r/SprinklerFitters

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Gonna be turning in my application this Friday (May 22) for Local 709 and i am currently studying for the written test. Any advice on what i should specifically study for the written portion of the test? Ive been currently working for a fire sprinkler company for the past 3 months to get my bearings up and understand the concept of fire protection systems. As for the interview, anyone have advice on how to ace the oral interview as well? Im not trying to be a potential candidate or get on the waitlist. Im trying to be A candidate that will start as soon as possible, but also a candidate that leaves a strong impression to where they take me in compared to the other applicants.

Can someone explain to me the breakdown of union pay or send me a pay stub to show my how the wage + fringe + sis + medical + union dues actually show on a check.

I’ve never worked for a union contractor so no idea how that actually breaks out. Always worked for open shops

Hi! My husband is a sprinkler apprentice (he’s finished his 1st year) with a non-union company. He’s always heard that it’s bad being in a union but never can get answers as to why. At first glance, to me at least, union sounds like it has good benefits! I was looking into 669 district 18 for him, but also we aren’t sure how it all works and if there’s different unions around?
He currently makes $21/hr, he does get overtime frequently and has been working a lot of weekends. He does pay for health/vision/dental/life insurance for him and our daughter, and just vision and dental for me. It’s about 100 per paycheck (weekly) for those benefits. He does get 401k benefit matching and does also get put onto scale pay jobs sometimes. I’m not sure how these all compare to what union benefits run.

I guess my question basically is should he wait until he finishes the apprenticeship schooling and gets a license and then think about moving over or should he try now? Are there good non-union companies in that area? His company now is kind of falling apart and it’s honestly just stressing all the fitters out. He knows dry systems, plastic, steel, (probably more I’m not sure about). He prefers commercial jobs not residential. Has osha10, lift, and cpr certifications.

ETA: he currently just has to provide his own hand tools (levels, tape measure, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc) (which do occasionally get stolen off the jobs and he has to replace them out of pocket). He also has 3 years experience on the job, just 1 year of the schooling.

Level with me guys… how do you install these reliably without weepers… every damn time I fill up a new zone I’m guaranteed to have a handful. Drain down, remove Vic, inspect pipe and coupling, nothing noteworthy, clean, reassemble, refill and a different one will start dripping away. Rinse and repeat, it’s like whack-a-mole till you finally get them all. Then pump it up and a few more will make their presence known….

What’s the secret??? Buff the end of every pipe and lube every Vic???

Update: Apparently the first rendition of this coupling had an issue with the shoulder in the gasket that has been corrected with the newer version. Old ones are still in circulation so the work around in the meantime is to apply a light coat of lube to the inside rubber where the pipe meets the gasket. Must have missed the memo on that one!

I am 53 and have been in the trade since 95. Actively Union since 2016. I have worked on the commercial side since 2016 doing inspection’s and repairs. Prior to that I was a residential installer. I had my first seizure 8/29/25. After 2nd 10/27/25 diagnosed Epileptic. ER reported my loss of consciousness after my first one to DMV so my DL is medically suspended. My neurologist wants me six months seizure free before submitting paperwork to DMV. I am currently out on short-term disability with the state. My last seizure was March 30 . My question to those following this Reddit thread do you or another person you know in the trades still work while having epilepsy? The whole instability of having or not having a license is really gonna screw everything up much less the side effects from the meds or from the actual seizures. I’m worried about returning to work and think that this is no longer a viable career for me. But no idea what to do. I don’t really have the skills for a desk job. And I’m concerned about my ability to learn a whole new career with all the side effects. I have surrounding my brain forgetfulness, brain fog, insomnia needed to take naps during the day to make up for that.

Hey all,

I’m trying to set up an excess pressure pump for hydro tests. I was thinking about adding quick-connect fittings or maybe a sharkbite setup so it’s quick and easy to hook up and store away afterward.

Has anyone here done something similar? If you have any pictures, setup ideas, or even a parts list, I’d really appreciate it.

I want to know what prospective employees are looking for in a job?

Salary/Hourly
Just base pay?
Bonus structure?
Profit Sharing based on productivity?

Benefits?
401k
Company Paid Employee Health Insurance
Health and Wellness (Gym membership discounts, health credits, etc)

Job security
Steady work?
Cross training options?
Training in general?

I want to know what technicians look for in a job.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.