A pipefitter (also called steamfitter) is a tradesman who lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs mechanical piping systems. Pipefitters usually go through a mix of apprentice and trade school training. Journeyman pipefitters/steamfitters deal with industrial process 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 precisely cutting, threading, grooving, bending and welding, whereas a plumber concentrates on piping systems for heating/cooling as well as utility liquids potable water, sewage, drains, etc. in the industrial/commercial/institutional or residential atmosphere operating at lower pressures. 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 or fuel.[1]
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 and testing before becoming a licensed journeyman.
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Pipefitter Skills include:
Employers that hire pipefitters include:
Recommended or required skills include physical strength and manual dexterity, reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications; making detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation; cutting openings for pipe using various hand or power tools; measuring, cutting with blades and torches, threading, grooving, bending, soldering, brazing, welding, assembling, mitering, joining and installing pipes, valves and fittings.
In North America, Union pipefitters are members of the United Association. Wages vary from area to area, based on contracts between the local union and contractors.