Will AI Replace Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Keep records of work assignments.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

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.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Repair or remove and replace system components.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Repair hydraulic or air pumps.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.