Career & application guide

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

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What do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do?

Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Pipefitter Helper
  • Plumber Apprentice
  • Plumber Assistant
  • Plumber Helper
  • Plumbing Apprentice
  • Plumbing Helper
  • Plumbing Residential Apprentice

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
  • Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
  • Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
  • Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
  • Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
  • Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
  • Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
  • Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
  • Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
  • Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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