Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers

Nature of work

Steamfitters and pipefitters install piping, equipment, and controls for hot water, steam, process and chemical piping. Sprinkler fitters install and maintain permanent fire extinguishing systems. Steamfitters and pipefitters and sprinkler fitters work for maintenance departments of factories and plants and similar work sites, for pipefitting or sprinkler system contractors, or may be self-employed.

Job duties

Steamfitters and pipefitters:

• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and specifications to determine layout requirements.
• Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines.
• Select type and size of pipe required.
• Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools.
• Weld, braze, cement, solder, and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system.
• Install supports, valves, piping, and control systems.
• Test system for leaks using testing equipment.
• Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system.
• Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system.
• May prepare cost estimates for clients.

Sprinkler Fitters:

• Read and interpret drawings, specifications, and fire codes to determine layout requirements.
• Install clamps, brackets, and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools.
• Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports.
• Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment.
• Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors, and control equipment.
• Installs valves, alarms, and associated equipment.
• Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment.
• Service and repair sprinkler system.
• May prepare cost estimates for clients.

Sample job titles

• journeyperson steamfitter-pipefitter
• maintenance pipefitter
• marine pipefitter
• marine steamfitter
• petroleum storage tank installer
• pipefitter
• sprinkler system installer
• steamfitter
• turbine pipefitter

Skills

• Strength and stamina
• Manual dexterity
• Mechanical aptitude
• Precision
• Ability to read and understand complex instructions
• Ability to work at heights
• Methodical approach
• Ability to plan ahead
• Ability to work with little direction or supervision
• Ability to communicate with other trades
• Ability to work as a team

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
• Certification for steamfitter-pipefitters is compulsory Nova Scotia.
• Certification for sprinkler fitters is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for sprinkler fitters or steamfitter-pipefitter.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
• Petroleum storage tank installers must complete industry training and then apply for certification from Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.

Other considerations

• Setting: steamfitters-pipefitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks. Climbing and lifting or moving heavy items is often required.
• Setting: sprinkler fitters work mostly indoors, often in temporarily heated or unheated spaces. They may need to lift heavy objects.
• Steamfitter-pipefitters and sprinkler fitters work 40 hours a week with overtime required to meet construction deadlines.
• Travel to work sites is common.
• Steamfitters-pipefitters may need to stand for long periods. There is some risk of injury when working with power tools and heavy equipment.
• Sprinkler fitters are exposed to some risk of injury when working on construction and maintenance sites.
• Experienced steamfitter-pipefitters may advance to supervisory positions like foreman, sub-contractor, contractor and construction superintendent.
• Experienced sprinkler fitters may advance to supervisory positions or start their own business.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts