A skilled tradesperson who installs and maintains high-pressure piping systems for industrial and commercial facilities.
What pipefitters do
Pipefitters fabricate and install piping that carries steam, chemicals, fuel, and high-pressure water in power plants, refineries, ships, and large industrial facilities. They cut, thread, bend, and weld pipe, install valves and pumps, and pressure test systems before commissioning.
Training path
Most US pipefitters complete a five-year apprenticeship through the United Association combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in welding, rigging, and codes. Sprinkler fitters and steamfitters follow similar pathways.
Specializations
Specializations include process piping in refineries and chemical plants, power piping for boilers, steamfitting in district heating, sprinkler fitting for fire protection, and marine pipefitting in shipyards.
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Pipefitter starts with P and ends with R. Browse other professions along the same letter.
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