Career Details :: Plumbers
Description
Assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems, according to specifications and plumbing codes.
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Tasks
- Locates and marks position of pipe installations and passage holes in structures, using measuring instruments, such as ruler and level.
- Assembles pipe sections, tubing, and fittings, using screws, bolts, solder, plastic solvent, and caulking.
- Cuts opening in structures to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
- Fills pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observes pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Cuts, threads, and bends pipe to required angle, using pipe cutters, pipe-threading machine, and pipe-bending machine.
- Directs workers engaged in pipe cutting and preassembly and installation of plumbing systems and components.
- Repairs and maintains plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, and opening clogged drains.
- Studies building plans and inspects structure to determine required materials and equipment and sequence of pipe installations.
- Installs pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, and fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and tubs, using hand and power tools.
Related Careers
- Aircraft Structure Assemblers, Precision
- Boilermakers
- Helpers, Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Pipe Fitters
- Rail Car Repairers
- Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
- Ship Carpenters and Joiners
- Welder-Fitters
- Welders and Cutters
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, Material
- Repairing & Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Using Hands on Objects, Tools, Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Frustrating Circumstances
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.