When I ask my kids what I do as a plumbing engineer, they say, “you design toilets”. Not really.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in becoming a plumbing engineer, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, it is important to graduate with a 4 year degree in engineering from an accredited university. Second, gaining experience through internships or entry-level jobs will be invaluable. This will not only allow you to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a plumbing engineer and to network with potential employers.
Passing the Required Exams
Taking/passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) right after graduation is a good path as much of the exam is based on your college classes. Taking the test while all those formulas and calculations are fresh in your brain is a huge help. The FE exam is a computer based 6 hour exam composed of 110 questions. After 4 years of experience of working under a professional engineer and submitting the proper paperwork, you can take the Professional Engineer exam (PE). The PE exam is a computer based 8 hour closed book exam composed of 80 questions. Another exam that is well worth passing if you plan on entering the plumbing engineering field is the Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) exam. This is offered through the American Society of Plumbing Engineers(ASPE). This exam also requires 4 years of experience and a college degree in engineering. If you do not have a degree it can be replaced with an additional 4 years of experience. This exam last 3 ½ hours and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
So, what does a plumbing engineer do?
Plumbing engineers design many systems within residential and commercial buildings. They use specialized knowledge and skills to do things efficiently. Plumbing engineers typically work for engineering consulting firms. In a standard office building a plumbing engineers primary responsibility will be to oversee the design and implementation of domestic hot and cold water systems, sanitary waste and vent systems, storm systems and natural gas. The design of the waste and water systems will typically be designed to a point 10’ feet outside the building where a Civil Engineer will then continue the systems.
In hospitals and laboratory projects, plumbing engineers are responsible for the above systems as well as the design of the medical gas and laboratory gas system. These systems include nitrogen, medical air, medical vacuum, oxygen, nitrous oxide, helium and carbon dioxide just to name a few.
While designing the plumbing systems, plumbing engineers have both an internal design budget and a construction budget that must be maintained. The design budget is the amount of hours/dollars they have to complete the design for the project. The construction cost is the amount of money the owner has to build a project.
A plumbing engineer role will require responsibility of all aspects of the design process, including building analysis, performing design calculations, and selecting appropriate plumbing systems and equipment for installation. We then prepare all schematics drawings to present to the client to show if what we designed is what they want to be built. Once approved the design moves into design development (DD) and then construction documents (CD). Other duties may include design reviews, supervising personnel assigned to projects, and providing training and guidance to junior engineering staff.
The actual design of the project is a multi-faceted, task-based process. To perform a complete design, the plumbing engineers are responsible for the layout of the plumbing piping systems and coordination of systems with other trades such as HVAC, Electrical, Civil, Architects and Structural to fit all systems within the building structure.
When the design is complete, and the construction has started. The plumbing engineer moves into the construction administration (CA) portion of the project. The engineer assists with contractors’ requests for information (RFI), review submittals to confirm they meet the specification requirements, conducts periodic construction site visits to confirms the building is meeting design requirements, and a final punch list to confirm all systems are installed and running as designed.
Skills Beyond Engineering
A plumbing engineer must also have other qualities not related directly to engineering. Computer literacy is the ability to use the software used to produce a project. Technical skills to be able to understand the installation requirement of plumbing equipment to confirm equipment will fit within the building. Critical thinking to be able to resolve an issue quickly and correctly. Administrative skills include delegating tasks, knowing who to talk to when issues arise, dealing with different types of people, and creating schedules. Effective communication in order to convey information to other engineers in a clear manner. Last but not a plumbing engineer needs to pay attention to detail. While designing a project what may appear a small item on the drawings can become a big issue during construction. Will the systems fit within a ceiling or a mechanical room? Are the correct materials and equipment specified? Issues like this could cost the engineer and owner a lot of money.
Any type of engineering can be very stressful. The day-to-day tight deadlines, working on several projects at once at different stages of design and construction, dealing with unexpected project complications and the pressure of maintaining a high standard of work. . However, this rewarding career will give you a great sense of pride to drive by a building and know you had a big part in its construction.
Sources
Written By
Richard Barbera
Senior Associate, Plumbing/Fire Protection Manager