SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Plumber's Helper
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What do Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters do?

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters assist skilled tradespeople in the installation, repair, and maintenance of piping systems and plumbing fixtures. They perform various supportive tasks, such as preparing materials, transporting tools, and assisting in various on-site duties, which may include helping to install or repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and heating systems. These helpers often work in construction, maintenance, or repair roles across residences, commercial buildings, and industrial environments. Their responsibilities may also include organizing and cleaning workspaces, measuring and cutting pipes, loading and unloading materials, and adhering to safety standards and regulations. This entry-level position offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the plumbing and piping trade, often serving as a stepping stone toward becoming a fully licensed plumber or pipefitter.

What the work actually is

  • Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
  • Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
  • Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
  • Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
  • Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.

Skills employers expect

Abilities

  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Multilimb Coordination The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Extent Flexibility The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Knowledge

  • Building and Construction Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Master's degree

A normal week

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Getting Information
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Performing General Physical Activities

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Office suite software Microsoft Office software
  • Word processing software Microsoft Word

Tools

  • Specialty wrenches Chain wrenches · Plumbers' pliers · Spud wrenches
  • Drain or pipe cleaning equipment Drain cleaning cables · Drain cleaning machines · Hand spinners
  • Pipe or tube cutter Pipe cutters · Pipe cutting machines · Tubing cutters
  • Levels Automatic levels · Laser levels · Split bubble levels
  • Power grinders Offset grinders · Pedestal grinders · Portable grinders

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn in South Africa?

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters do?

Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports, Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes and Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.