State of Washington Classified Job Specification
PLUMBER/PIPEFITTER/STEAMFITTER
Definition
Distinguishing Characteristics
Independently performs installation, maintenance, and repair work on water mains and laterals, storm drain systems, sewage mains and laterals, pumps/lift stations, valves/gates/backflow, drains, vent piping, basins, tubs, faucets, lavatories, sinks, hydrants, water coolers, dishwashers, and/or other plumbing fixtures and appurtenances. Unusual problems may be brought to lead or supervisor plumbers for resolution.
Pipe fitting and Steamfitting
Independently installs, services and repairs power boiler installations and hot water heating systems, including fire-tube and water-tube steel power boilers and hot water heating low pressure boilers, steamfitting and piping, fittings, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, convectors, hydraulics, and/or fuel oil tanks and fuel oil lines. May also include refractories, burners, thermal insulation, and accessories, fuel and non-potable water lines from source of supply to boilers; process and specialty piping and related equipment, pneumatic and electrical control, sheet insulation and all other equipment, including solar heating equipment associated with these systems.
Positions performing the above work as defined under WAC 296-400A-005 (to include potable water systems, liquid waste systems, and medical gas piping systems within the footprint of a building) require proper plumber certification unless meeting an exemption under RCW 18.106.150.
Typical Work
Repairs fixtures in shop by refacing, repacking, and re seating valves, cutting and threading pipe, bending pipe, replacing pump bushings and washers, and testing valves and other pressure equipment;
Inspects water mains, fixtures, sewer lines, valves, and septic tanks to determine need for maintenance and repair;
Cleans, maintains, and repairs power and hand tools; Estimates materials and time needed to complete jobs; May direct and instruct helpers, patients or inmates; Performs other work as required.
Installs, inspects, maintains and repairs steam and heating systems and such equipment as boilers, radiators, oil burners, pumps, traps, valves, and laundry and kitchen equipment;
Repairs and replaces pipe and pipe coverings; welds and threads pipe;
Performs shop work such as disassembling valves and equipment, replacing worn parts, and reassembling and testing equipment;
Cleans, maintains and repairs power and hand tools and equipment;
Estimates materials and time needed to complete jobs;
May direct and instruct helpers, patients or inmates;
Performs other work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: standard practices, methods, materials, tools, and equipment of plumbing and/or steamfitting trades; kinds, uses, and qualities of fixtures; safety precautions. Operation and maintenance of steam power plant machinery; fluid and gas systems; boiler laws; safety precautions.
Ability to: work from blueprints, plans, and sketches; estimate materials and time needed to complete jobs; use hand and power tools.
Legal Requirement(s)
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Completion of recognized apprenticeship in plumbing, pipe fitting or steam fitting.
OR
Full journey level status in Plumbers and Pipefitters' Union.
NOTE:
• Some positions may require a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
• Some positions performing plumbing work as defined under WAC 296-400A-005 may require a current Washington State PL01 License/Certificate issued by the Department of Labor and Industries.
• Some positions will be required to obtain and maintain a Water Distribution Manager Certificate of Competency and/or Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate of Competency issued by the Department of Health. These certificates are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act of December 1974, effective January 1, 1978.
Class Specification History
New class consolidates 5425 Plumber/Pipefitter/Steamfitter, 70200 Plumber, 70250 Steamfitter; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, typical work and desirable qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.