Lesson 1System mapping and identifying common piping materials (copper, PEX, PVC) and fixture typesThis lesson teaches mapping plumbing systems and spotting common pipes and fittings like copper, PEX, PVC. Trace lines and note fixture types for proper fault-finding.
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)Learn to spot and fix leaks at copper joints. Tell apart soldered, compression, flare fittings, find why they failed, pick repair methods, and test with pressure.
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)Follow a clear process for cleaning and freshening drains. Practice removing traps, using augers, checking vents, flushing, and controlling smells without damaging fittings or hygiene slips.
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)Step through copper joint fixes. Practice fitting compression couplings, good soldering, brazing safety, and pressure tests for strong 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)Learn to choose, check, and safely handle tools for copper joints like torches, solder, flux, fittings, couplings, cutters. Compare soldered vs mechanical, prep areas, protect pipes and finishes.
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)Systematic check for dripping bathroom taps. Spot cartridge, washer, valve stem types, find faults, decide repair or replace.
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)Review key tools for clearing home drains like plungers, augers, trap tools, enzyme cleaners. Compare when to use each over mechanical ways.
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)Detailed steps for replacing tap cartridges or washers. Safe shutoff, take apart, identify parts, reassemble, test without finish damage.
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)Diagnose slow, bad-smelling kitchen drains. Spot blockages, trap/vent problems, slime buildup, then fix flow and smells.
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)Special tools for tap fixes like pullers, wrenches, grease, parts. Use right, pick matches, save finishes.
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)Verify fixes and record. Do pressure/visual tests, dye for leaks, note findings, tell tenants 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
