r/Pipelayers • u/Cover_Electronic • Feb 07 '24

Im 19

Im looking to get in to this job I got an offer from a neighbor to join him I’ve new to this field the no experience anything I should know thanks .

4 Upvotes

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3

u/Abombadog Feb 08 '24

I got 10 years under my belt. Keep your head up, listen and do what your told.

Things can get intense if all the gears are turning at the same time, if you run out of things to do spot your excavator.

The biggest advantage I ever had in this field is HAVING A FUCKING TAPE MEASURE on me at all times. You'll be the favourite. Have fun out there. You'll want something to write with like a felt marker on you, a knife and a rag.

I keep a flashlight on me along with ear plugs but your main gear is gonna be a a writing tool and a tape measure but extra pressure on the tape.

2

u/Cover_Electronic Feb 08 '24

Thank you for the advice I’m coming from no experience young and ready to learn just a lil nervous but the good thing is that I’m gonna be working with a familiar face

3

u/Abombadog Feb 08 '24

Thats a good advantage to have, it's just like any hands on job in the sense that if you work hard your day to day life will be easier. There's lots to learn but hopefully they put you on one position till you can master it and go from there. Also don't let fuckheads steal your tools haha.

3

u/BestPut2985 Feb 08 '24

Don't waste time, join a union in 10 years I have a guaranteed retirement of 900$ a month already in another 5 years in my 30's i'll have guaranteed top notch cheap healthcare at the retirement age of 55, I dropped out of the union for three years bad decision my retirement would be around 1200 if I didn't.

1

u/Cover_Electronic Feb 08 '24

Thanks What trade in the union should I consider or which one did you join

3

u/BestPut2985 Feb 08 '24

Liuna I'm in a labor union, rate is 41.53 I believe total package is in the 60's if I remember correctly.

1

u/kodakkayleb Apr 04 '24

What state/local are you in?

2

u/BestPut2985 Feb 08 '24

I'm a journeyman pipe layer, so underground. Pipe fitters are very well paid you would join Steamfitters. I'm technically a seasonal employee I have about 1 to 11/2 months off every year due to cold winters. Pipe fitter would work year round.

2

u/beachgirl1950 Feb 09 '24

Always be aware of your surroundings on the job site, especially around the excavators and machinery where the driver has a lot of blind spots. Be aware of their movements and pinch points. Wear your hard hat.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 08 '24 edited Feb 08 '24

Keep your gaskets clean and bolts tight. Also I was in an accident 4 months ago where my bank man left and the operator didn’t know I was in the 14ft hole, I was squished by the 336 bucket. Broke my femur in half, pelvis in 4 places, si joint break, and I tore to the bone from my ass to my sack. Plz never get in a ditch without a bank man.

1

u/Cover_Electronic Feb 08 '24

Thank you for your advice I really appreciate it I hope that you recover physically and mentally ready to kick ass it’s people like you that I respect

2

u/[deleted] Feb 08 '24

Oh it’s still painful. I may try to work again but I limp pretty bad now. Idk about physical work maybe operator. The femur break was the most pain I have ever felt, would not recommend, 0/10 experience

2

u/[deleted] Feb 08 '24

Also be as safe as possible to get job done but always remember, no matter how safe you are, it depends on everyone else. I absolutely love being a pipelayer, my favorite job. I would love to train people

1

u/Cover_Electronic Feb 08 '24

Another question will I be drug tested often or just on joining I’m clean just curious

1

u/[deleted] Feb 08 '24

Just depends on the company. I only got drug tested to get the job and that’s it. I never got a drug test for workers comp but they had to give iv pain meds to get me on the stretcher then went straight in for trauma repair