Pipefitting is the trade of assembling and installing piping systems. Pipefitters work with pipes that carry water, steam, gas, chemicals, and other fluids. They cut, thread, bend, and weld pipes. They install valves, fittings, and supports. They test the system for leaks and pressure. Pipefitting is used in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and power plants. It is different from plumbing, which focuses on water and waste in buildings. In the kitchen, the closest equivalent is the plumbing under the sink. The pipes carry water in and waste out. The plumber installs them. The pipefitter is the industrial plumber. The pipefitter is the same.

Pipefitters work with many materials. Steel pipe is common for high-pressure and high-temperature systems. Copper pipe is used for water and refrigeration. Plastic pipe, like PVC and CPVC, is used for chemical and water systems. Stainless steel is used for corrosive and sanitary applications. The material determines the joining method. Steel pipe can be threaded, welded, or grooved. Copper pipe is soldered or brazed. Plastic pipe is solvent-welded or fused. In the kitchen, the pipe is usually copper or PVC. The joining method is soldering or solvent-welding. The pipefitter is the same.

Pipefitting requires reading isometric drawings and blueprints. The pipefitter must plan the route, measure the lengths, and account for fittings and valves. The work must be precise. A pipe that is cut too short will not fit. A pipe that is misaligned will leak. The pipefitter uses levels, squares, and lasers to align the system. In the kitchen, the plumber must plan the route. The pipe must be cut. The pipe must be joined. The pipe must be tested. The pipefitter and the plumber are the same. The same is the kitchen. The kitchen is the pipefitting. The pipefitting is the cook. The cook is the pipefitting. The pipefitting is the same. The same is the meal. The meal is the pipefitting. The pipefitting is the same.