Water and Sewer Distribution Network Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Hydraulic Principles for Installers

Covers pressure, flow velocity, and gravity-flow concepts essential for proper pipe sizing and installation. Connects fluid mechanics theory to field decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Reading Construction Drawings and Specifications

Teaches interpretation of civil utility drawings, plan-and-profile sheets, and written specifications. Directly supports accurate layout and installation in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • Overview of Distribution Network Types

Introduces potable water and sanitary sewer network categories and their functional differences. Establishes the conceptual framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Site Safety and Hazard Identification

Identifies excavation, confined-space, and traffic-control hazards common to utility installation sites. Establishes safety habits required before any fieldwork begins.

Lesson 1 • Material Storage and Handling

Establishes correct procedures for receiving, inspecting, and storing pipe and fittings on site. Prevents damage that leads to installation failures and project delays.

Lesson 2 • Sewer Pipe Materials

Covers PVC, HDPE, concrete, and vitrified clay pipe used in gravity and force-main sewers. Connects material selection to soil conditions and flow requirements.

Lesson 3 • Water Main Pipe Materials

Examines ductile iron, PVC, HDPE, and steel pipe used in potable water mains. Students evaluate pressure ratings, corrosion resistance, and jointing methods for each material.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Jointing Methods

Teaches push-on, mechanical joint, flanged, and fusion jointing techniques for various pipe materials. Proper joint selection prevents leaks and ensures long-term system integrity.

Lesson 1 • Soil Classification and Assessment

Covers OSHA-aligned soil type classifications and field testing methods used before excavation. Accurate soil assessment drives shoring and bedding decisions in later sections.

Lesson 2 • Trench Shoring and Protective Systems

Teaches sloping, shoring, and trench-box methods to prevent cave-in during pipe installation. Connects protective system selection to soil type and trench depth.

Lesson 3 • Excavation Equipment and Operations

Introduces excavator, backhoe, and trenching machine selection and operation for utility trenches. Students match equipment to trench depth, width, and soil conditions.

Lesson 4 • Trench Bottom Preparation and Bedding

Covers over-excavation correction, bedding material selection, and compaction to achieve proper pipe support. Correct bedding prevents pipe deflection and joint failure.

Lesson 1 • Thrust Restraint and Blocking

Covers concrete thrust blocking, restrained joint systems, and tie-rod assemblies at bends and tees. Proper restraint prevents joint separation under operating pressure.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Laying and Grade Control

Teaches laser level, string-line, and digital grade-control methods for maintaining design slope and alignment. Accurate grade control is critical for pressure-system performance.

Lesson 3 • Backfill and Compaction of Water Mains

Establishes lift thickness, compaction equipment selection, and density testing requirements for water main backfill. Proper compaction prevents surface settlement and pipe damage.

Lesson 4 • Service Connection Installation

Covers corporation stop tapping, service saddle installation, and meter-setter placement for residential and commercial services. Connects service installation to main-line pressure management.

Lesson 1 • Manhole Installation

Covers precast manhole base, riser section, and frame-and-cover installation including channel shaping. Properly installed manholes provide access and prevent inflow and infiltration.

Lesson 2 • Infiltration and Inflow Prevention

Covers joint sealing, manhole coating, and pipe-to-structure connections that minimize groundwater infiltration. Reducing infiltration protects treatment plant capacity and system performance.

Lesson 3 • Gravity Sewer Pipe Laying

Teaches laser-guided grade control, pipe bedding verification, and joint assembly for gravity sewer installation. Maintaining design slope ensures self-cleansing flow velocity.

Lesson 4 • Sewer Lateral and Cleanout Installation

Teaches building sewer lateral connection, wye installation, and cleanout placement per design requirements. Proper lateral installation prevents blockages and unauthorized infiltration.

Lesson 1 • Trenchless Method Quality and Safety

Covers annular space grouting, surface monitoring, and confined-space protocols specific to trenchless operations. Ensures structural integrity and worker safety during and after installation.

Lesson 2 • Horizontal Directional Drilling

Covers pilot bore steering, reaming, and pipe pullback procedures for HDD water and sewer crossings. Students interpret bore logs and manage drilling fluid to prevent surface heave.

Lesson 3 • Microtunneling and Pipe Jacking

Introduces microtunneling boring machines, jacking frame setup, and lubrication for long-distance pipe jacking. Suitable for large-diameter crossings requiring precise grade control.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Bursting for Sewer Replacement

Teaches static and pneumatic pipe-bursting methods for replacing deteriorated gravity sewers in place. Students assess host pipe condition and select appropriate bursting head size.

Lesson 1 • System Acceptance and Documentation

Covers punch-list resolution, as-built survey submission, and final inspection sign-off procedures. Complete documentation transfers system ownership to the utility authority.

Lesson 2 • Sewer Leakage and Deflection Testing

Covers low-pressure air testing, exfiltration testing, and mandrel deflection testing for gravity sewers. Each test verifies joint integrity and pipe roundness before backfill acceptance.

Lesson 3 • Water Main Disinfection

Teaches chlorination methods, contact time requirements, and flushing procedures for new water mains. Disinfection eliminates biological contamination before the main enters service.

Lesson 4 • Hydrostatic Pressure Testing

Teaches test setup, pressurization, and duration requirements for water main pressure acceptance tests. Students identify and repair leaks discovered during testing.

Lesson 1 • Project Scheduling for Utility Installation

Teaches critical-path scheduling, activity sequencing, and resource loading specific to utility installation projects. Accurate schedules prevent costly delays and coordinate subcontractor work.

Lesson 2 • Quality Control Plans and Inspection

Establishes quality control plan components, inspection hold points, and nonconformance reporting for utility projects. A structured QC plan reduces rework and supports regulatory acceptance.

Lesson 3 • Closeout and Lessons-Learned Process

Teaches project closeout documentation, warranty obligations, and structured lessons-learned reviews. Capturing lessons improves estimating and execution on future utility projects.

Lesson 4 • Subcontractor and Supplier Management

Covers subcontractor prequalification, scope definition, and performance monitoring on utility installation projects. Effective subcontractor management maintains schedule, quality, and safety standards.