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Learn more about a career in plumbing.

Pipefitters are highly skilled plumbers who install low- and high-pressure pipe systems that carry gases (for example, carbon dioxide, helium, oxygen, and medical air in piping systems at hospitals), chemicals, and acids. They usually work in commercial, manufacturing, health-care, and industrial settings, including power plants. This type of plumber also inspects and repairs existing pipe systems, including those used to create electricity and those used in heating and cooling systems. Pipefitters can further specialize. For example, steamfitters install and repair pipe systems that allow steam, under high pressure, to travel in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They install and maintain boilers and heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems. Sprinkler fitters install, maintain, and repair automatic fire sprinkler systems in homes, hospitals, schools, office buildings, hotels, and other places where fire protection systems are needed. Gasfitters install and repair pipes that provide natural gas to cooling

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Careers in Infrastructure: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters