ConstructionO*NET: 47-2152.00
Will AI Replace Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
63out of 100
High Risk
AI Risk Score
63/100
Risk Level
High
Job Zone
3/5
Medium
Total Tasks Analyzed
24
🤖 What AI Can Do
- â–¸Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
- â–¸Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- â–¸Keep records of work assignments.
👤 What Requires Humans
- â–¸Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- â–¸Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- â–¸Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- â–¸Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
- â–¸Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
- â–¸Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (3)
- Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
- Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Keep records of work assignments.
👤Requires Humans (10)
- Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
- Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
- Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
- Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
- Repair or remove and replace system components.
- Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
âš¡AI-Assisted (11)
- Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
- Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
- Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
Key Skills Analysis
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.50/5.00
Troubleshooting
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Repairing
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.00/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Operations MonitoringAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Operation and Control
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Systems Evaluation
Importance: 2.88/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have a high risk of AI replacement with a score of 63/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be automated, but human oversight remains important.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research