Construction Contractors Community

WFConstructionPro · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 11:54 pm Post subject: Pipefitter vs Plumbers

I started my career in construction as a pipefitter doing ammonia refrigeration systems and moved into full mechanical systems including plumbing, HVAC and controls.

I've worked as project manager over some of the largest commercial HVAC and plumbing projects in the US such as Womack Army Hospital in Ft. Bragg, NC and a 4 million square foot EPA laboratory in Research Triangle Park. There are not many pipefitters, welders, sheetmetal mechanics or plumbers in North Carolina that haven't worked on a job I supervised.

And from doing these various projects I have found one thing to be common on every one; pipefitters don't like being refered too as plumbers and visa versa. I have never understood that but you call a pipefitter a plumber and you better be ready for a fight.

I wish someone would shed some light on why this is such a big deal and let us know what differerence it really makes.

expertwasher · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Maryland

I use to work as a pipefitter myself and I have to tell you, don't call me a plumber. The biggest difference is plumbers on as a general rule, run about 3-4 kinds of pipe and the same amout of systems. Pipefitters have to be able to run all kinds of pipe; stainless, carbon steel, copper, inconel, pvc and the list goes on. Pipefitters also have to know many types of systems like high temp steam, chilled water, ammonia, freon, hydrolics and many more.

The bottom line is a pipefitter can do a plumbers job but a plumber can't do a pipefitters job. That's my opinion anyway.

BrianT · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 8

I know some pipefitters that will fight over being called a plumber. But for some reason, it doesn't seems to bother plumbers to be called pipefittters. I suppose that is enough said on which is considered the upper classman.