Plumber

Overview:

Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.

High Level Job Functions:

• Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
• Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
• Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.
• Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
• Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
• Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
• Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing, or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
• Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
• Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
• Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
• Keep records of work assignments.
• Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
• 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.

Detailed Job Functions:

Getting Information

• Read blueprints
• Read specifications
• Read tape measure
• Read technical drawings

Performing General Physical Activities

• Apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
• Build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
• Clean rooms or work areas
• Cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
• Cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
• Install underground storm, sanitation, or water piping systems
• Move or fit heavy objects

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

• Determine project methods and procedures

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

• Understand construction specifications

Handling and Moving Objects

• Assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
• Fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material

• Pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

• Adhere to safety procedures
• Perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

• Maintain or repair work tools or equipment
• Repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures

Controlling Machines and Processes

• Braze metal parts or components together
• Solder metal parts or components together
• Use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• Use arc welding equipment
• Use braze-welding equipment
• Use hand or power tools
• Use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• Use pipe fitting equipment
• Use pressure gauges
• Use soldering equipment
• Weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

• Use basic plumbing techniques
• Use building or land use regulations
• Use combination welding procedures
• Use oral or written communication techniques

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

• Determine installation, service, or repair needed
• Determine material or tool requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
• Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
• Spend Time Standing
• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
• Spend Time Walking and Running