Skip to content

← Occupation guides

47-2152.00 · Task explorer

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Use the skill profile to plan your next practice →

Read the task inventory

This source lists 30 tasks, including 24 marked Core and 6 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: 08/2022.

Find a task in this inventory

30 tasks shown

Core · Task 23469 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23478 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23466 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23474 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23459 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23460 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23462 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23475 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23465 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23472 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23471 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23461 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23467 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23476 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23463 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23464 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23468 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23477 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23470 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Keep records of work assignments.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23479 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23473 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23488 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Repair or remove and replace system components.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23481 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23480 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 23482 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 23484 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 23483 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 23487 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Repair hydraulic or air pumps.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 23485 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 23486 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

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.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

Keep your worksheet

Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

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.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.