Plumbing

Reading blueprints or drawings, plumbers estimate materials, and install or repair water supply lines, drainage systems, and gas systems. Plumber’s measure, cut, and install plastic, copper, steel, and cast iron pipe. Depending on the type of pipe, the connection is made with silver solder and a torch; by simply screwing pipe together with a plumbing fitting; or, just applying glue to the fitting over a pipe. In the rough-in phase, plumbers cut holes in walls, ceilings, and floors to attach or hang pipes for connection to fixtures. In the trim-out phase, they install plumbing fixtures—bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets—and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters. Plumbers use numerous hand tools like a tubing cutter, a torpedo level, and various wrenches to name a few. Today’s plumbers operate power threading machines, air-acetylene torches, power drills, and saber-saws.

Plumbers must use their athletic capabilities. Eye and hand coordination, manual dexterity, and physical balance are important for climbing ladders or operating power tools. Thanks to safety training programs, employers have greatly reduced accidents on the job. Plumbers work outdoors and indoors— working closely with other trades.

Plumbing Course Curricula


Level One: Basic Safety, Basic Math, Introduction to Hand Tools, Introduction to Power Tools, Introduction to Blueprints, Basic Rigging, Introduction to the Plumbing Profession, Plumbing Safety, Plumbing Tools, Introduction to Plumbing Math, Introduction to Plumbing Drawings, Plastic Pipe and Fittings, Copper Pipe and Fittings, Cast-Iron Pipe and Fittings, Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings, Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, Fixtures and Faucets, Introduction to Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems, Introduction to Water Distribution Systems.

Level Two: Plumbing Math, Reading Commercial Drawings, Hangers, Supports, Structural Penetrations, and Fire Stopping, Installing and Testing DWV Piping, Installing Roof, Floor, and Area Drains, Types of valves, Installing and Testing Water Supply Piping, Installing Fixtures, Valves, and Faucets, Basic Electricity, Installing Water Heaters, Fuel Gas Systems, Servicing of Fixtures, Valves, and Faucets.

Level Three: Applied Math, Codes, Types of Venting, Indirect and Special Waste, Sewage Pumps and Sump Pumps, Sizing Water Supply Piping, Backflow Preventers, Water Pressure Boosters and Recirculating Systems, Servicing Piping Systems, Fixtures, and Appliances.

Level Four: Business Math for Plumbers, Sizing DWV and Storm Systems, Private Water Supply Systems, Private Waste Disposal Systems, Locating Buried Water and Sewer Lines, Hydronic and Solar Heating Systems, Water Supply Treatment, Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs, Compressed Air, Corrosive-ResistantWaste Piping, Plumbing for Mobile Homes and Mobile Home Parks.

For more information on ABC's Plumbing program please contact Stephanie Coleman at 502.400.2035.