What Do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters 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. They also cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

Other tasks include:

• Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
• Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
• Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
• Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
• Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
• Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.

We asked Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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62% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness. They plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

A typical day for a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter will also include:

• Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
• Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
• Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
• Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
• Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.

We asked some Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	51% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	57% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	84% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	5% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	67% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters also inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods. They may also remove and replace worn components.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems. They might also Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.

In addition, they Install or test gray water systems, such as recycling, treatment, or irrigation systems.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.

To some Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters, it is also their responsibility to Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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