Job Description:

• 1) Lays pipe to repair and extend nonwelded gas mains and to install or repair service pipes between mains and residences: Drills hole in section of main to which new pipe will be fitted and inserts inflated rubber bag to seal off flow of gas.

• 2) Removes faulty pipe by unscrewing bolts at joint with hand wrench.

• 3) Lays gas mains by fitting spigot end of one pipe section into bell end of another.

• 4) Bolts joints together.

• 5) Places wooden blocks under pipe to adjust pipe to line and grade, testing gradient with carpenter's level.

• 6) Fastens steel cap over free end of gas-main extensions.

• 7) Drills hole or installs reducing fitting in main where service pipes begin.

• 8) Bolts saddle clamp around main, preparatory to welding.

• 9) Drills hole through welded saddle clamp into main, using power drill.

• 10) Cuts, threads, and screws together sections of pipe forming service line, and lays service line in trench.

• 11) Bolts end of service line to saddle clamp, using special compression coupling to produce gas-tight connection.

• 12) Removes rubber expanding bag to resume flow of gas and caps holes with screw plugs.

• 13) Installs various gas-main attachments, such as drips, ells, and tees.

• 14) Tests pipe for weak joints by forcing air into pipe with air compressor and coating joints with soap and water, and notes formation of bubbles, indicating leak.

• 15) Tightens bolts or repairs leaky joints.

• 16) May install gas meters.

• 17) May install pipes beneath roads, lawns, or locations where not feasible to dig trenches, by forcing pipe through earth with special pipe jack.

• 18) May direct crew in excavating trench and positioning pipe.

• 19) May fuse bonds to pipe joints, using holder and flash chemicals, to concentrate high temperatures at point of fusion.

• 20) May install and repair service lines only and be designated Pipe Fitter, Street Service.