COURSE OVERVIEW:
Plumbing is the skilled trade concerned with the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems used for the distribution of potable water, the removal of wastewater, and the provision of heating and sanitation in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These systems rely on a combination of pipes, fittings, valves, fixtures, and appliances that work together to safely deliver water and remove waste in accordance with established standards and codes.
This course provides a foundational introduction to the principles and practices of plumbing, preparing students for entry-level work in the plumbing industry and for informed participation in environments that depend on modern plumbing systems. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical activities, students will develop an understanding of plumbing tools, materials, symbols, and system components. Emphasis is placed on safety, correct identification of components, accurate measurement, and proper installation techniques.
Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences that involve working with common plumbing materials such as PVC, CPVC, PEX, and copper, as well as installing basic fixtures, faucets, and water supply and drainage systems. The course also introduces students to water heating systems and simple septic systems, enabling them to understand how these systems operate and how their components interact.
Among the topics included in this course are: plumbing safety practices, identification and use of plumbing tools, measurement techniques, plumbing symbols and abbreviations used in architectural drawings, pipe and fitting identification, valves and meters, water heating systems, fixture installation procedures, drainage and venting systems (DWV), and the basic operation of a septic system.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
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Demonstrate general safety practices related to plumbing, including the use of proper procedures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
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Recognize and correctly name common tools used in the plumbing trade and describe their functions.
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Accurately use a measuring tape to take measurements required for plumbing installations.
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Identify plumbing symbols and abbreviations commonly used in architectural and plumbing drawings.
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Identify various types of plumbing fixtures and describe their applications.
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Recognize and properly name different types of pipes and fittings used in plumbing systems.
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Identify and describe the function of common valves and meters used in water supply systems.
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Describe how the controls and heating elements of water heating systems operate.
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Explain and apply techniques for working with pipes and fittings made from PVC, CPVC, PEX, and copper.
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Describe proper installation procedures for fixtures, faucets, water supply lines, and DWV connections for different fixtures and appliances.
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Explain the basic operation of a simple septic system and identify its main components.
