Unvented Hot Water Course

Lesson 1 • Water Properties and Chemistry Basics

Explains hardness, pH, dissolved oxygen, and scaling as they affect system longevity. Connects water quality to maintenance decisions made later in the course.

Lesson 2 • Industry Standards and Safety Overview

Introduces regulatory frameworks, certification requirements, and safety obligations for installers. Sets professional expectations maintained throughout the entire course.

Lesson 3 • Core Components and Their Functions

Identifies tanks, heat exchangers, burners, elements, and controls. Students map each component to its role in system operation.

Lesson 4 • Heat Transfer Principles

Covers conduction, convection, and radiation as applied to water heating. Establishes the physics underpinning every system type studied in this course.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Sizing and Flow Calculations

Applies velocity, pressure drop, and demand load formulas to size supply and return lines. Accurate sizing prevents performance issues diagnosed in advanced chapters.

Lesson 2 • Valves, Fittings, and Accessories

Identifies gate, ball, check, and mixing valves along with standard fittings. Correct valve placement is critical for system isolation and safety covered in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Joining Methods

Teaches soldering, press-fit, push-to-connect, compression, and threaded joining. Each method is matched to the pipe material and application context.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Materials and Selection

Compares copper, CPVC, PEX, galvanised steel, and stainless steel for hot water service. Material choice directly affects installation method and long-term performance.

Lesson 1 • Combustion Air Requirements

Explains confined and unconfined space calculations and combustion air openings. Adequate air supply prevents dangerous incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide production.

Lesson 2 • Gas Supply Systems and Safety

Covers gas line sizing, pressure regulators, shut-off valves, and leak detection. Safe gas handling is the prerequisite for every task in this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Storage Gas Heater Installation

Walks through positioning, water connections, gas piping, and initial startup of a storage unit. Students complete a full installation sequence meeting code requirements.

Lesson 4 • Tankless Gas Heater Installation

Addresses high-BTU gas supply, condensate drainage, and modulating controls unique to tankless units. Students configure flow sensors and temperature settings for demand operation.

Lesson 1 • Wiring Standard Electric Storage Heaters

Covers dedicated circuit installation, junction box wiring, and element connections for 240V storage units. Correct wiring prevents element failure and fire hazards.

Lesson 2 • Point-of-Use and Tankless Electric Units

Covers mini-tank and inline electric tankless installation for remote fixtures. Students size circuits and set flow-activated controls for single-point applications.

Lesson 3 • Heating Elements and Thermostats

Explains element types, watt density, and thermostat operation modes. Students test and replace elements and thermostats as part of installation verification.

Lesson 4 • Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Addresses space requirements, refrigerant circuit awareness, condensate drainage, and control setup for heat pump units. Students integrate the unit with existing electrical and plumbing systems.

Lesson 1 • Collector Mounting and Roof Penetrations

Teaches roof-mount, ground-mount, and rack systems with weatherproof penetration techniques. Structural integrity and leak prevention are critical outcomes of this section.

Lesson 2 • Commissioning and Performance Verification

Guides pressure testing, flow balancing, and first-season performance checks for solar and heat pump systems. Students document results against design targets.

Lesson 3 • Closed-Loop and Drainback Systems

Explains glycol closed-loop and drainback configurations, including expansion tanks and pump stations. Students select the appropriate system type for the climate and application.

Lesson 4 • Differential Controllers and Sensors

Covers sensor placement, differential temperature set-points, and controller wiring for solar systems. Correct controller setup ensures efficient pump operation and overheating protection.

Lesson 1 • Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

Covers T&P valve ratings, discharge pipe requirements, and testing procedures. Students verify that every installation includes a properly rated and routed relief valve.

Lesson 2 • Expansion Tank Sizing and Installation

Applies acceptance volume formulas and pre-charge pressure settings to select and install diaphragm tanks. Correct installation prevents repeated relief valve discharge.

Lesson 3 • Backflow Prevention Devices

Identifies check valves, dual-check assemblies, and reduced-pressure zone devices for potable water protection. Correct device selection depends on hazard level classification.

Lesson 4 • Thermostatic Mixing Valves and Scald Prevention

Explains storage temperature vs. delivery temperature strategy and TMV installation requirements. Students set and verify mixed outlet temperatures to prevent scalding.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Commissioning Inspection Checklist

Establishes a systematic visual and mechanical check before any water or energy is introduced. Catching defects at this stage prevents costly rework and safety incidents.

Lesson 2 • Pressure and Leak Testing

Covers hydrostatic and pneumatic test methods, test pressures, and hold times for water and gas circuits. Students identify and repair leaks before system energisation.

Lesson 3 • Handover, Documentation, and Client Briefing

Produces as-built records, warranty registration, and maintenance schedules, then briefs the client. Complete documentation protects the installer and informs future service work.

Lesson 4 • System Flushing and Fill Procedures

Guides sediment flushing, air purging, and controlled fill sequences for storage and circulating systems. Proper flushing protects components and ensures accurate temperature readings.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Fault Diagnosis

Applies a structured symptom-cause-remedy framework to hot water complaints. A consistent diagnostic method reduces callback rates and improves first-visit resolution.

Lesson 2 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Defines annual, biennial, and five-year maintenance tasks for gas, electric, and solar systems. Scheduled maintenance extends equipment life and maintains warranty validity.

Lesson 3 • Corrosion, Scale, and Water Quality Repairs

Addresses scale removal, anode replacement, and corrosion mitigation strategies. Students select treatment methods based on water analysis results from earlier chapters.

Lesson 4 • Electric System Fault Repair

Diagnoses and replaces failed elements, thermostats, and high-limit cut-outs in electric storage and tankless units. Safe isolation procedures precede every repair task.