Most people are familiar with plumbers who come to their home to unclog a drain or install an appliance. Plumbers install, maintain, and repair many different types of pipe systems. For example, some systems move water to a municipal water treatment plant and then to residential, commercial, and public buildings. Job opportunities for plumbers are always in demand and they will continue to grow in coming years. The average annual salary for a plumber starts at approximately $55,160.

Program’s Curriculum

Basic Safety (12.5 Hours)

Presents basic jobsite safety information to prepare workers for the construction environment. Describes the common causes of workplace incidents and accidents and how to avoid them. Introduces common PPE, including equipment required for work at height, and its proper use. Information related to safety in several specific environments, including welding areas and confined spaces, is also provided.

Introduction to Construction Math (10 Hours)

Reviews basic math skills related to the construction trades and demonstrates how they apply to the trades. Covers multiple systems of measurement, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry.

Introduction to Hand Tools (10 Hours)

Introduces common hand tools used in a variety of construction crafts. Identifies tools and how to safely use them. Proper hand tool maintenance is also presented.

Introduction to Power Tools (10 Hours)

Identifies and describes the operation of many power tools common in the construction environment. Provides instruction on proper use, as well as on safe-handling guidelines and basic maintenance.

Introduction to Construction Drawings (10 Hours)

Introduces the basic elements of construction drawings. The common components of drawings are presented, as well as the most common drawing types. The use of drawing scales and how to measure drawings is also covered.

Introduction to Basic Rigging (7.5 Elective Hours)

Provides basic information related to rigging and rigging hardware, such as slings, rigging hitches, and hoists. Emphasizes safe working habits in the vicinity of rigging operations.

Basic Communication Skills (7.5 Hours)

Provides good techniques for effective communication on the job. Includes examples that emphasize the importance of both written and verbal communication skills. Describes the importance of reading skills in the construction industry and covers proper techniques to use in a variety of different written communication formats.

Basic Employability Skills (7.5 Hours)

Describes the opportunities offered by the construction trades. Discusses critical thinking and essential problem-solving skills for the construction industry. Also identifies and discusses positive social skills and their value in the workplace.

Introduction to Material Handling (5 Hours)

Describes the hazards associated with handling materials and provides techniques to avoid both injury and property damage. Common material-handling equipment is also introduced.

Introduction to the Plumbing Profession (5 Hours)

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 (22.5 Hours)

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 (10 Hours)

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 (12.5 Hours)

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 (17.5 Hours)

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 (12.5 Hours)

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 (12.5 Hours)

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 (12.5 Hours)

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 (12.5 Hours)

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 (7.5 Hours)

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 (10 Hours)

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 (10 Hours)

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 (15 Hours)

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 (25 Hours)

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).

Structural Penetrations, Insulation, and Fire Stopping (15 Hours)

Introduces methods for adjusting structural members, insulating pipe, and installing firestopping. Covers reinforcement techniques for modified structural members; how to measure, cut, and install fiberglass and flexible foam insulation; and how to identify walls, floors, and ceilings that require fire-stopping.

Installing and Testing DWV Piping (30 Hours)

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.

Installing Roof, Floor, and Area Drains (5 Hours)

Covers the proper techniques for locating, installing, and connecting roof, floor, and area drains and floor sinks according to code. Also discusses waterproof membranes and flashing, drain components, shower pans, trap primers, and proper drain applications.

Installing and Testing Water Supply Piping (20 Hours)

Explores the proper techniques for locating, installing, and testing complete water service and distribution systems, including meters, water heaters, water softeners, and hose bibbs. Introduces trainees to basic backflow prevention 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.

Types of Valves (5 Hours)

Reviews types of valves, their components, and applications. Also covers valve servicing.

Installing Fixtures and Valves (20 Hours)

Covers the installation of basic plumbing fixtures, including bathtubs, shower stalls, lavatories, sinks, water closets, and urinals. Reviews the installation of associated valves, faucets, and components. Also discusses how to connect appliances such as dishwashers, food-waste disposers, refrigerators and ice makers, and washing machines. 

Installing Water Heaters (10 Hours)

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.

Basic Electricity (10 Hours)

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.

Fuel Gas and Fuel Oil Systems (20 Hours)

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