union hourly wage rates for Plumbers in residential construction averaged about $26.84 in early 2007. However, the basic union hourly wage rate in commercial & industrial construction for Plumbers was $40.03 in early 2007. Median weekly earnings for construction Plumbers & Pipe Fitters were $704 in 2006. The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $671 in 2006.

Hourly wages, including fringe benefits, for unionized building trades Plumbers and Pipe Fitters in several Michigan areas (2007) were:

Building trades Plumbers generally receive 2 times their basic hourly rate for overtime. Apprentice Plumbers/Pipe Fitters in Michigan start at a rate of pay which is about 45% to 50% of what qualified workers earn.

In mid 2007, Plumbers employed by the State of Michigan earned between $15.46 and $25.66 per hour. Plumbing inspectors earned between $18.48 and $27.41 per hour.

Union members receive welfare, pension, and vacation benefits from funds established by union contracts. The welfare funds usually provide hospitalization, medical-surgical, major medical, and life insurance coverage. In some cases, employers and employees jointly contribute to these funds.

Plumbers and Pipe Fitters usually begin as apprentices. With experience, some may advance to jobs as supervisor or superintendent. Many start their own businesses or become contractors after passing the appropriate local and state examinations.

Nationally, about 498,600 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters were employed in 2004. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. About 12.9% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for this occupation looked like this:

Employment of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters depends upon the economy. During prosperous times, increased construction activity and growth in areas which use extensive pipe work such as chemical and petroleum refineries and nuclear power plants, will spur demand for Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. Competition is expected for those wishing to enter plumbing and pipe fitting apprenticeships.

About 18,875 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters are employed in Michigan, mostly in urban areas. Most worked for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors; manufacturing companies; and gas and electric utility companies.

The employment of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 730 openings per year is expected, with 300 due to growth and 430 to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. In late 2006, there were 1,252 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 267 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

Renovation and maintenance of power plants, water and wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, office buildings, factories, and other projects that have large, complex pipe systems as well as the maintenance of existing residential systems may spur the demand for Plumbers and Pipe Fitters.

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

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