r/SprinklerFitters

Any respectable sprinks out there looking to go on their own?

Hello, I recently applied to local 709 and received my letter telling me I ranked in the top 1/3. I have yet to call for my number in line, but wanted to ask if anyone had any insight on how many apprentices they take in per year/ group? Thank you.

A couple of (maybe answerable) questions on behalf of my husband, who wouldn't know how to find Reddit if it walked up and asked to shake his hand. LOL

He is currently working 669 traveling due to no local openings. New gig to him. He drove to the last job - his first travel job. Pretty straight forward.

Got a call late yesterday afternoon that he would be flying to the next job - 6a Monday morning - and they emailed him his plane ticket. Job is 3-4 wks.

After processing it, he called the lady back to ask what tools to bring and HOW to bring them (on the plane) as well as asking about transportation while there. He called and left a couple of messages, never heard from her and now they are closed until Monday for the holiday (after his flight is gone). lol

We have the company handbook but there is nothing in there re: whether he just rents a car and submits it for reimbursement.....uber everywhere.....?

Does he just check his tools on the plane and submit for reimbursement of baggage costs?

We aren't sure if there is a union standard for these types of things or if it varies per company (and thus these questions can't be answered here). If not, no worries. :) Thought I'd ask the hive just in case.

Thanks for your time and wisdom.

Hey everyone I have an opportunity to join the union and be a fitter. I’m currently 19 and want to get opinions on if it’s a good idea or not. The other options are either be an electrician or continue my studies at a University.

For those of you that repack pumps or just churn them regularly, do you know why water would stop leaking out around the shaft overtime and instead leak around the outside of the gland follower? How do you fix this issue? Is the stuffing box worn or the joints on the packing cut wrong?

Im about to start with this company as a helper. I was told I would be in the union after a year. They are starting me at 23/hr. Is that wage too low?

Just looking to talk to Fitters , plumber, kitchen hood techs and welder across the country. From alaska have a good day.

Anyone heard of or have any experience with Zencorp Mechanical in the GTA area? They reached out with a job offer however they seem to be a smaller contractor and I haven’t heard of them.

Thanks!

Anyone outside of Toronto hiring apprentices ? I’ve called about 20 companies. I have no problem travelling for work even if they want to ship me to nowhere as long as they can get me a room I’ll work ( union only) lol I know it’s tough out here.

Looking for apprenticeship someone finds me or gets me in the union day I sign my papers $1,000 cash

No shade to anyone to is headed down that path. All the power to you, and I hope you are successful.

I can’t be the only one who is not remotely interested in starting their own company. I am totally fine with putting my time in, getting out with a nice retirement, and enjoying my later years with my family.

I’ve already had previous experience owning/operating a DJ company where I was DJ’ing weddings nearly every weekend, all while working as a sprink during the week. I did that for 5 years (2020-2025) and retired from that. I also am a band leader for a covers band that is gigging 3-4 times a month for corporate/private events. Juggling everything involved with those projects, things like dealing with clients, invoicing, contracts, all the logistics, it really gave me a bad taste in my mouth about the realities of running a business.

Every time I see guys talk about how they’re waiting until the boss retires so they can buy out the company, I can’t help but think “man I don’t think you realize what it all involved with running a sprinkler business”

More/less just a rant here. Curious of others thoughts.

Hey all,

I'm located in Ontario Canada and recently had a conversation with a guy who's looking to take on an apprentice. He seems pretty happy with our conversation over the phone and seems pretty keen to take me on.

I'm wondering what I should ask for a rate. I have my CFAA and have done sprinkler work solo and with ticketed Journeymen in the past, so I'm not exactly green.

Some other things I have to consider is that he's experienced but new to owning a company. I've done some independent work in telecom so I know how risky it is. But the fire safety industry seems more stable. I also currently work for a much larger company that's fast tracking me on programming opportunities in fire alarm. A safe bet would be to stick with my current job but fitters make way more money which is my main ambition.

I'll likely be making around 35$ an hour after I get my programming course done. He seems to be ok with matching or offering more depending on it but I haven't had the meeting regarding the raise with my current company as of yet.

Thanks

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