Plumbers
Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
How AI Impacts Each Task
23 tasks analyzed
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Keep records of work assignments.
Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines, such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
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.
Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems.
Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters.
Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements.
Perform domestic plumbing audits to identify ways in which customers might reduce consumption of water or energy.
Calculate costs or savings for water- or energy-efficient appliances or systems.
Install, test, or commission solar thermal or solar photovoltaic hot water heating systems.
Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 10% | |
| Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools. | 56.07Observed | 31.4% | 10% | |
| Keep records of work assignments. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains. | 73Observed | 38.2% | 10% | |
| Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 5% | |
| Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 4% | |
| Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 4% | |
| Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines, such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures. | 52.52Observed | 48.0% | 5% | |
| Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 4% | |
| Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans. | 66.67Observed | 53.7% | 4% | |
| Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 5% | |
| 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. | 43.95Observed | 44.6% | 5% | |
| Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 4% | |
| Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 2% | |
| Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 3% | |
| Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 2% | |
| Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters. | 60Estimated | 39.0% | 2% | |
| Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 2% | |
| Perform domestic plumbing audits to identify ways in which customers might reduce consumption of water or energy. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 2% | |
| Calculate costs or savings for water- or energy-efficient appliances or systems. | 56.25Observed | 71.7% | 2% | |
| Install, test, or commission solar thermal or solar photovoltaic hot water heating systems. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 2% | |
| Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices. | 48.08Observed | 68.4% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Plumbers skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
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AI-Augmentation Tools
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Google UX Design Professional Certificate
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Leading People and Teams Specialization
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation

Residential contractors remain AI-skeptical early on, report finds
A new ServiceTitan survey reveals that 75% of tradespeople are holding off on artificial intelligence adoption due to a lack of trust. While tech workers face immediate disruption, manual trades remain insulated by focusing on physical labor and materials.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis