Lesson 1Venting, Combustion Air and Condensate Management: Atmospheric vs Power Venting, Direct-Vent vs B-Vent, Condensate Trap and Drain for Condensing UnitsExplains venting choices for gas water heaters, covering atmospheric and power vent setups, direct-vent and B-vent options, and proper condensate trapping, neutralising, and draining for high-efficiency condensing units.
Atmospheric versus power vent conceptsDirect-vent and B-vent configurationSizing and routing vent pipingProviding adequate combustion airCondensate trap and drain installationLesson 2Startup Steps: Filling and Air Purging, Leak Tests (Water and Gas), Thermostat Settings and Temperature Checks, TPR Valve Function Test, Combustion Analysis Basics for Gas UnitsDetails the complete startup process, including filling and air removal, water and gas leak tests, thermostat setup, temperature checks, TPR valve tests, and basic combustion analysis for gas-fired water heaters.
Filling system and purging trapped airWater and gas leak testing proceduresSetting thermostats and limit controlsVerifying outlet temperature and mixingTPR valve functional test procedureBasic combustion analysis for gas unitsLesson 3Valves and Safety Device Setup: Isolation Valves, Union/Flare Connections, TPR Valve Positioning and Discharge Piping, Expansion Tanks and Check ValvesCovers proper choice and placement of isolation valves, unions, TPR valves, expansion tanks, and check valves, focusing on positioning, support, discharge paths, and code-compliant safeguards against overpressure and backflow in hot water systems.
Locating cold and hot isolation valvesInstalling unions and flare connectionsTPR valve orientation and discharge routingExpansion tank sizing and placementCheck valve selection and backflow controlLesson 4Gas Connection Basics for Plumbers: Union, Shutoff Valve Placement, Leak Testing Methods (Soapy Solution, Gas Detector), and Coordination with Gas Supplier/Licensed InstallersIntroduces plumbers to safe gas connection methods, including unions, shutoff valve spots, approved leak tests, records, and teamwork with gas suppliers or licensed fitters as per regulations.
Locating appliance shutoff valvesInstalling unions for service accessSoapy solution leak testing methodUsing electronic gas leak detectorsCoordinating with gas supplier or fitterLesson 5Electrical Interface and Coordination: Disconnects, Dedicated Circuit Requirements, Verifying Electrician Work, and Confirming Bonding/GroundingCovers electrical needs for water heaters, including disconnects, dedicated circuits, checking electrician tasks, verifying bonding and grounding, and ensuring controls and safety devices get proper power.
Identifying required circuit capacityLocating and labeling disconnectsVerifying electrician rough-in workChecking bonding and grounding pathsConfirming control and sensor powerLesson 6Pre-Installation Prep: Permits, Site Reviews, Service Isolation Order, and Tools/Materials ChecklistOutlines pre-install tasks like verifying permits, checking site conditions, confirming clearances, planning isolation, and compiling a full tools and materials list to prevent delays and safety risks.
Confirming permits and documentationAssessing site access and clearancesVerifying water, gas and power availabilityPlanning safe service isolation sequenceTools and materials checklist preparationLesson 7Cold/Hot Plumbing Tasks: Pipe Material Options (Copper, PEX, CSST Notes), Basic Sizing Charts, Branching to Two Bathrooms, Kitchen, Laundry, and Recirculation ChoicesExamines hot and cold plumbing design for water heaters, covering pipe material options, basic sizing charts, routing to bathrooms, kitchen and laundry, and recirculation loop options for faster hot water delivery.
Selecting copper, PEX or other materialsUsing basic pipe sizing tables safelyBranching to bathrooms and kitchen loadsSupplying laundry and auxiliary fixturesDesigning simple recirculation loopsLesson 8Documentation and Handover: Labelling, As-Built Notes, Safety Stickers, and Owner Operation GuideExplains preparing clear, compliant records at finish, including precise as-built notes, lasting labels, safety/warning stickers, and a useful owner guide for operation and maintenance to ensure safe long-term use.
Creating clear as-built system schematicsLabeling valves, circuits and isolation pointsApplying safety, warning and hazard stickersPreparing owner operation and maintenance sheetRecording serial numbers and warranty dataLesson 9Safe Removal of an Old Gas Storage Heater: Depressurising Gas, Draining Tank, Disconnecting Utilities, Handling and Disposal of Corroded EquipmentDescribes safe steps for decommissioning and removing an old gas storage heater, including gas depressurising, tank draining, utility disconnections, corrosion handling, and compliant transport and disposal.
Shutting down and isolating the heaterDepressurizing and capping gas linesDraining and flushing the storage tankDisconnecting water and electrical feedsHandling corroded or damaged componentsTransport and disposal requirements
