/r/SprinklerFitters

Photograph via snooOG

This sub is for the Fitters, the ones who hang the pipe. Share on the job experiences, show off your work, or share other people’s screw-ups. All Union and non union are welcome to join in, as well as engineers, designers, and anyone else who has something to ask, or to share.

/r/SprinklerFitters

3,420 Subscribers

2

Aptitude test 853 Ontario

I applied for the union jus waiting till the intake opens up to do the test.

Is it true if you fail the Aptitude test the first time, they offer a retake 2 weeks or shortly after ?

8 Comments
2024/11/10
14:57 UTC

14

Dry system pitch

What’s the best way to make sure your pipe is pitched right? I heard put a level on it square and if the Bubble hits your first line it is good? Is this true?

Thanks everyone

18 Comments
2024/11/10
02:14 UTC

23

Any clue what the gold device is?

27 Comments
2024/11/08
23:03 UTC

27

Finally turning out. Been 6.5 years.

Worked at a couple companies where i got short hours. Finally hit 10k hours and got the confirmation this morning from the jatc that im good to turn out. Been a long time and its crazy that its finally here. Perfect timing before christmas.

9 Comments
2024/11/07
18:31 UTC

24

Let’s just do the system when the racks are in 😂🫠

11 Comments
2024/11/07
18:15 UTC

6

Out of town work

been doing 8 on 1 off out of town for about a year and it’s starting to really take its toll. how long do/have you guys go out of town and for what periods

31 Comments
2024/11/02
01:03 UTC

1

Fair Hourly Rate for a 1099 Sprinkler Installation Team: Advice from the Pros?

Hi everyone. I’m reaching out to those who have their own teams for sprinkler fire protection installations and are temporarily hired by large companies on a 1099 basis to handle installations. Could you please tell me what a reasonable hourly rate per worker would be to ensure a fair margin as a team leader? For example, for fire safety installation in a warehouse of 300-700 thousand square feet or in an apartment complex. Thanks for any insights!

12 Comments
2024/10/31
13:34 UTC

8

Good Morning,

Would anyone be ok with me direct messaging them on here? I have questions about the trade but have several questions.

Thank you and have a nice day.

23 Comments
2024/10/31
11:37 UTC

0

Sprinkler help, first home

I’ve come to Reddit for help, and hope I’m not in the wrong sub. If so forgive me.

I use Rachio system for 3 zones working on a schedule with no issue for 6 months. Today, the third zone activated and never shut off. I have tried futzing around with the Rachio system but only way to get the water to stop was to turn off the water as much as possible be which means it’s now dripping.

Any advice on how to handle this?

Ps - we are going to completely redo the landscaping and irrigation systems in the near future so even a bandaid solution is acceptable.

Thank you!

6 Comments
2024/10/30
23:45 UTC

3

2D or 3D design for sprinkler in the US?

Guys, what is most common to design sprinkler with in the US? Do you usually have 3D models or 2D models? Doing some research but does not really find anything worth reading so better hit the sources. :)

Thank you

8 Comments
2024/10/28
20:27 UTC

6

Internal pipe inspections and coupling replacement

I have always heard that couplings need to be replaced if removed. Is there a specific code that references this?

8 Comments
2024/10/28
16:37 UTC

2

Aptitude test 853

Hello, just scheduled my aptitude test for a couple weeks from now wanted to know what I should be studying or if there is any material I can get that get that would help with it

3 Comments
2024/10/27
21:58 UTC

1

Need some clarification

I posted here earlier this week about when intake might be and someone mentioned something about contacting companies during the intake process.

So I might have misinterpreted that and started cold calling companies prior to even doing the aptitude test.

A couple of companies got back to me and I’m assuming they might have an idea I’m not a union member. My hypothetical question is… what can happen if they show interest before I’m a member of the union? Can I even get taken in or be considered for work? I always assumed “sponsoring” meant taking you in and helping you by-pass some of the waiting

Thank you for any help of this topic!

7 Comments
2024/10/25
21:04 UTC

6

(Canadian - Ontario) Seeking insight regarding a Career in Sprinkler Fitting (853)

Hi there, I am a 19 year old based in Halton Hills Ontario and I have been doing a bunch of research on Sprinkler Fitting, and it stands out to me as a fufilling and genuinely interesting career. I don't have a background in construction, I studied accounting, but found that I wasn't fufilled by it.

I was curious and wanted to ask those actively in the field, how should I get started? I am already planning on applying for UA 853's apprenticeship program ( or their pre-apprenticeship program however im not sure if that exists anymore? ), and I have already started looking at local sprinkler/fire protection providers to call and see if helper/apprentice positions are possible/available.

