Plumbing Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to the Plumbing Trade

Covers the history, scope, and career pathways in plumbing. Establishes professional context before technical skills are introduced.

Lesson 2 • Tools and Equipment Overview

Identifies hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments used daily. Proper selection and care of tools underpins all practical work ahead.

Lesson 3 • Reading Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

Teaches interpretation of plumbing drawings, symbols, and code documents. Blueprint literacy is essential for planning and executing all subsequent installations.

Lesson 4 • Job Site Safety and Regulations

Covers personal protective equipment, hazard identification, and regulatory compliance basics. Safe practices are mandatory before any hands-on work begins.

Lesson 1 • Copper Pipe Joining Techniques

Teaches soldering, brazing, and press-fit methods for copper supply lines. Leak-free joints are the foundation of a reliable water supply system.

Lesson 2 • PEX and Plastic Supply Installation

Covers PEX expansion, crimp, and clamp methods alongside CPVC solvent welding. Plastic systems offer flexibility and corrosion resistance in modern construction.

Lesson 3 • Valves and Pressure Control Devices

Covers shut-off, pressure-reducing, and backflow prevention valves in supply systems. Proper valve placement protects system integrity and occupant safety.

Lesson 4 • Water Supply System Principles

Explains pressure, flow rate, and velocity fundamentals governing supply systems. These physics concepts drive every sizing and layout decision in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • DWV System Fundamentals

Explains gravity drainage, trap seals, and venting principles that prevent sewer gas entry. These concepts govern every DWV design decision in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • DWV Pipe Joining and Testing

Covers PVC solvent welding, cast iron hub joints, and pressure testing procedures. Verified leak-free joints are required before concealing any DWV work.

Lesson 3 • Venting Methods and Design

Teaches individual, wet, circuit, and air admittance valve venting strategies. Correct venting maintains trap seals and allows drainage to flow freely.

Lesson 4 • Trap Installation and Requirements

Covers P-trap, drum trap, and fixture trap installation with arm length limits. Proper trap placement is mandatory for every fixture connection.

Lesson 1 • Toilet and Urinal Installation

Covers wax ring seating, closet flange repair, and flush valve adjustment. Correct installation prevents leaks, rocking, and sewer gas infiltration.

Lesson 2 • Appliance and Specialty Fixture Connections

Addresses dishwasher, ice maker, water heater, and laundry connections. Each appliance has unique supply, drain, and safety requirements covered here.

Lesson 3 • Tub, Shower, and Bathing Unit Installation

Covers alcove tub setting, shower pan installation, and valve trim-out procedures. Waterproofing and proper support are critical for long-term performance.

Lesson 4 • Sink and Lavatory Installation

Teaches drop-in, undermount, and wall-hung sink mounting with supply and drain connections. Proper support and sealing prevent water damage to cabinetry.

Lesson 1 • Gas Water Heater Installation

Covers gas supply connection, venting, and combustion air requirements for gas heaters. Safe gas connections and proper venting prevent carbon monoxide hazards.

Lesson 2 • Water Heater Types and Selection

Compares storage tank, tankless, heat pump, and solar water heaters by efficiency and application. Correct selection matches demand load and energy source.

Lesson 3 • Sizing Water Heaters

Applies first-hour rating and flow rate calculations to match heater capacity to demand. Undersized units cause comfort complaints; oversized units waste energy.

Lesson 4 • Electric Water Heater Installation

Addresses electrical supply requirements, element replacement, and thermostat wiring. Coordination with electrical codes ensures safe and code-compliant installation.

Lesson 1 • Fixture and Appliance Functional Testing

Verifies flush performance, flow rates, and appliance operation after installation. Functional testing confirms the system meets design intent and user expectations.

Lesson 2 • Testing DWV Systems

Covers air, water, and smoke tests for drain, waste, and vent systems. Each method reveals different defect types in the DWV network.

Lesson 3 • Inspection Preparation and Documentation

Prepares permit documentation, as-built sketches, and inspection checklists for authority review. Organized documentation accelerates approval and protects the contractor.

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic Methods and Workflow

Introduces symptom-based diagnostic logic and systematic isolation techniques. A structured workflow reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Fixture and Faucet Repair

Addresses cartridge, ball, ceramic disc, and compression faucet repairs. Correct part identification and reassembly sequence prevent repeat failures.

Lesson 3 • Water Heater Troubleshooting

Diagnoses no-hot-water, insufficient heat, and leak conditions in tank and tankless units. Systematic checks of elements, thermostats, and valves guide efficient repair.

Lesson 4 • Supply System Repairs

Covers pipe leak repair, valve replacement, and pressure problem resolution. Each repair method is matched to pipe material and failure type.

Lesson 1 • Project Management for Plumbing Contractors

Covers material takeoff, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, and change order management. Business and project skills are essential for leading commercial plumbing work.

Lesson 2 • Grease Interceptors and Specialty Drains

Covers grease interceptor sizing, installation, and maintenance for food service facilities. Specialty floor drains and trench drains for industrial use are also addressed.

Lesson 3 • Commercial System Design Principles

Extends residential sizing methods to multi-story and high-demand commercial buildings. Pressure zones, booster pumps, and large-diameter mains are introduced here.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Room Layout and Coordination

Addresses equipment room layout, pipe routing coordination, and BIM model review. Trade coordination prevents conflicts and costly field rework on large projects.