Plumbing Course Outline

Introduction to plumbing fixtures and their basic installation procedures. Learn to identify various plumbing fixtures; what a plumbing fixture is; materials used in the manufacturing of plumbing fixtures; common fixtures used in a home; principal of how waste is removed from a water closet.

Introduction to plumbing tools and safety practices that are followed in the construction industries. Learn three factors that affect the ability of a craftsperson to perform quality work in a safe manner; four major causes of accidents on the job site; six major categories of tools; recognize and name many of the tools that are commonly used by plumbers; explain what each of these tools is designed to do.

Introduction to how the plumber uses basic math and measurement on the job. Learn to read a ruler to the nearest 1/16 of an inch; add and subtract fractions; calculate pipe offsets using the Pythagorean theorem and the hands-on method; apply formulas for finding area and volume; convert metric units of measure to English units of measure and vice versa.

Introduction to the various kinds of and uses for plumbing pipes, fittings, valves, faucets, and water meters. Learn to name the various materials and describe applications of the common pipes and fittings used in the plumbing industry; list grades and sizes of pipe and fittings; interpret code markings on plastic pipe; methods used to join cast iron, steel, copper, and plastic pipe; describe the construction of various types of valves and meters; typical applications for various types of valves and meters.

Introduction to the basic skills needed to read and use construction blueprints for plumbing installations. Learn to name and describe eight types of blueprints; recognize the plumbing symbols and abbreviations used in architectural drawings; prepare a sketch of a bathroom showing dimension and extension lines; how to use an architect’s scale to measure dimensions from a drawing; the steps to create a simple piping isometric drawing.

Learn the procedures and methods for the installation and testing of plumbing pipes and fittings; plan the steps involved for bringing water and sewer service to a building; proper procedures for installing DWV and water supply systems in a building; read plans and fixture rough-in sheets to locate the drain and water supply pipes to plumbing fixtures; techniques for measuring, cutting, joining, and supporting cast iron, steel, copper, and plastic plumbing materials; methods for testing and inspecting completed plumbing systems.

Learn how to plan and design DWV and water supply systems; describe the needs and design concepts for a successful plumbing design; how to design residential bath and kitchen layouts; determine the load factor for common residential plumbing fixtures; how to design and size residential DWV and water supply systems; define cross connections and describe how to avoid them.

Examine the various types of water wells, well equipment, and water treatment used in private water supplies as well as an introduction to hydraulics and pneumatics as related to plumbing. Learn to list the types of wells and how each is constructed; construction and operation of water pumps and pressure tanks; potential water contaminants; devices that are used in the treatment of a water supply and describe their operation; compute water pressures given the head pressures, height of water supplies, and fraction losses.

Introduction to sewage disposal systems, storm water systems, and safe excavating techniques. Learn operation of a simple septic system; operation of the aeration, organic, and closed waste treatment systems; design drainage piping for roofs, driveways, and window wells; function and installation of a sump pump; safe excavating techniques.

Explains the design, operation, and installation of residential water heaters and the installation steps for residential plumbing fixtures. Learn four energy sources for heating water, and discuss various things that should be considered when selecting a water heater; sketch a typical water heater and describe the major components, including the safety devices; steps to install a water heater; basic steps to install a sink or lavatory and faucet; basic steps to install a tub or shower unit and faucet; basic steps to install a toilet.

Examine the components and basic design of HVAC systems, pools, hot tubs, spas and irrigation systems. Learn basic components of an HVAC systems and the plumber’s part in the installation of HVAC systems; basic components of swimming pools, hot tubs and spas; basic considerations that are important in the design and operation of irrigation systems; common types of sprinkler heads.

Outline and procedures for troubleshooting, repairing and remodeling plumbing systems. Learn how to recognize plumbing problems by observing how a system is operating; methods for checking and testing a plumbing system to confirm an actual problem; procedures to perform for making a repair when a plumbing-system problem has been determined; proper procedures to repair faucets, water closets, water heaters, drainage systems, and water supply systems; requirements to manage a plumbing remodeling job; relocate existing plumbing fixtures.

Overview on how to effectively plan and organize a plumbing job, including the application of building and plumbing codes. Learn to describe major concepts that are necessary to effectively complete a plumbing job; stages in the construction process; materials, supplies, tools, and equipment that are needed to complete a typical residential plumbing job; how to coordinate plumbing work and the plumbing crew with the other construction trades to effectively organize a job; building and plumbing codes, state how they are enforced, and model codes that are used in the United States.

Career areas and competencies needed in the plumbing industry and give a brief history of plumbing and its importance in the development of civilization. Learn areas that are sources of plumbing jobs; requirements are for plumbing apprenticeship training; characteristics and competencies that desirable employees have; steps to find a plumbing job or to become self-employed; contributions of plumbing to the development of civilization.