9781422276631

such as sprinkler fitters, who specifically install automatic fire sprinklers, and steam fitters, who work with pipes that move high-pressure, often dangerously hot, liquids and gases. Different materials are used for different jobs. Many years ago, lead was commonly used for pipes (in fact, plumber comes from plumbum, the Latin word for lead). However, it was discovered that lead is poisonous, so copper replaced lead as the standard material for pipes. Today, plastic commonly replaces copper. Steel is usually used for heavy-duty applications. Who’s Hiring? • Private individuals such as homeowners • Commercial, residential, and industrial construction companies • Manufacturers and industrial plants

p  A plumber uses a blowtorch to solder copper pipes for a new heating system.

• Construction & Trades

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