ISCO-08 7126
Plumbers and pipe fitters
11.5%
ADI · 348th of 433 · 95% interval 3.6–21.8
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 11.5% of the task time of plumbers and pipe fitters, and finish 0.0% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full11.5%
348th of 433 · interval 3.6–21.8
ADI3 · full delegation0.0%
201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0
ADIs · share of time15.1%
357th of 433 · interval 10.4–20.6
Evidence44
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 7.5 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 74.9%L1Augmentation · 13.6%L2Partial delegation · 11.5%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
44 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.Pipelayers | 4.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 52 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.Pipelayers | 4.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Cut pipes to required lengths.Pipelayers | 4.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 15 min | Physical presence |
| Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and coordinating layouts with supervisors.Pipelayers | 4.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Cover pipes with earth or other materials.Pipelayers | 3.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.Pipelayers | 3.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 38 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.Pipelayers | 3.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.Pipelayers | 3.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.Pipelayers | 3.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.Pipelayers | 3.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.Pipelayers | 3.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 15% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Train or supervise others in laying pipe.Pipelayers | 3.0% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 4.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.Pipelayers | 2.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic or radio indicators.Pipelayers | 2.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 1.1 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.4% | L0 | L0L1 | 4% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 29 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.4% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.3% | L0 | L0L1 | 5% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 2.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 42 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 1.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Keep records of work assignments.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 20 min | Access to systems |
| Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 12% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · supplemental task | 1.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.4% | L0 | L0L2 | 15% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Repair or remove and replace system components.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.4% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · supplemental task | 1.3% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 11 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · supplemental task | 1.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 20% | 2.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 1.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1.0% | L0 | L0L2 | 15% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Repair hydraulic or air pumps.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L1 | 14% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · supplemental task | 0.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 3% | 1.3 h | Physical presence |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 11.5% | 20 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.074 | 13 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | -1.173 | 12 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 43 | 32 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.017 | 13 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.006 | 36 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (71)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| House builders 7111 | 77.9 | |
| Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics 7127 | 25.4 | |
| Carpenters and joiners 7115 | 21.9 | |
| Insulation workers 7124 | 20.6 | |
| Building frame and related trades workers not elsewhere classified 7119 | 16.1 | |
| Glaziers 7125 | 12.4 | |
| Painters and related workers 7131 | 11.4 | |
| Building structure cleaners 7133 | 7.5 | |
| Floor layers and tile setters 7122 | 6.4 | |
| Bricklayers and related workers 7112 | 5.2 | |
| Roofers 7121 | 5.1 | |
| Plasterers 7123 | 4.3 |
Dashed line: plumbers and pipe fitters (11.5%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Plumbers and pipe fitters (ISCO-08 7126), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/7126
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Plumbers and pipe fitters (ISCO-08 7126)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/7126.json.