4 Major Differences Between Plumber And Pipe-Fitter

Pipefitters vs. plumbers both begin with the letter P and deal with pipes, one may need clarification that they must be the same thing. As a result, most people can’t distinguish between the two. The two professions indeed work with piping systems, both require experience in welding, and both connect pipes for the intention of water flow. Read the complete answer to know the difference between a pipefitter and a plumber.

The two terms are often lumped together for classification, but they certainly do not mean the same thing. Hence, they differ, while pipefitters and plumbers have much in common and require proficiency in cutting, measuring, and fixing pipes. The distinguishing characteristics of the two professions should be noted while determining which is the right career for you. Some of the differences are:

Differences In What They Do

Both pipefitters and plumbers are involved in installing, repairing, assembling, and protecting piping patterns, but their job explanations fluctuate due to the number of different systems they work on. If you want to know ‘is plumbing a good career’, make sure you know what they do and then divert your attention to the monetary aspects of the field.

Plumbers

• Establish, fabricate, restore, assemble, and preserve systems such as water filtration, hot-water heaters, and sewage cables
• Unclog drains and pipes
• Conform new appliances like water heaters and refrigerators
• Rebuild or fix water fixtures
• Repair or install laundry machines as well as dishwashers
• They also evaluate and solve problems induced by the plumbing systems
• Most of them work with both regional and state-building codes

Pipe Fitter

• They install, fabricate, improve, assemble, and preserve systems that transport gases, chemicals, and acids
• Work on delivery and fuel operations
• Assists service commercial cooling and heating schemes
• Mend and maintain commercial waste disposal and water systems
• Cut, weld, and remold pipe components and sections
• Fix or establish a piping system to meters, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, fitted compressors, and pumps
• Toil on labored pipe equipment such as copper, PVC, Inconel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel
• Always make sure safety regulations are accomplished.

Differences In Tools

There are differences in plumber and pipefitter tools and equipment uses.

Plumbers Use Equipment Like

• Basin Wrench
• Toilet Auger
• Pipe Wrench
• Tube Cutter
• Flashlight

Pipe Fitters Use Equipment Like

• Fitter Grip
• Cutting Torch
• Welder
• Saw
• Pressure Gauge

Differences Based On The Type Of Material They Work On

Generally, pipefitters function on piping systems that carry high-pressure materials. To overcome maximum pressure, such systems are formulated of metal and their alloys, such as stainless steel, high-carbon steel, copper-nickel, duplex stainless, chrome-moly, etc. They also assemble different fractions by tack-welding – meaning pipefitters are promising welders who can fabricate parts such as tees, elbows, tack-weld pipes, and flanges.

Besides live streaming, a very hazardous substance is used with metal alloys. Therefore, it is necessary that pipefitters have a great degree of knowledge and skills to handle such substances and to attach the high-pressure pipe systems of the metal alloys. Plumbers handle low-pressure systems such as tap water and sewage appeals. They, accordingly, work with simple materials such as galvanised pipe, copper, and PVC. Their responsibility is to connect pipes with glue, solder, and threads. Also, they fit faucets, toilets, sinks, or taps.

Differences Based On The Skills They Need

A skilled pipefitter or plumber requires both troubleshooting and mechanical proficiency and skills in their work. In addition, they need enormous physical stamina to get their job done. However, since these businesses have different specialties, special abilities are required for each profession since they operate on different pipe systems.

Skills Required By Plumber

• Mastery skills for reasonable handling of hands when working on cramped and delicate spaces and fractions
• Communication abilities essential for bidding on job projects, supervising other workers, and planning work schedules
• Customary assistance for working on business premises and arranging a long-term partnerships with customers

Skills Required By Pipefitter

• Bonding skills (Filet and Butt welds) for both working with big and small pipes
• Pipe stooping and fabrication for stringing, bending, and mincing pipes. This is utilized mainly when replacing or fixing parts of the pipe systems. The skill is also essential for working on your job projects
• Installation and Shoring skills for fitting pipes above and below the ground. Trench and hydraulic shoring skills will be essential when working with huge pipes.

The abilities required by a skilled pipefitter are much broader and more complex than those of a plumber. Plumbers are only expected to work with easy tools and materials like copper and PVC. Also, their job is to draw, read master plans, and connect pipes with solder and glue.

Besides, they operate on simple chores such as fixing sinks, faucets, taps, and toilets. On the other hand, the skills required by a pipefitter are far more excellent than just connecting different kinds of pipes. They are equipped to work with various alloys and metals that deliver high-pressure fluids. In addition, they are equipped to handle hazardous metal alloys such as high-carbon and stainless steel and live steam.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both these careers(pipefitter vs. plumber) need tremendous training to become professional. Recent studies indicate that job opportunities for plumbers, steamfitters, and pipefitters will thrive to sixteen percent in the next six years.  This indicates how meaningful these careers are in the current market industry. This guide covers all the details one needs to know regarding the differences between a pipefitter and a plumber and how each profession pertains at work.

September 11, 2023Tags: Pipefitters