Plumbing Course for Beginners

Lesson 1 • Essential Plumbing Tools and Their Uses

Identifies hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic instruments used daily on the job. Builds tool literacy required for every hands-on chapter ahead.

Lesson 2 • Plumbing Codes and Safety Standards

Explains the purpose of building codes, permit requirements, and inspection processes. Establishes compliance mindset before any installation work begins.

Lesson 3 • Reading Plumbing Blueprints and Diagrams

Teaches symbol interpretation, scale reading, and isometric diagram navigation. Enables students to translate drawings into physical installations throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Material Selection for Specific Applications

Applies material knowledge to hot water, cold water, drain, and gas line scenarios. Reinforces code compliance and safety considerations introduced in Chapter 1.

Lesson 2 • Common Pipe Materials and Properties

Compares copper, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and galvanized steel across key performance factors. Provides the material knowledge base for all installation chapters.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Sizing and Flow Calculations

Introduces diameter selection based on fixture units, flow rate, and pressure drop. Ensures students size pipes correctly before cutting or installing any material.

Lesson 1 • Threaded Pipe Connections and Sealing

Teaches pipe threading, thread tape application, and pipe dope use for threaded joints. Completes the joining skills set needed for gas and steel pipe work.

Lesson 2 • Soldering Copper Pipe Joints

Covers flux application, torch technique, solder flow, and joint inspection for copper. Soldering is the foundational joining skill for copper supply systems.

Lesson 3 • Solvent Welding PVC and CPVC Pipe

Explains primer application, cement selection, and cure times for plastic pipe joining. Builds on cutting skills to produce structurally sound plastic connections.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical and Compression Connections

Covers push-fit, compression, and crimp fittings used with PEX and copper tubing. Provides tool-free and tool-assisted joining options for varied field conditions.

Lesson 1 • Water Heater Installation and Connection

Covers tank and tankless water heater connections, expansion tanks, and relief valves. Integrates supply system knowledge with appliance-level installation requirements.

Lesson 2 • Rough-In Supply Lines to Fixtures

Guides students through running hot and cold branches to sinks, toilets, and showers. Applies all joining techniques from Chapter 3 in a realistic installation sequence.

Lesson 3 • Planning and Laying Out Supply Lines

Covers route planning, stud drilling, pipe support spacing, and code-required clearances. Proper layout prevents costly rework during rough-in and finish stages.

Lesson 4 • Main Shutoff and Meter Connection

Explains main shutoff valve types, meter bypass procedures, and service entry requirements. Establishes the starting point of every residential supply system.

Lesson 1 • DWV System Testing and Inspection

Covers water and air ball test methods, smoke testing, and common inspection failures. Validates the entire DWV system before concealment and final inspection.

Lesson 2 • Vent Stack and Branch Vent Installation

Guides installation of main vent stacks, branch vents, and roof penetration flashing. Proper venting maintains trap seals and allows drain lines to flow freely.

Lesson 3 • Installing Drain Lines with Correct Slope

Covers slope measurement, pipe hanger placement, and hub-and-spigot vs. no-hub connections. Correct slope prevents clogs and is the most inspected element of DWV work.

Lesson 4 • DWV System Design Principles

Explains gravity flow, slope requirements, and vent-to-drain relationships in DWV design. Provides the conceptual framework for all drain and vent installation work.

Lesson 1 • Shower and Tub Valve Installation

Covers pressure-balancing valve rough-in, trim kit installation, and showerhead connection. Pressure-balancing valves are code-required in most jurisdictions for scald prevention.

Lesson 2 • Toilet Installation from Flange to Flush

Covers flange height, wax ring selection, bolt alignment, and tank-to-bowl connection. Toilet installation integrates supply, drain, and fixture skills into one complete task.

Lesson 3 • Sink and Faucet Installation

Teaches undermount and drop-in sink mounting, faucet assembly, and supply line connection. Builds on stub-out work from Chapter 4 to complete the fixture installation cycle.

Lesson 4 • Final Inspection and Punch-List Completion

Guides students through self-inspection checklists, leak testing at fixtures, and correcting deficiencies. Prepares students for the final plumbing inspection and project handover.

Lesson 1 • Repairing and Replacing Faucets and Valves

Explains cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc faucet repair and full valve replacement procedures. Builds on fixture knowledge from Chapter 6 to address wear-related failures.

Lesson 2 • Clearing Drain Clogs and Blockages

Covers plunger technique, hand auger use, and drain machine operation for various clog types. Drain clearing is the most frequent service call a plumber will encounter.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Leaks and Water Damage

Teaches visual inspection, moisture meter use, and pressure drop analysis to locate leaks. Systematic diagnosis prevents unnecessary demolition and speeds repair time.

Lesson 4 • Fixing Pipe Leaks and Burst Pipes

Covers temporary repair clamps, pipe section replacement, and freeze damage restoration. Prepares students to respond quickly to emergency leak situations in occupied buildings.

Lesson 1 • Gas System Leak Testing and Inspection

Teaches manometer pressure testing, soap bubble inspection, and electronic detector use. No gas system may be placed in service without a successful leak-free pressure test.

Lesson 2 • Gas Line Sizing and Pressure Requirements

Explains BTU demand calculation, pipe sizing tables, and regulator pressure settings for gas systems. Correct sizing ensures appliances receive adequate fuel for safe operation.

Lesson 3 • Basic Water Treatment System Installation

Covers sediment filters, water softeners, and under-sink reverse osmosis unit installation. Water quality systems are increasingly common service items for residential plumbers.

Lesson 4 • Gas Piping Materials and Safety Rules

Covers approved gas pipe materials, prohibited materials, and mandatory safety practices. Gas work carries life-safety consequences, making strict code adherence non-negotiable.