A plumber is more than just the guy who fixes the sink. Los Angeles plumbing careers include not only plumbers, but pipefitters, pipelayers and steamfitters. Working on complex pipe systems that connect water treatment plants to not only homes, but also every skyscraper in the city, plumbers certainly aren’t without their share of work. Plumbers may also work on waste removal, climate control systems or gas lines. It’s a busy life for Los Angeles plumbers, jobs we depend on for the very convenience of modern life.

Pipelayers are the ones who dig and level our trenches, laying pipes for sewer, drainage, water and gas systems that form the infrastructure of our most basic conveniences. Especially in big cities like Los Angeles, the infrastructure can become quite complicated, as intricately connected as our blood vessels and veins. The age of the plumbing lines in Los Angeles makes pipelaying one of the most dependable of all Los Angeles plumbing careers.

When it comes to Los Angeles plumbers, jobs involve either plumbing fixtures, like sinks, or appliances like water heaters and water softeners, or may involve complex systems such as gas, water and drainage in individual homes and buildings.

Pipefitters specialize in low pressure and high pressure pipes for commercial purposes, or central air conditioning or heating for private homes or offices. They not only install, repair and maintain these systems, but they also can set up automated controls that help each system take better care of itself on its own. Steamfitters specialize in pipes that transfer extremely high-pressure gases. Sprinklerfitters specialize in the sprinkler systems of commercial buildings.

Regardless of which plumbing job one specializes in, blueprint reading is an essential skill of any plumbing trade. It’s very important to be able to correctly follow instructions from construction managers and contractors, as well as to plan the work that needs done as efficiently and capably as possible.

Computers are making the job of planning and documenting blueprints much easier. Most plumbers could benefit from a solid background in computer skills, as computers are becoming an increasingly important tool of the industry, right up there with the wrench and the drain cleaner.

If you are planning on a plumbing career, it’s best to choose one specialty. There are a variety of directions to take, whether you want to work with drainage pipes, air conditioning or gas. The higher your training is in any particular area, the more specialized and lucrative your career can be.