Plumber, Pipe Fitter

Plumbers and pipe fitters assemble, install, and make changes in pipe systems used to carry water, steam, air, and other liquids and gases. They install plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs and toilets. They also install heating and refrigeration units. Plumbing and pipe fitting are generally considered to be separate trades, though many qualified craft workers are skilled in both fields.

This plumber and pipefitter certificate program teaches pipe system design, safety, and tool use. The course also consists of pre-practical training, as well as safety, trade math, and science.

While much of what plumbers and pipefitters do seems similar, we see a big difference in the substances that their pipe systems deal with. Plumbers mostly deal with water and water-based systems, such as transporting clean water for drinking and bathing while removing wastewater from toilets and sinks. Pipefitters more commonly handle systems that transport other types of substances, such as chemicals. Many of these are systems that must endure higher pressure, which means that the pipes are made with heavier-duty materials like metal, while pipes used in plumbing are more like copper and PVC.

After completing this Plumbing and Pipefitter Certificate program you will be able to:

• Examine blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing and ventilation systems and materials required
• Measure, cut, thread, bend, assemble, install, maintain and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of drainage, heating, ventilation, water supply and sewerage systems
• Install gas appliances, water heaters, sinks, and toilets using hand and power tools
• Lay clay, concrete, or cast-iron pipes in ditches to form sewers, drains, or water mains, or for other purposes
• Inspect, examine and test installed systems and pipes, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods