Plumbing systems contribute to the functionality of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. There are two types of pipework systems: high-pressure and low-pressure. Depending on the piping system in your building, you can either call a plumber or a pipefitter for repairs and installations. Here are the specializations and similarities between plumbers and pipefitters.
Plumber Vs Pipefitter Specializations
While both plumbing and pipefitting involve working with pipework systems and fixtures, the training requirements, scope of work, and tools used by each technician may differ. Here are the differences in specialization between plumbing and pipefitting technicians.
Plumbers
A plumber is a tradesman who works on low-pressure piping systems that transport water and sewage in commercial and residential settings. Plumbers are experts at installing plumbing fixtures like toilets, faucets, and sinks. These technicians often work with copper and PVC pipes. Plumbing school involves training in diagnosing and repairing plumbing issues, reading plumbing system blueprints, and installing plumbing systems during building construction. Plumbing professionals also have knowledge of building codes and plumbing safety standards.
A plumber can choose to specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of residential or commercial plumbing systems. Opportunities to specialize in natural gas systems are also available. If a plumber has skills in pipework installation, they can work as a plumbing contractor, permitting them to specialize in construction and renovation projects. A plumber can also acquire HVAC certification to work on heating and cooling systems.
Pipefitters
Pipefitters’ duties involve assembling, installing, and maintaining industrial pipe systems that carry steam, chemicals, and acids. They work in commercial establishments like factories and power plants. Because pipefitters work with complex systems, they need more specialized skills. An experienced pipefitter can weld and reshape pipework components and construct piping parts. They also know how to perform maintenance services and repairs on large-scale fuel delivery systems, as well as heating and cooling systems, common in commercial establishments.
Pipefitters also know how to use pressure gauges and perform hydrostatic tests to check the functionality of pipe systems. Unlike plumbing, pipefitting involves heavy-duty pipes like galvanized steel. Pipefitters can specialize in specific industries. A gasfitter specializes in pipe systems that deliver oxygen or other gasses. Steamfitters are pipefitters that install and maintain systems that transport water and steam at high pressures.
Similarities Between Plumbing and Pipefitting Technicians
Despite the differences in their duties and specialization, the skills and foundational training required for one to be a plumber or a pipefitter have similarities. Anyone training to be a plumber or outfitter should possess excellent problem-solving skills. Both professions require someone with an understanding of basic math and physics concepts. Plumbing and pipefitting professionals go through extensive apprenticeship programs where they gain the skills needed for their profession. They learn how to read blueprints and work with the tools needed for their specialty. Both professionals also have training in the safety standards impacting their work.
Contact The Right Person for the Job
While pipefitters and plumbers work with piping systems, the scope of their training, skills, and responsibilities varies. A pipefitter may be unable to perform tasks that are easy for a plumber and vice versa. Understanding the skills and training that each profession possesses can help you decide when to call a plumber or a pipefitter. Call a pipefitter if you need work done on high-pressure industrial pipe systems. Hire an experienced plumber for all your residential plumbing needs.
