Lesson 1System mapping and identifying common piping materials (copper, PEX, PVC) and fixture typesThis part teaches mapping plumbing setups and spotting usual pipes and fittings. We stress knowing copper, PEX, PVC, following lines, and noting fixture types for spot-on checks.
Reading existing drawings and as-builtsTracing supply and drain piping routesIdentifying copper, PEX, PVC, and othersCataloging fixture and trim typesCreating and updating field system mapsLesson 2Diagnosing and repairing a visible leak at a copper joint (solder vs. compression vs. flare fittings, pressure testing)This teaches finding and fixing seen leaks at copper joins. You learn soldered, compression, flare types, causes of fails, repair picks, and pressure tests to check it's good.
Identifying joint type and access limitsCommon causes of copper joint failureResoldering and reflowing existing jointsCompression and flare repair optionsPressure testing repaired copper linesLesson 3Step-by-step drain cleaning and deodorizing (trap removal, augering, vent inspection, flushing and deodorizing)This gives a clear way to clean and freshen drains. You try trap removal, augering, vent looks, flushing, and smell control without harming fittings and keeping work clean.
Safety, PPE, and work area preparationRemoving and inspecting sink and tub trapsUsing hand augers and small drum machinesVerifying vent function and airflowFlushing, sanitizing, and deodorizing drainsLesson 4Step-by-step copper joint repair options (compression coupling install, soldering technique, brazing precautions, pressure test)This shows step-by-step copper joint fixes. You practice fitting compression couplings, good soldering, brazing care, and pressure tests for lasting repairs.
Surface cleaning and pipe end preparationInstalling and tightening compression jointsSoldering technique and heat controlBrazing precautions near combustiblesPressure testing and leak verificationLesson 5Tools and materials for copper joint repair (propane torch, solder, flux, replacement fittings, compression coupling, pipe cutter)This explains picking, checking, safe use of tools and bits for copper joins. You compare soldered and push-fit, prep areas, avoid harm to pipes and nearby surfaces.
Selecting propane torch and fuel typesLead-free solder and compatible flux useChoosing fittings and compression couplingsPipe cutters, reamers, and deburring toolsHeat shields, fire safety, and work prepLesson 6Diagnosing a dripping bathroom sink faucet (observational checks, cartridge vs. washer vs. valve stem issues)This teaches steady checks for dripping bath sink taps. You spot cartridge, washer, stem types, fail spots, and decide fix or full swap.
Initial visual and functional observationsIdentifying faucet type and componentsCartridge wear, scoring, and seal failureWasher, seat, and valve stem defectsWhen to repair, rebuild, or replace faucetLesson 7Tools and materials for drain clearing (plunger, hand auger, sink trap removal tools, enzyme/biological cleaners)This reviews key tools and bits for home drain clearing. You compare plungers, hand augers, trap tools, and when to use enzyme cleaners over pushing methods.
Types of plungers and proper selectionHand augers and cable handling basicsTrap removal tools and safe useEnzyme and biological cleaner selectionTool care, cleaning, and storageLesson 8Step-by-step faucet cartridge or washer replacement procedure (shutoff, disassembly, replace, reassemble)This gives full steps for tap cartridge and washer swaps. You practice safe shutoff, taking apart, spotting parts, putting back, testing without scratching finishes.
Isolating water and relieving pressureProtecting finishes and access setupDisassembling handles and trim safelyMatching and installing new partsReassembly, testing, and fine adjustmentsLesson 9Diagnosing slow and smelly kitchen drains (mechanical blockage, trap/vent issues, biofilm buildup)This focuses on slow, bad-smelling kitchen drains. You tell blockages, trap/vent probs, slime build-up, pick right clearing and cleaning to get flow back and smells gone.
Interviewing occupants about drain historyChecking traps, baffles, and disposer outletsTesting venting and air admittance valvesLocating grease and food-related blockagesBiofilm removal and odor control methodsLesson 10Tools and materials for faucet repair (cartridge removal tools, adjustable wrenches, plumber's grease, replacement cartridges/washers)This covers special tools and bits for tap fixes. You use cartridge pullers, spanners, plumber grease right, pick matching parts, avoid finish damage.
Cartridge pullers and specialty toolsAdjustable wrenches and proper sizingUse of plumber’s grease on sealsSelecting cartridges, washers, and seatsProtecting finishes during tool useLesson 11Post-repair plumbing testing and documentation (pressure/visual checks, leak detection with dye, resident notification templates)This shows verifying plumbing fixes and noting results. You do pressure and eye checks, dye for leaks, record, tell residents clear with standard forms.
Static and dynamic pressure testing stepsVisual leak checks at joints and fixturesDye testing traps, bowls, and tanksRecording readings, photos, and notesResident notification and sign-off forms
