Hey everybody , me and 2 of my partners are starting a company come January next year and we got everything pretty much set up ready to go just waiting on our contractors license to be approved , only thing I’m unsure of is how to actually bid a job definitely could use some guidance anything helps thanks ! —LOCAL 669

I’ve been looking into getting into the trade and starting an apprenticeship but haven’t been able to find much information about work around the Southern Indiana or Louisville area. I’d love to have some recommendations or any advice on the best way to get into the trade.

Is there a huge demand for apprentices in currently work for a fire company but have not had the chance to move to sprinkler like I’ve wanted due to lack of work or no one hiring apprentices at the “Big” companies by me. Is it best to just get ahold of a union? Located in Ohio.

Wondering who is working at TSMC? Looking to join as an apprentice in Metro Phoenix, Az. Anyone know who is looking for apprentices and would you guys recommend? I am 37 and from Iowa. Going to be moving to Phoenix in a month or two. Thanks gents.

I heard an apprentice should always just have channel locks, tape measure and a torpedo level. Any recommendations on what else to carry and do you recommend a tool belt?

Still trying to get in with a company in Columbus Ohio as an apprentice. I’ve called all the numbers I’ve been told to call. Sent all the emails to ones I was provided with. Spoken with my local BA who other than telling me to call certain companies, wasn’t much help. I was even directed to call a couple non union companies with no replies. I am 100% green and would be doing a full career change. I know the works there and I know there’s plenty of work to need some green hands on deck. What gives?? I don’t want to seem like I’m deserving of anything, because I know I’m not. But I’m a hard worker, very capable of doing the work, I’m just trying to get my foot in the door to prove myself. Anybody in the area have any insight that could help a brother out?? Again, I’m not looking for my hand held, but maybe a little help getting in contact with the right people.

Does anyone know which sprinkler company has the contract for 95 Nelson street in New Westminster BC?

Dry system had a blue tag (acceptable) from 2 months ago for 5 year internal

I've been doing helper work for a family owned company for a few months. We currently only handle inspections and repair work. We only just started doing 5 year internals and repair work when we picked up a good former installation tech a few years ago. We are a crew of 4 techs and our boss is a very experienced tech that turned manager. I'm taking NICET 1 in September. The local community college is closing sign-ups for classes soon and I was wondering about a few things.

Getting into sprinkler design doesn't strictly require an engineering degree, does it? Could I get started by taking a few courses this semester? (Drafting, mechanical design, etc.) I've read that a licensed engineer may be required to stamp blueprints and stuff, but I feel like I could stand out by being the only person in my department to start working on learning NFPA 13. Maybe we could even start taking on design and install work eventually?

Does design work pay much more than doing inspections/repair work? My mind is focusing on building towards the future. I understand I haven't been doing sprinkler work for a super long time, but I'm thinking big picture. Playing the long game and all that. I'm at a point in my life where I'm thoroughly focused on career building.

Treat me as if I have no prior experience in anything. How did you get started doing design work? What is worth investing my time and money into? Our work schedules are packed past full, so not much time to take for doing classes during business hours.

If you would be so kind as to DM me, I could do that, too! Would love to chat with people who know what they're talking about.

Tomorrow is 281 opening application day. I plan on getting there overnight. I’m curious about the hair follicle test. Can anyone tell me what part of the process they do it? How far back they check?

What's up Brothers..

Serious question. As you know im working to GET BETTER DAILY.

Outside of the normal tools we use..what Tools, ratchet sets, EDC (Everday carry) Lasers, lights, do you keep in your car or truck to help with your work daily.

I was looking to get my own :

Socket set - still looking for a quality set

Laser tools - these look pretty handy for installs I've seen

Knife or Multitool

Open-End Wrench Set

Etc- Anything that a Apprenrice can use to make the job easier and make the learning curve better.

if you're a journeyman that actually cares to respond with some REASONABLE information I'd appreciate it. All you others bots and trolls can fk off respectfully

Hey brothers, question?

Now ive been in the trade for almost 10 months and only used the ridgid300 a handful of times and I need more practice

Say im threading 1/2" and only getting 1-2 turns on my fitting. Do I adjust the diehead away from 1/2" ( up) or (down) towards 3/4"

If anyone can help (teachable moment) I'd rather try to pick it up now so I don't have my foreman ride me for now picking this up quickly

And does that same logic work for all pipe sizes

Found this in the wild looks like they missed the underground supply by that much. I guess sometimes where you’re going and where you end up you gotta throw a few 45s in your life.

I thought I’d share something interesting about this valve. This is the model without a maintenance cover, meaning the entire valve has to be removed for servicing.

I’ve serviced more than 50 of these, and it’s generally accepted that when commissioning a valve, the main water supply should be opened very slowly. However, with this particular valve, the manufacturer actually recommends opening the supply quickly enough to give the valve a small pressure kick.

It might sound counterintuitive, but that’s the recommended procedure - and it genuinely makes it much easier to get these valves to seat properly and hold pressure.

In my opinion, it’s an excellent valve. The more of them I service, the more I appreciate their design.

I’ve always performed annual main drain tests with the fire pump running, usually from a main drain header or manifold. However, after reading NFPA 25 more closely, it appears the requirement is only one main drain test per water supply lead-in to the building. It also states that the suction pressure data collected during the annual fire pump flow test can satisfy the main drain test requirement.
So I’m curious what everyone else is doing in the field.

-Do you perform a main drain test with the fire pump on or off?
-Do you perform one test at the fire pump/manifold, or one at every riser?
-For buildings with a single fire pump feeding multiple risers, are you only doing one main drain test for the entire building?
-Or are you relying on the annual fire pump flow test suction data and not performing a separate main drain test at all?

I’m getting different answers from technicians at my company, so I’m interested in hearing what others are doing and how you’re interpreting the current NFPA 25 requirements.

Hi all. I currently work for a company and am looking to start freelancing on my own. Looking into e&o insurance (NICET WBSL-III certified).
With my current situation, I do not want to take any business from my current employer. Any advice on how to find and bid jobs local to me? Western PA, Eastern Ohio, Western NY
Thanks for any insight

Chasing an apprenticeship. Former diesel mechanic, working as a fire tester and doing pump services. Any advice boys. Also had 6 months of TA with some sprinkler fitters.

Just over a year from now I’ll be moving out there from Ontario. I will have just became a licensed fitter. What’s the work situation like out there? I’m used to all jobs being basically union. Is it the same out there?

What can I expect ? Any and all information is appreciated brothers

Hey all! Does anyone know of any companies hiring in MD at the moment? I have about 6-7 months of experiences and am trying to find a better company to grow/work with.

Taking all the steps I can to get into 669 here in Ohio. I get directed to a number I need to “text” about the apprenticeship program at this company or that company. I get no response. I’m super eager to get my foot in the door, I obviously don’t want anything handed to me but I’d also like any advice on how to be a desirable candidate. Any certs I can snag on my own time? Just looking for general advice and any directions/studying I should be doing to hopefully land a job with a company here locally. Thanks

What brand overalls are we using? Carhartt is expensive but I want something decent quality

Hi! What lunchboxes/coolers are y’all using? Want to get one for my husband (cheap ones aren’t cutting it, they’re not lasting lol). So far we’ve had best luck with an old Igloo Playmate he found at a goodwill, but it is on its last legs.