What is the difference between a construction plumber and pipefitter?
Asked by RDoG
I was thinking about joining the local union, but im not sure if plumbing or pipefitting would be better. What are the pro's and con's of each??

Best Answer:
Plumbers deal with water that people/animals use otherwise known as "potable water" such as sewers (for waste) water for bathing, drinking, any use that would come in contact with a living thing. Pipe fitters deal with water for industry. Water used in factories such as water pressure for etching steel. There are as many pros as cons for each, it really boils down to which you would rather do. In many instances they are both on the same job. A factory needs a plumber to do the piping for the kitchens, bathrooms, drinking fountains and the pipe fitter would do the piping say for the automatic rinse off for equipment. Depending on where you live, the amount of money you will make as a independent plumber can be less than a union pipe fitter. I live in a union town so all the major jobs go to union companies. But if you have a good reputation and a license you can probably make a decent living. In my area plumbers make a little more than a dollar more per hour.
Proud wife of a union plumber!!!
Answered by diva3kids

Well lets see. Plumbing is more residentail and commercail where as pipe fiting is more industrial.If you have a plumbers licenes and own your on business you can make very good money, that is if you are any good and get well known. If you are a trained pipe fiter you can travel to different jobs and make real good money and get to see different places. Pipe fiting is a little more mathmatically technical then standard plumbing. Have you ever seen a petroleum plant? If you have that is what is known as pipe fitting.
Answered by Miles R