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

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!

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.

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!

I'm wondering how to do an expansion joints whether I have to bend the pipe or have to have a special flex tube for it.

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

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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?

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!!

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!

Fr

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?

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.

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

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?

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

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!

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.

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.

I’ve been running work for the past 10 years. I don’t care to get too into it but I’ve come into a stressful time in my personal life and due to health reasons would prefer to just punch in, do my job and go home without the added stress of running the job and dealing with meetings and all the headaches. So my question is are there any 669 shops that hire journeymen without having to run work?

How common is that?

I’ve only ever had 2 people on the job, an apprentice and myself, and wouldn’t mind a larger project where I could meet other members and learn different techniques.

Somethin dun don't lewk rite to me's.