Lesson 1System mapping and identifying common piping materials (copper, PEX, PVC) and fixture typesThis teaches mapping plumbing setups and spotting common pipes and fittings. Focus on copper, PEX, PVC, tracing lines, and noting 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)This teaches finding and fixing leaks at copper joints. Spot soldered, compression, flare types, causes of failure, pick fixes, and test pressure to confirm.
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. Practice removing traps, snaking, checking vents, flushing, and smell control without harming fittings or keeping hygiene.
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. 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 selecting, checking, safe use of tools for copper joints. 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 step-by-step checking dripping basin taps. Spot cartridge, washer, stem types, failure spots, decide fix or replace fully.
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 for home drain clearing. Compare plungers, hand snakes, trap tools, and when to use enzyme cleaners over mechanical.
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 detailed steps for tap cartridge/washer swap. Practice safe shutoff, taking apart, parts ID, reassembly, 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, stinky kitchen sinks. Spot blockages, trap/vent problems, slime build-up, pick clearing and cleaning to restore flow and kill 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)This covers special tools for tap fixes. Use 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 covers checking plumbing fixes and recording. Do pressure/visual tests, dye for leaks, note findings, tell tenants clearly 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
