Is the perfect person a plumber or a pipefitter?
The role of a pipefitter focuses on high-pressure piping systems in industrial and commercial settings, handling gases, steam, acids, and chemicals rather than residential water systems.
Plumbers work on your home's water and waste transportation systems, installing appliances like toilets and dishwashers, repairing broken pipes, and unclogging drains when problems arise.
Your project determines whether you need a plumber or pipefitter, with residential plumbing systems requiring a plumber's expertise in maintenance, repairs, and appliance installation for your home.
Hiring a local plumbing professional provides reliable support for residential plumbing systems, helping with repairs, installations, and maintenance work that keeps your home running smoothly.
Before you hire someone to work on your plumbing, you should be sure that they have the proper training and knowledge to complete the work. You may be wondering what the difference is between pipefitters and plumbers, so you know who to hire. The short answer is that plumbers focus on water and waste transportation systems, while pipefitters work with high-pressure pipes that carry other substances like gas or chemicals. Let’s take a closer look, so when the time comes, you know who to hire.
| Role | Plumber | Pipefitter |
|---|---|---|
| Works in residential and commercial buildings | x | |
| Focuses on water and waste systems | x | |
| Has specialized training to handle high-pressure pipes | x | |
| Works on pipes that carry chemicals, acids, and other substances | x | |
| Focuses on industrial and commercial buildings | x | |
| Requires a year of trade school and an apprenticeship | x | x |
Pipefitting is a specialized profession focused on high-pressure piping systems found in industrial and commercial buildings, plants, and factories. Pipefitters are trained to work on pipes that transport gases, steam, acids, and chemicals. The pipe systems may also generate electricity and heat. As part of their job, they may do some or all of the following:
Know and follow building codes at the national, state, and local levels
Maintain and repair high-pressure pipes
Install piping systems
Understand various piping materials and their appropriate applications
Weld pipe components together
Plumbers work in residential homes and commercial buildings and deal with the pipes and systems that transport water and waste. They are the people to call when your toilet springs a leak, you need to move the plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen remodel, or you need to install a washing machine or water heater. They can also install gas lines if they hold the proper licensing and insurance. A plumber’s responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Conducting maintenance on residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Installing appliances that use water, such as a toilet, washing machine, refrigerator, and dishwasher
Replacing or repairing broken pipes and fixtures
Unclogging drainage systems and pipes
Installing rough-in plumbing for new construction and renovation projects
Training requirements for pipefitters and plumbers are similar, with both professions starting their training in a trade school and then working as apprentices under a master plumber. That said, however, the person you hire should be familiar with residential plumbing systems and well-versed in conducting maintenance, repairs, and installation, which will likely be a plumber. When it’s time to hire a local plumber, it’s important to ask if they have experience and check their reviews.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The WaterworksIf you want to pay the most exorbitant prices possible for your job, this is the company for you. “By the job” pricing is a rip-off, at least how these people use it. Every job is plugged into a category and prices are set by category. You might have a job that takes half an hour or one that...
Benjamin Franklin PlumbingCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCMatt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...
Greene's Plumbing ServiceInvolved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLCAwesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...
Columbus Bath DesignThe initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
Initially, I called the Service People to have a leaking garbage disposal replaced. I had purchased a special deal through Angie's List: $79 for $200-worth of plumbing services. <br /> When I went to schedule the work, the earliest date I could get through Angie's List was after the upcoming...
This company did a very good job on the brick wall and it looks just amazing. The staff was always professional and was practically OCD on how the bricks were stacked and how they were laid. Although it took longer than expected, I am willing to sacrifice time over perfection anyday. The...
My Handy Mate LLC Improvement & Remodeling<p>I am so glad we called Rotor-Rooter. I was hesitant to call them because we usually prefer to give business to local providers. But when we had sewage back up in our basement on a Saturday evening, I had a hard time getting a hold of someone, not to mention the high weekend/evening rate...
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water CleanupFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking to estimate the cost of rough-in plumbing for your new home? We’ve got you covered with a guide that covers the different cost factors for this type of job.
A burst pipe is a homeowner’s worst nightmare—but you can get ahead of the potential expense. This guide will help you budget for burst pipe repair costs.
What levels of plumbers are there, and how do you know which one you need? See the training and experience requirements so you know who to hire for your next project.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that there are different types of plumbers who handle different kinds of jobs. Learn about those differences here.
Gas fitters and plumbers are both qualified to work on natural gas lines, but what you call them depends on where you live.
Finding the right plumber can make any home improvement project run more smoothly. Keep reading to learn how to find a plumber near you.
