subject: The Pipe Fitter: A Job Description [print this page] We are quite acquainted with plumbing repairs and unclogging of drains done by the plumber in households. But we are not aware that the pipe fitter job entails many other facets, and its allied work like pipelaying, steamfitting, and plumbing include the installation, repair and maintenance of a host of piping systems and configurations.
The different installation systems include water treatment and distribution from the city water treatment facility to residential homes, commercial and industrial establishments, and office buildings. There is also the waste disposal system, and the fuel distribution systems providing for heating and cooling requirements, as well as fuel to power cooking and heating equipment.
Pipe fitting jobs are also included in power plants that have piping systems carrying steam to power large turbines. Same is true with the manufacturing companies which have piping systems which transmit processing materials across the manufacturing process. These piping systems are most crucial to work environments such as the computer chip manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.
The Allied Industry Jobs
The plumbing field is composed of different specialties which include steamfitting, pipefitting, plumbing and pipe-laying, and although these are considered components of a single field, various works are done by different tradesmen.
The pipelayers are responsible for setting up the different types of pipes such as oil or gas pipes, water mains, sewers, and drainages, whether these are of plastic, steel, or concrete material. These pipelayers are also responsible for preparing the trenches and channels which will hold the pipes, and they also take charge of the joining of these pipes either through welding, threading, or cementing them together.
The pipe jobs are also tasked to the plumbers who take charge in installing and repairing the water supply, wastewater, drainage and gas systems in residential homes, commercial and industrial establishments, and office buildings. They also do the installation of bathroom fixtures like bathtubs, lavatories, and water closets, and even appliances like the water heaters and dishwashers.
The pipe fitting jobs belong to the turf of the pipe fitters. These pipe fitters go into the installation and repair of pipe systems, whether low or high pressure, which are used in the heating and cooling of buildings, electricity generation and in the manufacturing sector. Depending on their specialization, pipe fitters sometimes concentrate only on specific systems and installations.
Then there are the sprinkler fitters who specialize in the construction of automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings, and the steamfitters who focus their skills in setting up conveyor systems for different liquids and gases at varying pressure levels.
Getting Involved in the Systems Design
With the upgrading of the profession, pipe fitter jobs have been improved with the pipe fitters getting involved in the design and development of the different systems. Being more familiar with the trade, the pipe fitters have participated in the making of blueprint plans as they have valuable inputs which could considerably cut construction costs.
