Plumbing Technology

Introduction and brief history of plumbing and a review of the trades, current technologies, industries and associations that make up the modern plumbing profession. Introduces students to the hazards that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Provides instruction regarding the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and lists techniques designed to reduce safety risks and workplace injuries.

Covers confines space safety topics and reviews safety hazards related to hand and power tools. Describes hand and power tools used by plumbers to measure, lay out, level, cut, drill and join different pipes. Along with teaching students how to select the proper tools for the task and the hazards associated with power tools. Students are also instructed in the proper care of different types of hand and power tools.

Introduces students to the types of plumbing drawings they will encounter and teaches them how to interpret and apply the information when laying out and installing plumbing systems. Reviews symbols used in plumbing and mechanical drawings and provides examples if isometric, oblique, orthographic and schematic drawings Requires students to interpret plumbing drawings and to understand the relationship between code requirements and plumbing drawings. Introduces students to the primary types of plumbing fixtures, the materials from which they are made and how they function in the typical applications. Also reviews the functionality of specific bathroom and kitchen fixtures, including faucets, shower and bath fixtures and exterior utility faucets.

Introduces students 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 after it is installed. Introduction to the various types of copper tube and fittings used in plumbing systems. Explains sizing, labeling and applications related to copper tube and fittings. Reviews valves used with copper tube systems and describe methods for cutting, joining and installing copper tube and fittings. Insulation, pressure testing, seismic codes and handling and storage requirements are also addressed. Describes how hub-and-spigot and no-hub cast iron pipe and fittings are used in DWV systems.

Explains how the DWV system removes liquid and solid waste safely and effectively. Identifies DWV components including pipe, drains, traps and vents. Also describes how plumbers connect these components to public and private sewer systems.

Teaches students how to recognize the type of math necessary for each job and illustrates methods for measuring pipe length using a variety of tables and illustrations. 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. Review of math concepts, including weights and measures, area and volume, temperature, pressure and force.

Explains how to locate, install, connect and test a complete drain, waste and vent (DWV) system. Discusses how to develop material takeoffs, set up and use levels, locate building sewers and building drains, locate fixtures and test a DWV system. Explores the proper techniques for locating, installing and testing the complete water service and distribution system, including meters, water heaters, water softeners and hose bibbs. Introduces basic backflow and water hammer prevention and discusses the installation of shower and tub valves, ice maker and washing machine boxes and pipe stub outs and supports.

Covers the installation of basic plumbing fixtures, including bathtubs, showers units, lavatories, sinks, water closets and urinals. Reviews the installation of associated valves, faucets and components. Explains how to connect appliances such as dishwashers, food-waste disposer, refrigerators, ice makers and washing machines. Discusses gas fired, electric, tankless, heat pump and indirect water heaters, components and applications. Reviews proper installation and testing techniques and covers the latest code requirements for water heaters.

Introduces techniques for safe handling of natural gas, liquified petroleum gas and fuel oil. Reviews fuel gas and fuel oil safety precautions and potentials hazards, applications, systems installation and testing.

Teaches techniques for sizing water supply systems including circulating system requirements and demand, developed lengths and pressure drops. Reviews the factors that can reduce efficiency of water supply piping. Introduces different backflow prevention devices and explains how they work, where they are used and how they are installed in the water supply system.

Explains how to disinfect, filter and soften water supply systems. Discusses how to troubleshoot water supply problems, flush out visible contaminants from a plumbing system and disinfect a potable water plumbing system. Review types of valves, their components and applications and servicing. Builds on students’ experience with pumps, storage tanks, controls and pipes and fittings by teaching how to assemble those components into systems that boost water pressure and provide hot water.

Reviews different types of vents that can be used in a DWV system and explains how they work including design and installation techniques.

Explains how to calculate drainage fixture units for waste systems. Reviews how to size drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems; storm drainage systems; and roof drainage systems. Covers the proper techniques for locating, installing and connecting roof, floor, area drains and floor sinks according to code. Discusses waterproof membranes and flashing, drain components, shower pans, trap primers and proper drain applications.

This course covers codes used by plumbers across the country and explains how those codes are written, adopted, implemented and applied.

Covers the troubleshooting and repair of fixtures, valves and faucets. Explains how to diagnose and repair water supply and drainage piping, water heaters and other appliances and fixtures. Describes the effects of corrosion, freezing and hard water on plumbing systems. Introduces electrical safety and the principles of electricity including voltage, current, resistance and power. Includes important electrical formulas, circuitry and common plumbing-related electrical applications.

Discusses the installation, diagnosis and repair of pumps, controls and sumps in sewage and storm water removal systems. Discusses the different code requirements and installation procedures for systems that protect against contamination from indirect and special waste.

Describes the operation of pumps and well components. Reviews the qualities of good wells and how to assemble and disassemble pumps and components. Describes the types of private waste disposal systems, discusses the maintenance and installation of these systems and explains how to determine the local code requirements for these systems. Covers percolation tests and sewage system planning and layout.