Pipefitter

Large-scale piping system in an HVAC mechanical room

A pipefitter is a tradesperson who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs mechanical piping systems. Pipefitters usually begin as helpers or apprentices. Journeyman pipefitters deal with industrial/commercial/marine piping and heating/cooling systems. Typical industrial process pipe is under high pressure, which requires metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and many different alloy metals fused together through precise cutting, threading, grooving (Victaulic), bending and welding. A plumber concentrates on lower pressure piping systems for sewage and potable water (tap water), in the industrial, commercial, institutional, or residential atmosphere. Utility piping typically consists of copper, PVC, CPVC, polyethylene, and galvanized pipe, which is typically glued, soldered, or threaded. Other types of piping systems include steam, ventilation, hydraulics, chemicals, fuel, and oil.

In the United States, many states require pipefitters to be licensed. Requirements differ from state to state, but most include a four- to five-year apprenticeship. If you're union, most require testing before becoming a licensed journeyman. Others can be certified by the N.C.C.E.R.

Occupational Summary

Pipefitter Skills include:

• Piping take-offs
• Blueprint reading
• Pipe threading
• Pipe prep (grinding and beveling)
• Welding (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, Orbital)
• Plasma cutting
• Mechanical Pipe cutting
• Gas Arc cutting acetylene or polypropylene
• Rigging
• Brazing or sweating
• Soldering
• Mitering
• Tube Bending-mostly done by instrumentation fitters
• Valve installation and repair-usually done by certified valve technicians
• Preparation and installation of medical gas piping

Employers that hire pipefitters include:

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) construction firms
• Fire fighting pipelines
• Mechanical construction firms
• Pulp mills and paper mills
• Primary steel producers
• Utility companies
• Motor vehicle manufacturers
• Residential building developers
• Fabrication metal Metal fabricating companies
• Oil refineries
• Chemical plants
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Shipyards and ship repair facilities
• Nuclear Power Plants
• Coal-Burning Power Plants
• Gas Plants
• Breweries
• Semiconductor plants
• Service companies that maintain and install controls such as thermostats and balancing valves
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Glass manufacturing Plants

Recommended or required skills include physical strength and manual dexterity. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and specifications. Able to make detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication, and installation. Able to cut openings for pipe using various hand or power tools. Knowledge of measuring, cutting with blades and torches, threading, grooving, bending, soldering, brazing, welding, assembling, mitering, joining and installing pipes, valves and fittings.

Trade Groups

In North America, Union pipefitters are members of the United Association. Wages vary from area to area ( usually higher than all other crafts), based on contracts between the local union and contractors.

See also

• Pipe fitting

External links

• Steamfitter/pipefitter trade profile