Plumbing Course

This Program Consists of all four sections below:

This program is designed for those with little or no experience in the plumbing industry with a goal to begin a career in the plumbing industry. The student will progressively complete each course within the program to acquire the entry level skills in each unit of the course. Students who complete all courses and make successful academic progress and maintain attendance will graduate and receive a Certificate of Completion and a wallet size card. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have the necessary skills to start a career in the plumbing industry.

All Trades Program

– Plumbing Level One

• Introduction to the Plumbing Profession

Introduces trainees to the many career options available in today’s plumbing profession. Provides a history of plumbing and also discusses the current technology, industries, and associations that make up the modern plumbing profession. Also reviews human relations and safety skills.

• Plumbing Safety

Discusses the causes of accidents and their consequences and repercussions in terms of delays, increased expenses, injury, and loss of life. Reviews the types and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Instructs trainees in the use of critical safety information conveyed in hazard communication (HazCom), safety signs, signals, lockout/tagout, and emergency response. Covers confined-space safety, and reviews safety issues related to hand and power tools.

• Tools of the Plumbing Trade

Instructs trainees in the care and use of the different types of hand and power tools they will use on the job. Gives trainees the information they need to select the appropriate tools for different tasks, and reviews tool maintenance and safety issues.

• Introduction to Plumbing Math

Reviews basic math concepts, such as whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and squares, and demonstrates how they apply to on-the-job situations. Teaches trainees how to measure pipe using fitting tables and framing squares and how to calculate 45-degree offsets.

• Introduction to Plumbing Drawings

Introduces trainees to the different types of plumbing drawings they will encounter on the job and discusses how to interpret and apply them when laying out and installing plumbing systems. Discusses the symbols used in plumbing and mechanical drawings and reviews isometric, oblique, orthographic, as well as schematic drawings. Requires trainees to render plumbing drawings and to recognize how code requirements apply to plumbing drawings.

• Plastic Pipe and fittings

Introduces trainees to the different types of plastic pipe and fittings used in plumbing applications, including ABS, PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, and PB. Describes how to measure, cut, join, and support plastic pipe according to manufacturer’s instructions and applicable codes. Also discusses pressure testing of plastic pipe once installed.

• Copper Pipe and Fittings

Discusses sizing, labeling, and applications of copper pipe and fittings and reviews the types of valves that can be used on copper pipe systems. Explains proper methods for cutting, joining, and installing copper pipe. Also addresses insulation, pressure testing, seismic codes, and handling and storage requirements.

• Cast-Iron Pipe and Fittings

Introduces trainees to hub-and-spigot and no-hub cast-iron pipe and fittings and their applications in DWV systems. Reviews material properties, storage and handling requirements, and fittings and valves. Covers joining methods, installation, and testing.

• Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings

Discusses threading, labeling, and sizing of steel pipe and reviews the differences between domestic and imported pipe. Covers the proper techniques for measuring, cutting, threading, joining, and hanging steel pipe. Also reviews corrugated stainless-steel tubing.

• Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures

Discusses the proper applications of code-approved fixtures in plumbing installations. Reviews the different types of fixtures and the materials used in them. Also covers storage, handling, and code requirements.

• Introduction to Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems

Explains how DWV systems remove waste safely and effectively. Discusses how system components, such as pipe, drains, traps, and vents work. Reviews drain and vent sizing, grade, and waste treatment. Also discusses how building sewers and sewer drains connect the DWV system to the public sewer system.

• Introduction to Water Distribution Systems

Identifies the major components of water distribution systems and describes their functions. Reviews water sources and treatment methods and covers supply and distribution for the different types of systems that trainees will install on the job.

• Plumbing Math Two

Explains the Pythagorean theorem and reviews methods for laying out square corners. Discusses the techniques used to calculate simple and rolling offsets, as well as offsets on parallel runs of pipe.

• Reading Commercial Drawings

Explains how to identify and interpret civil, architectural, structural, HVAC/mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings. Discusses how to ensure accurate dimensions, generate RFIs, and locate plumbing entry points, as well as how to establish piping routes and fixture locations. Isometric drawings, material takeoffs, approved submittal data, and Building Information Management (BIM).