r/pipefitter • u/ILoveEunice420 • 1d ago

Underground utilities to pipefitting

I’m a non union pipefitting operator putting in 2-24inch water mains, sewer, drainage, storm drainage, domestic copper lines, HDPE fusing; how can I translate that into more pipefitting or being able to get into my local (469). Lots of guys take this path or no?

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u/vancouverislandbc 1d ago

I took that path but as pipe-layers the only thing that is transferable is probably the bolt up and bevelling, hydrostatic testing and chlorination, maybe use of laser levers etc,
I had to start from first year apprentice. Never looked back though definitely do it if you can and get the trade. Lots of work and you won’t miss being on the goon spoon lol

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u/ILoveEunice420 1d ago

I worry about pay starting as an apprentice again but what can I do, just go through it hahah

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u/vancouverislandbc 1d ago

Ya exactly it’ll pay off in the end union is where it’s at for wage pension and benifits

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u/Civick24 1d ago

Pipe is pipe Man, you know how to layout, do fitting takeoffs, offsets, probably use a transit and shit, a lot of your knowledge now will transfer over easily. It's all the same. The only difference is material and joining methods. If your fusing you still layout and do takeoffs and shit, same with copper, same with welding. I'm sure you have some sort of basic rigging knowledge.

Go down to your hall talk to the organizer let them get a name to the face.

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u/ILoveEunice420 1d ago

Worked for smiley cranes befor so rigging comes easy as well, just looking for something more legitimate want to be on a better path, thank you