A career in plumbing provides many different ways for you to use your skills to keep buildings’ inner workings clean and functioning. Because of the different problems that buildings come across, plumbers are allowed a great deal of chances to find work.
If you want to pursue this profession, then it’s best to know what options are out there, so you receive the right training and make the most out of your talents. This guide aims to let you know which types of plumbing exist so that you can get to work quickly.
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Pipelaying
If you want to apply your plumbing skills to facilities which are outside and under the sun, then you’ll want to work as a pipelayer. The pipes that you’ll deal with manage the flow of drinking water, sewage, drainage, oil, and gas, and provide a variety of systems to work on so you can make extra money if you decide to become a contractor for a more liberating schedule.
The first step in this job is digging trenches and preparing the grade where you will lay down the pipes. It doesn’t matter if you use a shovel or a machine to dig the hole. You then need to lay the trenches with clay, plastic, or concrete, and you can connect the pipe segments to complete the system with weld, solder, or cement. Those who take part in this will be able to provide drain pipe cleaning because of the different systems involved.
Pipefitting
Power and industrial plants are common facilities where plumbers can find work as pipefitters. This job involves installing pipe systems that are necessary for generating power, manufacturing, heating, cooling, and other systems involved in industrial situations. You also need to install monitoring and control systems to ensure that these systems work the way they are supposed to.
These monitoring and control systems are designed for specific situations, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re using the right ones so that you don’t overlook an issue with the factory’s air conditioning or heating. Some facilities may require pipefitting for just power generation or manufacturing, so it helps to be trained in all of these situations before applying for a job. The different installations give you the chance to work on both high-pressure and low-pressure systems, giving you extra opportunities for work.
Steamfitters
As a steamfitter, you’ll focus primarily on dealing with gases and liquids used at high pressures. Similar to pipefitters, these plumbers do the majority of their work in factories and industrial plants, though you’ll be able to work both indoors and outdoors depending on the facility.
This option comes with plenty of analyzing and measuring in order to keep pipes working properly. You’ll need to study the specifications of pipes so that you know what other pipes and equipment they can work with, and you’ll also measure for specifications like pipe openings. The majority of pipes involved in this profession are in small spaces, so you’ll need to be prepared to work in tight spots and climb high walls.
Sprinkler fitting
When it comes to working in different environments, sprinkler fitters have the widest range. The goal is to keep automatic fire sprinkler systems operating the right way, which gives you the chance to work in office buildings, industrial plants, and residential properties. The last option includes everything from a house for a family of four to an apartment complex for hundreds.
The sprinkler systems that you work on are designed to assist a building’s fire suppression system. Communication is an important part of this profession, as you’ll need to be aware of the building’s fire codes so that the system you install is able to put fires out quick and easily. The system is usually installed while the building is being constructed, which means that it might take a while for you to see the results of your efforts.
Keep these options in mind so that you find the plumbing profession that suits you best.