47-2151.00 · Task explorer
Pipelayers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 14 tasks, including 14 marked Core and 0 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2025.
14 tasks shown
Core · Task 11536 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
Core · Task 11539 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
Core · Task 11533 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Cut pipes to required lengths.
Core · Task 11535 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
Core · Task 11531 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
Core · Task 11532 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
Core · Task 11534 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.
Core · Task 11530 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
Core · Task 11538 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.
Core · Task 11537 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and coordinating layouts with supervisors.
Core · Task 11542 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.
Core · Task 11540 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
Core · Task 11541 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Train or supervise others in laying pipe.
Core · Task 11543 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic or radio indicators.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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