According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches. | 83% |
| Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing. | 83% |
| Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment. | 83% |
| Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels. | 82% |
| Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders. | 82% |
| Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints. | 82% |
| Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications. | 81% |
| Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures. | 81% |
| Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications. | 80% |
| Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks. | 80% |
| Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components. | 80% |
| Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods. | 79% |
| Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools. | 79% |
| Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place. | 78% |
| Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment. | 78% |
| Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools. | 76% |
| Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems. | 74% |
| Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans. | 74% |
| Keep records of work assignments. | 74% |
| 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. | 73% |
| Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains. | 72% |
| Repair or remove and replace system components. | 72% |
| Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools. | 71% |
| Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness. | 71% |
| Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems. | 67% |
| Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption. | 66% |
| Repair hydraulic or air pumps. | 64% |
| Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters. | 61% |
| Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication. | 61% |
| Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors. | 57% |
