Explore occupational profile

Version:
OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
Search the OaSIS

72300.00 – Plumbers

Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Maintenance plumber
  • Plumber
  • Plumber apprentice
  • Plumbing mechanic
  • Residential construction plumber

Core competencies

  • Repairing and Troubleshooting to diagnose and repair issues such as leaks, clogs or faulty fixtures to ensure efficient water distribution and wastewater disposal
  • Problem Solving to assess situations, evaluate options and make decisions to resolve plumbing issues effectively while considering factors such as building codes, safety regulations and customer preferences
  • Trunk Strength to maintain proper posture and prevent injuries while performing physical tasks such as carrying pipes, fittings and equipment
  • Spatial Visualization to plan and execute installations or repairs by interpreting blueprints, schematics and other technical drawings
  • Attention to Detail to closely read blueprints and specifications to ensure installations of plumbing systems are accurate and comply with regulations
  • Knowledge in Building and Construction to understand basic construction materials and plumbing systems and install, maintain and repair standard fixtures following established guidelines

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems
  • Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
  • Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
  • Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
  • Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines
  • Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
  • Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
  • May prepare cost estimates.

Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Gas fitters (72302)
  • Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (72301)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

723 – Technical construction trades

Minor group

7230 – Plumbers, pipefitters and gas fitters

Unit group

72300 – Plumbers

Occupational profile

72300.00 – Plumbers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.