Sprinkler fitting and pipe fitting jobs are two of the many trades that can be practiced within the construction and maintenance fields. Although they may seem similar, more often than not, they require different jobs, skills, and focus. If you understand the primary differences between these two vocations, it will be easier for you to make decisions regarding your career choice or the services needed in your projects.
Sprinkler fitting jobs basically include installation, maintenance and repair of fire sprinkler systems. Undoubtedly, these systems serve a great purpose in protecting lives and properties during fire emergencies. In order to ensure that such systems function properly and comply with the local fire regulations, sprinkler fitters play a very important role.
Sprinkler fitting technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repairing of fire systems in household and commercial settings.
The sprinkler fitters perform installation of fire sprinkler systems in various types of buildings including commercial, industrial and even residential buildings. This involves placement of the sprinkler heads, the valves and other fittings after cutting, threading and joining of the pipes.
Routine maintenance is imperative in ensuring that fire sprinkler systems are functioning optimally. Sprinkler installers consistently verify the functionality of the system, sanitize it, and inspect its internals to diagnose and correct any potential issues.
Repair services for the malfunctions of sprinkler systems and damage to them are offered by sprinkler fitters. This may involve replacing defective elements, clearing obstructions, or reconstructing the network.
It is the responsibility of sprinkler fitting technicians to ensure that they adhere to all relevant local, state, and national fire codes during the installation process. In order to maintain the effectiveness of the fire protection system, they have to ensure compliance to all installation and repair works carried out.
Pipefitting jobs include the installation, maintenance, and repair of various piping systems like that of water, gas, steam, liquefied gas, and many other fluids. Pipe fitters engage in several activities ranging from large industrial fittings to plumbing activities at one’s home.
Pipe fitting technicians have a wide spectrum of job roles and responsibilities. These include:
Pipe fitters create piping systems for different purposes such as industrial procedure, drainage systems, heating medium, cooling medium, and water supply among others. They use several techniques such as soldering, welding and threading to help cut, thread and bond pipes together.
Pipe fitters perform scheduled service on piping systems so as to prevent leakage, rust and other related issues. This might include removal of dirt and sometimes replacing damaged components as well as checking the condition of the pipes.
Management of leaks and or faults developed in the pipe installations were the concern of pipe fitters. This may include finding and fixing the leak, clearing blockages, or the replacement of lost or damaged pipes.
As a further extension of their normal pipe fitting duties, pipe fitters may also be involved in testing and inspection of piping systems to ensure that they are within the required safety as well as performance standards. This may include physical inspections, pressure readings, inspection for leaks and obtaining pipefitter certificate.
Even though handling of pipes and fittings forms part of both these types of skilled trades jobs in the US, it is noted that there are several basic differences between the pipe fitting trade and the sprinkler fitting trade:
Pipe fitters have a wider variety of pipeline systems they can work on compared to a sprinkler fitter who specializes in fire safety systems.
In most countries, sprinkler fitters are required to possess a certain license and pipefitter certificate to enable them to demonstrate competence and safety practice. Pipe fitters may also require such licenses or qualifications depending on the scope of work given to them.
Sprinkler fitting technicians and installation contractors are expected to fully understand required fire codes and system design. In contrast, for pipe fitters there are a greater range of skills such as understanding of hydraulic systems, welding techniques as well as different types of pipes.
The use of tools and materials which can be dangerous is a feature common to the two trades. Installation of sprinklers, however, requires strict compliance of safety practices as the systems installed must function as required without failure.
Pipe fitting technicians: The salary of an average pipefitter in the US is $57,518 annually, or $27.65 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level jobs is $48,707 annually, while the average salary for experienced workers is $77,992.
Sprinkler fitting technicians: In the United States, the average sprinkler fitter makes $56,550 annually, or $27.19 per hour. Most experienced sprinkler fitting technicians in the US earn up to $76,712 a year, while entry-level roles start at $45,742.
Nowadays sprinkler fitting and pipe fitting jobs are indispensable skilled trades that make our buildings and structures safe and functional. Though they are somewhat similar, the occupations, skill sets, and specialization areas are not the same. Understanding these variations will help you appreciate the input of these skilled practitioners and make good decisions with regards to your project or employment needs.
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