Will “Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Unknown Chance of Automation

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Job Description

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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 47-2152.01

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters”

Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
Remove and replace worn components.
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.
Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Dip nonferrous piping materials in a mixture of molten tin and lead to obtain a coating that prevents erosion or galvanic or electrolytic action.
Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
Install or test gray water systems, such as recycling, treatment, or irrigation systems.
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Prepare cost estimates for clients.
Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.

Related Technology & Tools

Chain wrenches
Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
Null locators
Alternating current AC welding equipment
Pipe threaders
Shielded arc welding tools
Centering head tools
Backhoes
Hammers
Forklifts
Tuggers
Ohmmeters
Allen wrenches
Pipe bending tools
Pipe flaring tools
Amp meters
Plumb bobs
Single-cut mill saw files
Explosimeters
Polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters
Combination squares
Flow gauges
Pressure gauges
Desktop computers
Welding clamps
Calipers
Pipe lasers
Angle air grinders
Magnetic circle layout tools
Basin wrenches
Material-hoisting slings
Safety harnesses
Dumpy levels
Generators
Pipe vises
Laser printers
Measuring tapes
Personal computers
Pipe cutters
Pavement stompers
Transit levels
Manlifts
Drill presses
Roll groovers
Pipe fabrication shears
Vertical bandsaws
Water stoppers
Hydraulic valve turners
Air wire brushes
Pocket levels
Laser levels
Hole cutting tools
Manual pipe benders
Notebook computers
Plasma cutting guides
Rasps
Hydrostatic testers
Truck cranes
Bolt cutters
Cutting torches
Impact wrenches
Augers
Winches
Block and tackle equipment
Torch cutter guides
Skip loaders
Jackhammers
Direct current DC arc welder
Nylon strap wrenches
Power hacksaws
Pipe bending mandrels
Phillips head screwdrivers
Pipe threading machines
Reamers
Utility knives
Jam-proof ratchet threaders
Two-hole pins
Hole saws
Mud pumps
Deburring tools
Heat guns
Portable grinders
Screwdrivers
Metal hand saws
Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Drophead dies
Framing squares
Ball peen hammers
Hand hacksaws
Hand tachometers
Air-acetylene torches
Air compressors
Circular saws
Split bubble levels
Air operated grinders
Hydraulic cranes
Tirfors
Welding hoods
Pneumatic pipe bevelers
Pulleys
Impact screwdrivers
Stationary grinders
Pipe wrenches
Radius markers
Metal cutting taps
Scaffolding
Slip joint pliers
Levels
Pipeline jacks
Pipe flange aligners
Offset grinders
Trenchers
Flat head screwdrivers
Soldering equipment
Crescent wrenches
Metal cutting dies
Pedestal grinders
Cold chisels
Quality control QC welders' gauges
Automatic levels
Stands
Pry bars
Water samplers
Monkey wrench sets
Power hammers
Box end wrenches
Propane torches
Portable welding machines
Ladders
Leak-testing gauges
Locking pliers
Reciprocating saws
Pneumatic wire brushes
Pit depth gauges
Chain falls
Metal inert gas MIG welders
Water pumps
Power drills
Adjustable wrenches
Loaders
Wire tracers

ViziFlow
Piping construction costs estimation software
PipingOffice
Watter Hammer Software Hytran
Email software
AEC Design Group CADPIPE
Microsoft Excel
Pipepro Pipefitting
Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
Internet browser software
COADE CAESAR II
Word processing software
Microsoft Office
Computer aided design CAD software