I would appreciate any tips, advice or resources from anyone in the industry to put my career into gear and anything to enhance it, I am terribly interested and would love to hear anything!

5 Comments
2024/10/25
02:01 UTC

7

Any Canadians here? Mainly in Calgary Alberta. Looking to get into sprinklerfitting - How saturated this trade in Alberta, Calgary?

Im basically have no experience in the trades ever and only been an office dweller for 3 years.

Well i did some Lot attendant job for a year but i don't know if that's considered a trade here.

Looking to change my career from Soul Sucking Office job to More hands on and On Feet type of Job, normally i went with couple of choices (HVAC, Plumbing, Sprinklerfitting)

Looking to get some help, if the Sprinklerfitting is a good trade in Canada and or if its way to saturated mainly in Calgary Alberta.

27 Comments
2024/10/24
16:24 UTC

3

People who did union 669 online classes what were they over?

I’m curious on the classes they have you take online I’m a first year apprentice just started last week and wanted to know if things like math and that are on it or is it just over sprinkler systems?

24 Comments
2024/10/22
22:52 UTC

2

Union Switch

I am currently in the thoughts of moving back Home to Ontario, i’m currently a 1st year apprentice in local 56 what would be the best way to switch unions as a first year? or should i stay where i am for a little longer? looking to switch to local 401, 853 or 46. Any advice is appreciated!!

11 Comments
2024/10/22
18:56 UTC

3

Any Aussie sprinkler fitters in here??

I'm mid 30s based in Melbs looking into the industry, do you think it's worth it to go into sprinkler fitting as a mature aged apprentice? How hard do you think it will be to land an apprenticeship? I do know a fitter and a bunch of plumbers so I may reach out to them for advice but what do you think my best way to go about it is? And if it's worth it in the long run! I have a young family now so thinking of going into something with good pay and consistent work.

(Even though I know the first couple yrs will be tough financially)

No trade/construction experience, but plenty of time on the tools in other more creative industries, I already have my EWP, HR licence, forklift, white card etc. Hopefully that would help in my chance to get onboard with a company. Any advice would help immensely! Thanks!

9 Comments
2024/10/22
04:38 UTC

0

I love hvac people

Fr

2 Comments
2024/10/22
03:36 UTC

10

Opinion 669 contract

I strongly feel 669 should go after inspections, and I don’t even do them. This is a huge amount of man hours we are sending down the drain imo. Opinions?

41 Comments
2024/10/21
16:00 UTC

5

Union vs non union

San Diego fitters give me some opinions. I’m currently level 3 apprentice non union company what’s the pros and cons of union vs non union.

24 Comments
2024/10/20
11:05 UTC

42

Someone said we’re posting warehouse risers

Control valve and filler on lead in swapped later for check if I’m remembering correctly.

9 Comments
2024/10/19
14:49 UTC

30

Just about finished

7 x foam deluge installations for an aircraft hangar.

16 Comments
2024/10/19
07:17 UTC

2

Does 669 hire felons?

I just recently got into the trade but my brother is a felon and is wanting to get into the trade as well and I was curious on if 669 would hire felons? And if so is it hard to get a gig?

10 Comments
2024/10/19
04:17 UTC

7

Anyone know the name of this fitting?

It’s tapered with ribs and threads into 1” pipe

5 Comments
2024/10/19
01:58 UTC

51

New construction of Brinkley rv factory. Here’s our riser bank not fully completed.

47 Comments
2024/10/19
01:08 UTC

2

Should I start losing hope?

Maybe I’m just the unlucky one and won’t be getting chosen, but does anyone know if Local 853 Ontario has begun their intake for 2024 yet?

Still hopeful I’ll get that email for the test!

6 Comments
2024/10/18
01:58 UTC

1

CSA Exam study guides

Going to take the CSA soon and was wondering if anyone had any study guides they made or any info? Did a little digging online but it’s kinda hit or miss.

8 Comments
2024/10/17
16:20 UTC

2

Joining 669

I am trying to get into local 669 I'm currently working for a non union company. Having a hard time finding a company who is accepting apprentices. I've only been in the trade for 6 months and am wanting to join the union sooner rather than later. Are their union reps I could talk to that could point me in the direction of companies taking apprentices. I am in Ohio.

17 Comments
2024/10/17
03:13 UTC

0

Checking receipt

7 Comments
2024/10/16
16:57 UTC

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