Types of Plumbing Jobs

There is a wide and exciting range of plumbing jobs to train and specialize in, but they all have a single main focus. Plumbers install and repair pipes, which carry gas, water, sewage, and waste. Whether you want to be a plumber or are in need of a plumber, it is important to find the right kind of plumber for you.

Plumbers are required to train at a vocational school or community college where they will choose a specialty or become a general plumber. After they finish school they take a written exam to acquire a plumbing license before they are able to perform jobs. If a person has enough plumbing education, knowledge, and experience they are able to obtain Master Plumber status.

• Pipe layers- Plumbers who specialize in pipe laying work for construction companies that do jobs for industries and municipal facilities. They follow a company's pre-authorized plan to install pipes, sewer lines, and water mains. They often use machinery to weld or cement pipes together after they are laid.


• Pipe fitters- These plumbers install and service pipes with various pressure content (gas and water) in industrial areas. They also install automatic controls for the pipes.


• Sprinkler fitter- Plumbers who specialize in sprinkler fitting install, maintain, and repair fire systems in a wide range of buildings and places. The majority of jobs are preformed at ceiling level. Sprinkler fitters need to be physically fit in order to climb, carry heavy objects, and work in harsh conditions.


• Steamfitters- The main focus of a steamfitter is to install high-pressure pipe systems that move gas and other liquids. Along with carrying heavy pipes, plumbers are required to read and understand specific instructions, and be able to install and test pipes properly. Most their jobs happen in tight spaces where they will have to stand or lay on their backs for long periods of time.


• Self-employed and general plumbers- Plumbers who are either self-employed or are general plumbers do not specialize in specific areas of plumbing, but rather cover a broad range of plumbing jobs. A typical job for these types of plumbers is to lay pipes and install fixtures. Like other plumbers, they must follow specific regional plumbing codes.