Professional Plumbing Course

Lesson 1 • Plumbing Codes and Regulations

Introduces the purpose and structure of plumbing codes and inspection processes. Students learn to read code tables and understand permit requirements.

Lesson 2 • Blueprint and Isometric Drawing Basics

Teaches students to read residential and commercial plumbing drawings. Blueprint literacy is required for all installation chapters that follow.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to the Plumbing Trade

Covers the scope of plumbing work, career pathways, and licensing tiers. Grounds students in professional expectations before any technical instruction begins.

Lesson 4 • Hand Tools and Power Tools

Identifies and demonstrates correct use of plumbing-specific hand and power tools. Proper tool use reduces injury risk and improves work quality throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Materials Overview

Compares copper, galvanized steel, cast iron, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and ABS by properties and use. Material selection directly affects system longevity and code compliance.

Lesson 2 • Fittings, Valves, and Connectors

Identifies elbows, tees, couplings, unions, and valve types used in supply and drain systems. Correct fitting selection prevents leaks and ensures system integrity.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Sizing and Flow Principles

Applies hydraulic principles to determine correct pipe diameter for supply and drain lines. Undersized or oversized pipe causes pressure loss, noise, and code violations.

Lesson 1 • Hot Water Distribution and Recirculation

Designs hot water branch lines and installs recirculation loops for demand efficiency. Recirculation reduces wait time and water waste at fixtures.

Lesson 2 • Water Heater Installation and Types

Installs tank, tankless, and heat-pump water heaters with correct connections and safety devices. Water heater selection affects energy use and hot water delivery performance.

Lesson 3 • Pressure Testing Supply Systems

Performs hydrostatic and air pressure tests to verify supply system integrity before walls close. Testing procedures align with code-required inspection milestones.

Lesson 4 • Water Service Entry and Meter

Covers service line sizing, meter installation, and main shutoff valve placement. Proper service entry is the starting point for all interior supply work.

Lesson 1 • Fixture Rough-In for DWV

Sets drain and vent rough-in locations for toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers. Accurate rough-in dimensions ensure fixtures align with finished wall and floor surfaces.

Lesson 2 • Drain Line Sizing and Slope

Applies fixture unit loads to size horizontal drains and stacks correctly. Correct slope and sizing prevent blockages and self-scouring flow problems.

Lesson 3 • DWV Testing and Inspection

Conducts water and air tests on completed DWV systems and prepares for code inspection. Test results confirm system tightness before concealment in walls and floors.

Lesson 4 • DWV System Principles

Explains gravity drainage, trap seals, and the role of venting in preventing siphonage. These principles govern every design decision in the DWV chapters.

Lesson 1 • Cleanouts and Access Points

Installs cleanouts at required intervals, direction changes, and building entry points. Accessible cleanouts enable maintenance and reduce long-term repair costs.

Lesson 2 • Septic and Private Disposal Systems

Introduces septic tank sizing, distribution boxes, and drain field design for sites without sewer access. Private system design requires soil evaluation and regulatory approval.

Lesson 3 • Excavation and Pipe Bedding

Establishes trench depth, bedding material, and backfill procedures for underground pipe. Proper bedding prevents pipe deflection, joint failure, and ground settlement.

Lesson 4 • Building Sewer Design Principles

Applies flow velocity, pipe sizing, and slope rules to building sewer design. Correct design prevents solids settling, root intrusion, and sewer gas backflow.

Lesson 1 • Kitchen and Utility Fixtures

Connects kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and laundry fixtures to supply and drain. Each appliance connection has unique code requirements for air gaps and venting.

Lesson 2 • Toilet Installation and Adjustment

Installs floor-mounted and wall-hung toilets, sets wax rings, and adjusts flush mechanisms. Correct installation prevents leaks, rocking, and premature seal failure.

Lesson 3 • Sink and Faucet Installation

Mounts drop-in, undermount, and pedestal sinks and installs single and multi-handle faucets. Proper sealing and supply connections prevent cabinet damage from leaks.

Lesson 4 • Bathtub and Shower Systems

Installs alcove and freestanding tubs, shower pans, and valve trim for tub-shower combinations. Waterproofing and overflow connections are critical to prevent structural damage.

Lesson 1 • Gas System Fundamentals

Explains gas types, pressure ratings, combustion basics, and safety hazards. Understanding gas behaviour is essential before any installation or testing work begins.

Lesson 2 • Gas Appliance Connections

Connects furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and dryers to gas supply with correct connectors and shutoffs. Each appliance type has specific connector length and material requirements.

Lesson 3 • Gas Pipe Materials and Fittings

Identifies approved gas pipe materials including black steel, CSST, and copper and their fittings. Material selection must match gas type, pressure, and installation environment.

Lesson 4 • Gas System Sizing and Layout

Sizes gas supply lines using BTU demand and pipe length tables for multiple appliances. Undersized gas lines cause appliance malfunction and unsafe operating conditions.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methods

Applies a structured diagnostic process to identify root causes of plumbing failures. Systematic methods reduce callback rates and improve first-visit repair success.

Lesson 2 • Hydronic Heating System Basics

Introduces boiler connections, expansion tanks, and radiant floor loop installation. Hydronic systems share supply and drain principles but operate under unique pressure conditions.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Repair and Rehabilitation

Demonstrates repair techniques for burst pipes, corroded joints, and root-damaged sewer lines. Selecting the right repair method minimises disruption and restores full system function.

Lesson 4 • Commercial and Multi-Story Plumbing

Addresses pressure zones, booster pumps, and stack sizing for multi-storey and commercial buildings. Commercial systems require coordination with mechanical and structural trades.