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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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