National
| Median wages (2008) |
$12.73 hourly, $26,480 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
85,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
32,000 additional employees |
47-3015.00 - Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties of lesser skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Sample of reported job titles:
Plumber's Helper, Sprinkler Fitter, Irrigation Technician
Tasks
- Assist plumbers by performing rough-ins, repairing and replacing fixtures, and locating and repairing leaking or broken pipes.
- 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.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Drain or pipe cleaning equipment — Drain cleaning cables; Drain cleaning machines; Hand spinners; Plumbers' snakes |
| Levels — Automatic levels; Laser levels; Split bubble levels; Two-hole pins |
| Pipe or tube cutters — Pipe cutting machines; Polyvinyl chloride PVC pipe cutters; Tubing cutters; Wide roll pipe cutters |
| Pipe wrenches — End pipe wrenches; Offset pipe wrenches; Straight pipe wrenches |
| Power drills — Direct tap machines; Drilling machines; Right-angle drills; Tapping tools |
| Power grinders — Motor-driven grinders; Offset grinders; Pedestal grinders; Portable grinders |
| Power saws — Circular saws; Concrete saws; Cutoff saws; Reciprocating pipe saws |
| Pressure indicators — Heavy duty water pressure gauges; Hydrostatic testers; Maximum reading water pressure gauges; Water pressure gauges |
| Specialty wrenches — Chain wrenches; Plumbers' pliers; Spud wrenches; Water heater element removal wrenches |
| Tube end finishers — Facing machines; Flaring tools; Roll groovers; Tube crimping tools |
