Steamfitter/Sprinkler System Installer

Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes.

Main dutiesSteamfitters and pipefitters perform some or all of the following duties:

• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
• Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
• Select type and size of pipe required
• Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
• Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
• Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
• Test system for leaks using testing equipment
• Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
• Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system
• May prepare cost estimates for clients.

Sprinkler system installers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Read and interpret drawings, specifications and fire codes to determine layout requirements
• Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools
• Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports
• Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment
• Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
• Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment
• Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
• Service and repair sprinkler system
• May prepare cost estimates for clients.

Who do they work for?

• Maintenance departments
• Factories
• Plants
• Sprinkler system contractors
• Self-employed

Sample titles

• Apprentice pipefitter-steamfitter
• Fire protection mechanic
• Fire sprinkler fitter
• Marine pipefitter
• Sprinkler system fitter

Essential Skills

• Reading
• Numeracy
• Thinking

How to join the field

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
• Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
• Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
• Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
• Sprinkler system installer (no construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
• Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

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