Building maintenance workers keep buildings in good shape. They repair plumbing, electrical fixtures, machinery, and the structure of buildings.

Building maintenance workers use carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry skills to perform repairs and maintenance such as:

• Repair leaky faucets
• Clear clogged drains
• Replace light bulbs
• Fix walls, doors, floors, and windows
• Repair foundations, brick walls, and chimneys
• Repair and install machines, systems, and fixtures

Some of the work maintenance workers do is routine and can be scheduled. Other repairs are due to problems. When a problem is found, workers inspect the structure or equipment and figure out the cause.

Maintenance workers take apart machines such as heaters and fix them. They replace worn or broken parts. Workers may also clean and lubricate parts. They use various hand and power tools to make repairs. They may also use welding torches to repair and construct parts. After making repairs, workers reassemble machines and test them.

Maintenance workers install, repair, and maintain systems that control the temperature in buildings. They set and adjust the controls of these systems. In newer buildings, workers maintain computer systems that control temperature and lights. Maintenance workers also insulate walls, windows, and pipes to reduce costs for heating and cooling. Workers may replace older heating and cooling systems with new systems that are energy efficient. They may also install and maintain boilers, and may repair or replace boiler parts.

Building maintenance workers keep track of work orders. They check prices with suppliers and estimate the cost of a job. They document all purchases.

Maintenance workers who work in smaller buildings often do all the repairs except for very difficult or large jobs. In larger buildings, they may specialize in a particular area such as heating and ventilation or do general maintenance.