Hey I’m currently a glazier and wanting to switch over to being a sprinkler fitter. I’m curious on what’s y’all’s experience with being a sprinkler fitter do y’all recommend it as a trade to get into?

I was lucky to be able to get a really nice drill to start out but I’m having a hard time with Sammy screws. I’m drilling to deep, what are some ways to prevent me from going way to far into the purlin?

Is a check valve required between the main control valve and shot gun riser when using a shot gun riser assembly?

Hello all. I was looking to switch companies and was wondering if anyone knew any companies that were good or that were hiring. I’m a first year and can work anywhere within the GTA and Hamilton area. Thank you all!

Looking move to PHX, Arizona and join LU 669, do I need to wait for a job posting on Indeed or something or is it case by case to become an apprentice and get in?

Gracias 🙏

Hello! I have decided to make the move to the trades and I applied to Local 853 but I am hearing conflicting information, some are saying now is the wrong time to join with construction slowdown but I feel every time I read the news I hear that trades positions are in demand. What's actually going on? Also does anyone know the hiring cycles for local 853 out of Ontario? Will they be doing another hiring this year?

Hello everyone!

I’d like to reach out to those who own fire protection installation companies to get your opinions and possibly some advice.

I’ve been working for a company that specializes solely in fire safety installations in warehouses for three years. The company I work for doesn’t win contracts directly but takes subcontracts from larger companies.

For the past two years, I’ve been working as a foreman. Under my supervision, we fully assemble fire safety systems in warehouses over 300,000 square feet (about 8 systems) within 12 weeks. We handle everything, including office areas, except for the pump room. We have all the necessary tools and work vehicles, while our employers provide materials, lifts, and forklifts.

I’m planning to start my own business. I already have a registered company and I’m in the process of obtaining NICET Level 1 certification. My team currently consists of one master technician and myself, and I can find three more workers (or more) if needed.

My plan is to secure a subcontract from a larger company for fire safety installations up to the pump room, similar to what my current employer does.

I have a few questions:

1.	Is it possible to secure such a subcontract at my current stage, as I’m just starting out?
2.	What documents and licenses are required to enter into such a subcontract?
3.	What are the typical terms for such agreements?
4.	If I sell my hours and the hours of my workers, how much do companies usually pay on a subcontract? From what I understand, it’s more profitable for companies to hire subcontractors and pay twice as much compared to their own employees, while avoiding the need to keep them on payroll.
5.	How is payment typically handled: hourly per worker based on project duration (12 weeks) and the number of workers, or as a fixed fee for the entire job?
6.	Would your company be interested in services like this?
7.	Would you consider working with a startup company like mine?

I would appreciate any honest advice and responses. I hope this helps me get started successfully!

So the house I'm renting sat for a year empty. The guy next door was taking care of the yard. The grass was green when I moved in it was August last year. but the back half was not growing my water bill was very high so it should be getting enough water. This year the back half is dying so i start watering with a water hose and I noticed small sink holes like where sprinklers may have been. Now it looks like the yard is getting to much water so I stop watering. I go aut side and the little sink holes get wet when the Neighbor waters is yard.

Anyone here take the test for the state of Washington? What’s it like? What should I expect? I moved here a month ago and I need to do my state test here. Not sure what to expect.

Anyone take it if so how was it?

I’m looking to get into one of these 2 locals, for 669 in NY / NJ / PA and 638 in NYC.

Wondering if anyone had any advice on how to go about getting into an apprenticeship, I’ve heard calling contractors and asking if they’re hiring can be more effective.

How would I find contractors / shops to call or just any advice in general would be appreciated!

You are fabricating pipe using a steel vice to be hanged inside a parkade. How many mechanical tees you could realistically install into 1-1/2" steel pipe had 2x 1-1/4" holes to cut with a hole-saw and brushless 18v drill? What would be considered impressive?

You are not grooving or cutting the pipe, your job is simply to cut holes and install the grooved mech tees.

So I've heard that Texas doesn't require a license to be a foreman. Is that correct? Why not?

I'm wondering if cutting fluid or wax could be used on a hole-saw when installing grooved mech tees on steel pipe. I have not used any cutting fluid for any application so far but am considering it now. I am consurned that maybe it could degrade the rubber gasket if used for this purpose however.

This is at a huge greenhouse. They wanted to break up the dry system a bit.

Does anyone here have experience using Slidelok couplings? I've only ever used Victaulic couplings but this new job is all Slidelok. So far the main difference I see if they lack a middle rubber stopper like the quick vics have. Just wondering about any tips or insight before I get too deep into the install

Cheers

Since the talk has been pretty quiet the last few months. I’m curious to know if anybody has received a call to start their apprenticeship.

Trying to help any people coming up in the trade that need the code books I have older versions of the books. I have the PDF versions and can send them.

-NFPA 13 is the 2013 edition -NFPA 13-R is the 2013 edition -NFPA 25 is the 2017 edition

Im still in school got 3 months left really excited to get out an start working once I’m done whats everyones pay like union an non union?

https://youtube.com/shorts/OPUK0XcsHe0?si=FbACsj1jZsiCnilw

What does everyone think about this? Took the video at ITP week at Milwaukee’s booth and my first thought was using it on the tripod and being able to multi task while the groover is doing its thing. It’s big so it wouldn’t always work when doing a in the air groove. Didn’t get a chance to ask all the questions.. Would love to know price range and what size pipe it will go up too? Will it do schedule 40 ?

Just wondering how often you guys go without work or get slow and if you guys can still make ends meet?

Ive seen a few people with polished pipe wrenches and was curious if anyone has gone through the process or has any pointers I think they look sweet. My foreman is retiring and I thought it would be a cool retirement gift. Thanks in advance!

My brother and I are considering starting my own company but I really don’t want the headache of a lot of employees, is it still possible to make good money with only two people?