A pipelayer is a plumbing and construction expert who specializes in pipeline preparation and installation. Professionals carefully excavate the ground, lay down pipe sections, and secure joints with welding or cement. A pipelayer might work for a municipal government agency, installing sewer and gas lines, or for a private contracting firm, installing pipes in homes and businesses. Most people who want to work as pipelayers go through an apprenticeship program for several years before working on their own.
When a large sewer or water line needs to be installed, a crew of pipelayers is dispatched to the site. To begin a project, they dig trenches to the proper depths according to blueprints and supervisory instructions. Professionals measure the slope of the ground on a regular basis to ensure that trenches remain level during the digging process. Pipelayers may need to use heavy equipment and vehicles, such as dump trucks and backhoes, on a large sewer project. A pipelayer typically uses hand tools such as shovels and pickaxes for relatively minor jobs.
A pipelayer cuts and places sections of pipe in the proper orientation after a trench has been dug. Workers know how to cut and mold each type of pipe to fit blueprint specifications, whether they’re made of cement, metal, or plastic. To ensure airtight, strong seals, pipelayers cement or weld sections together at joints. Before covering pipes with dirt or concrete, workers inspect completed jobs to ensure they are secure.
Many pipelayers specialize in repairing plumbing structures that are already in place. A skilled pipelayer can identify the source of a leak or burst pipe and repair it sealing a crack or replacing a section. Gas lines, water mains, and storm drains are just some of the pipes and systems that a professional might be asked to work on.
To become a pipelayer, there are no specific educational or training requirements, though most workers have a high school diploma and have completed apprenticeships to learn the fundamentals of the trade. To improve their credentials and better prepare for the job, some people pursue certificates from accredited technical schools. Apprentices learn their trade spending up to five years working alongside experienced professionals. Apprentices who complete their apprenticeships successfully can apply for journey worker certification.
With several years of experience and proven skills, a pipelayer usually has advancement opportunities. Many pipelayers go on to work as construction supervisors in municipal and private companies, where they plan and supervise work activities. A professional can also become a master plumber with continued education and passing a licensing exam.