Domestic Plumbing Maintenance Course

Lesson 1 • Drain, Waste, and Vent Overview

Explains how wastewater exits the home and how venting prevents siphoning. Students trace DWV paths to understand where blockages form and why.

Lesson 2 • Common Pipe Materials and Properties

Identifies PVC, ABS, copper, galvanised steel, and PEX by appearance and use. Material knowledge guides tool selection and chemical compatibility decisions.

Lesson 3 • Water Supply System Basics

Covers cold and hot water distribution from the main shutoff to fixtures. Establishes the pressure and flow concepts that underpin every cleaning and maintenance task.

Lesson 1 • Hand Tools for Pipe Cleaning

Introduces plungers, hand augers, pipe wrenches, and basin wrenches used in residential maintenance. Proper grip, stance, and force application prevent tool damage and injury.

Lesson 2 • Personal Protective Equipment Selection

Covers gloves, eye protection, respirators, and waterproof clothing appropriate to each task. Correct PPE selection is matched to specific hazard levels encountered in residential work.

Lesson 3 • Tool Maintenance and Storage

Explains cleaning, inspection, and proper storage of all plumbing tools after each job. Well-maintained tools perform reliably and reduce cross-contamination between job sites.

Lesson 4 • Hazard Recognition in Plumbing Work

Identifies biological, chemical, and physical hazards present in drain and pipe work. Recognising hazards before starting a task is the first line of injury prevention.

Lesson 1 • Camera Inspection Fundamentals

Introduces push-rod inspection cameras for locating blockages and assessing pipe condition. Students practise inserting, navigating, and interpreting live footage in drain lines.

Lesson 2 • Symptom-Based Diagnostic Approach

Teaches reading slow drains, gurgling sounds, odours, and backups as diagnostic clues. Each symptom pattern points to a specific location or type of blockage.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Blockage Formation

Explains how grease, hair, soap scum, mineral scale, and debris accumulate over time. Understanding formation mechanisms helps technicians predict blockage location and severity.

Lesson 4 • Physical Inspection Techniques

Covers visual inspection, probing with a hand auger, and water flow testing to confirm blockage location. Physical methods establish baseline findings before deploying advanced tools.

Lesson 1 • Post-Cleaning Verification and Flush

Establishes a flush and flow test protocol after every mechanical cleaning job. Verification confirms complete clearance and identifies any secondary blockages downstream.

Lesson 2 • Plunging Techniques for All Fixtures

Covers correct plunger selection and technique for sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Proper seal creation and stroke rhythm maximise pressure without damaging fixtures.

Lesson 3 • Hand Auger Operation and Control

Teaches feeding, rotating, and retrieving a hand auger through fixture traps and branch lines. Controlled cable management prevents cable kinking and pipe scratching.

Lesson 4 • Clearing Toilet and Main Line Blockages

Addresses the specific challenges of toilet augers and main line snake work through cleanouts. Correct entry angles and cable lengths are critical for reaching deep blockages.

Lesson 1 • Safe Jetting Procedures

Establishes entry protocols, operator positioning, and emergency shutdown steps for jetting work. Pressure-related injuries are prevented through strict procedural discipline.

Lesson 2 • Nozzle Types and Selection

Identifies forward-jet, rotating, and root-cutting nozzles and their specific uses. Nozzle choice directly determines cleaning effectiveness and risk of pipe damage.

Lesson 3 • Equipment Setup and Pressure Settings

Covers hose assembly, machine startup, pressure adjustment, and water source connection. Correct pressure settings protect pipe integrity whilst delivering effective cleaning.

Lesson 4 • Hydro-Jetting Principles and Applications

Explains how pressurised water scours pipe walls and flushes debris to the sewer. Students identify job types where jetting outperforms mechanical methods.

Lesson 1 • Safe Chemical Handling and Application

Covers dilution, dosing, dwell time, and flushing procedures for each chemical category. Strict handling protocols prevent burns, fumes, and accidental mixing incidents.

Lesson 2 • Enzymatic Maintenance Treatments

Establishes recurring enzymatic dosing schedules to prevent organic buildup between service visits. Preventive chemical maintenance extends intervals between mechanical cleaning jobs.

Lesson 3 • Chemical Compatibility with Pipe Materials

Maps each chemical type to compatible and incompatible pipe materials to prevent corrosion or failure. Students consult compatibility charts before applying any chemical product.

Lesson 4 • Types of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Distinguishes caustic, acidic, enzymatic, and oxidising drain cleaners by chemistry and target material. Classification guides safe selection and prevents dangerous chemical mixing.

Lesson 1 • Writing Condition Assessment Reports

Structures findings into clear written reports with photos, pipe maps, and recommended actions. Professional reports build client trust and create a documented maintenance record.

Lesson 2 • Assessing Corrosion and Wear

Evaluates internal corrosion, pitting, and wall thinning in metal pipes using visual and tactile methods. Severity grading determines whether cleaning, lining, or replacement is warranted.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Camera Inspection Techniques

Builds on basic camera skills to assess corrosion, cracks, root intrusion, and joint separation. Systematic inspection protocols ensure no defect is missed during a full-line survey.

Lesson 4 • Root Intrusion Evaluation

Identifies root entry points, growth stage, and pipe damage caused by tree and shrub roots. Evaluation results determine whether mechanical removal, chemical treatment, or pipe repair is needed.

Lesson 1 • Routine Drain Maintenance Tasks

Covers strainer cleaning, trap flushing, enzymatic dosing, and minor fixture adjustments performed on maintenance visits. Consistent routine tasks prevent the accumulation that leads to full blockages.

Lesson 2 • Educating Clients on Best Practices

Teaches clients what not to flush, how to use drain screens, and when to call for service. Informed clients reduce self-inflicted blockages and become loyal repeat customers.

Lesson 3 • Water Heater and Supply Line Maintenance

Addresses sediment flushing, anode rod inspection, and supply line condition checks as part of a full maintenance visit. Integrating supply-side tasks adds value and catches problems early.

Lesson 4 • Developing a Maintenance Schedule

Creates customised cleaning and inspection schedules based on household size, pipe age, and usage patterns. Scheduled maintenance reduces emergency calls and increases predictable revenue.