Army buildings and equipment all require pipe systems for water, steam, gas and waste. Army plumbers and pipe fitters are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing and pipe systems.
Some of your duties as an Army Plumber may include:
- Heating Systems
- Basic water supply and water distribution systems
- Waste water
- Basic plumbers repair and maintenance
- Plumbing fixtures
- Pipes and fitting
- Valve and facets
- Stacks and brackets
- Traps and vents
- Insulation
- Construction plans & drawings
Job training for a Plumber requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:
- Installation, operation, and repair of pipe systems
- Installation and repair of plumbing fixtures and boiler controls
- Installation and repair of water purification and distillation systems
- Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Helpful attributes include:
- An interest in math and shop mechanics
- A preference for physical work
- An ability to work with detailed plans
Advanced level Plumbers provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Plumber, you may be involved in:
- Read and interpret drawings, plans and specifications to determine layout and identify types and quantities of materials required
- Install and repair pipe systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment
- Conduct the inspection of plumbing facilities and ensure employment of proper safety procedures
The skills you learn as a Plumber will help prepare you for a future with a mechanical or plumbing contracting company. With some additional certifications, you could work for public utilities companies or choose a career as a self-employed plumbing contractor.
Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.
