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How exposed to AI is a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter?

Of the 30 tasks O*NET lists for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 27 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Drain TechnicianFire Sprinkler Service TechnicianPipe WelderPipefitterPlumberPlumbing InstallerResidential PlumberService PlumberSprinkler FitterSteamfitter
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
30
tasks rated for this occupation
0%
hold a degree, from a survey of 38
418k
people do this job in the US
22 of 61
least protected in construction

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Only with software built on top

3
  • Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints
  • Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans
  • Keep records of work assignments

Cannot be sped up

27
  • Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches
  • Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing
  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders
  • Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications
  • Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures
  • Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications
  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks
  • Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods
  • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools
  • Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place
  • Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment
  • Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools
  • Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems
  • Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring
  • Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains
  • Repair or remove and replace system components
  • Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools
  • Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters
  • Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness
  • Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems
  • Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption
  • Repair hydraulic or air pumps
  • Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication
  • Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.