What You'll Do

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

Essential Skills

Active Listening 2.88/5
Critical Thinking 2.88/5
Monitoring 2.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.88/5
Coordination 2.75/5
Active Learning 2.62/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.62/5
Repairing 2.62/5
Speaking 2.5/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.5/5
Time Management 2.5/5
Reading Comprehension 2.38/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.

Common styles

Dependability, Attention to Detail, Cooperation, Cautiousness, Perseverance

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Manual Dexterity 3.75/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.38/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.38/5
Oral Comprehension 3.25/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.25/5
Trunk Strength 3.25/5
Extent Flexibility 3.25/5
Near Vision 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.43/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.24/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.13/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 3.94/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 3.68/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Conduit Helper Gas Main Fitter Helper Hydraulic Plumber Helper Industrial Gas Fitter Helper Journeyman Plumber Marine Pipefitter Helper Marine Steam Fitter Helper Pipe Coverer Helper Pipe Fitter Helper Plumber Apprentice Plumber Assistant Plumber Cub Plumber Helper Plumber's Helper Plumbing Apprentice Plumbing Assistant Plumbing Helper Plumbing Installation Helper Plumbing Warehouse Helper Service Sprinkler Helper Sewer Pipe Layer Helper Sprinkler Fitter Helper Sprinkler Helper Sprinkler Installer Assistant Trench Pipe Layer Helper Water Main Installer Helper