Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Pipefitter Helper; Plumber Apprentice; Plumber Assistant; Plumber Helper; Plumbing Apprentice; Plumbing Helper; Plumbing Residential Apprentice

Tasks

• Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
• Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
• Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
• Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
• Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
• Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
• Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
• Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
• Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
• Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
• Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.

Knowledge

• Building and Construction
• Customer and Personal Service
• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• English Language
• Administration and Management

Abilities

• Manual Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Multilimb Coordination
• Oral Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Trunk Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Near Vision
• Visualization
• Oral Expression
• Information Ordering
• Finger Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Static Strength
• Speech Recognition