Plumbers vs. Pipefitters | What's the Difference?

Over the years, people have been referring to plumbers and pipefitters as pretty much the same thing.  After all, they both work with piping, know how to weld and connect pipes for the transfer of water, gas etc.  However, there is a difference between the two, and we are going to do our best to clear up the confusion in this article.

Both require a great deal of skill and you have to be able to work well with your hands.  Not only that, but staying within building and state codes is also a must if you want to keep your job.  And we can tell you right now, if you call a pipefitter a “plumber”, you might be in a bit of trouble.

Plumbers vs. Pipefitters…what’s the big difference?

The first thing you’ll need to realize is that one of the big differences between the two occupations is the overall scale of work.  Plumbers generally deal with residential installations and repairs, as well as some commercial applications.  While plumbers usually stick to copper and PVC pipes and fittings, pipefitters are more on the industrial side and tend to deal with slightly different materials when it comes to the pipes, hardware, and what’s being contained in the pipes.

Not only that, but pipefitters also have that added element of “high pressure” to also think about, and compensate for.  Pipefitter jobs that deal with high pressure gas, water, steam or hazardous materials are much more dangerous than simply installing a drainage pipe for a sink like a plumber would do.

Where do Plumbers Work?

People working in the plumbing trade often work for larger companies, privately, or for a smaller business.  As stated before, plumbers deal with more residential jobs than anything.  Plumbers are called out for leaky faucets, installation of new appliances such as refrigerators and water heaters, and also to inspect and maintain plumbing systems in existing homes and new construction.

In other applications, a plumbing contractor is hired to install a plumbing system in new construction, and also make sure it is up to state code.  If you’re interested in a career as a plumber, see: How To Become A Plumber

Where do Pipefitters Work?

As we touched on before, pipefitters are usually employed in the industrial or manufacturing field to install, repair and maintain specialized systems that deal with a wide variety of materials.  The piping, connections and tools required to do the job are also specialized.

In addition, pipefitters deal with hazardous materials as well as gases and high pressure systems that require special training to work on.  This is the biggest difference between plumbers vs pipefitters.  It’s very simply a scope of the job thing.

The main thing to remember when comparing plumbers vs pipefitters and what they do, is plumbers generally work in homes while pipefitters work more in an industrial setting.  Either way, if you’re looking to start a career in the pipefitter or plumbing trades, you first need to complete an apprenticeship program.

For more information, check out: http://PlumbingApprenticeshipsHQ.com/