Plumbing Technology I

Course Duration: Full Year

Category: Career & Technical Education, Electives, High School

Assessment: Pre-Test, Lesson Practice, Unit Exams, Mid-Term Exam, Final Exam

Language: English

Course Overview

This CTE Plumbing course, taught by Brad Harding and filmed in 3-D, provides students with a basic foundation of knowledge and skill required for a career in the plumbing technology field. It is also useful for students desiring a career in general construction. It is the first in a two-part course of study preparing students for Plumbing Technology certification. Acellus Plumbing Technology I is A-G Approved through the University of California.

This course was developed by the International Academy of Science. Learn More

Scope and Sequence

Unit 1 - The Plumbing ProfessionalIn this unit, students are introduced to the work of a plumber. They begin with what a plumber is and what kind of work he does, and they explore what education a plumber needs.Unit 2 - Plumbing SafetyIn this unit students learn about safety in the work of a plumber. They discuss the consequences and repercussions of accidents, personal protective equipment, and safety hazards on the job site. They learn about ladder safety, scaffolding, fall protection, and electrical safety. They study hand and power tool safety, compressed gas and fire safety, the hazard communication standard, and acute and chronic symptoms.Unit 3 - Tools of the Plumbing TradeIn this unit students explore the tools that are used in the Plumbing trade. They learn about respirators, heat exposure and confined-spaces, hand tools in the plumbing profession, and leveling instruments. They further learn about power tools, the types of cutting tools, pipe cutters, drilling tools, and drill bits, as well as pipe threading equipment, what wrenches a plumber needs, and hammers, screwdrivers and pipe vises.Unit 4 - Plumbing MathIn this unit, students investigate the math concepts needed for plumbing trainees. They learn why fractions are necessary, what math is needed for construction print reading, what area and volume are, what a 45-degree piping offset is, and what a multiple piping offset is.Unit 5 - Plumbing DrawingsIn this unit students gain understanding of plumbing drawings. They learn why we need construction plans, how a plumbing drawing is interpreted, what a set of plans is, who approves the construction plans, symbols used in plumbing and mechanical drawings, and what other drawings are used in plumbing.Unit 6 - Plastic Pipe and FittingsIn this unit students focus on plastic pipe and fittings, learning the different types, where plastic pipes are used, how to measure, cut, join, and support PVC pipe, how to measure, cut, join, and support CPVC pipe, how to measure, cut, join, and support PEX tubing, how to following manufacturer’s instructions, and piping support.Unit 7 - Copper Pipe and FittingsIn this unit students study copper pipe and fittings. They learn sizing and labeling requirements, applications for copper pipe and fittings, cutting, joining, and installing copper pipe, soldering, brazing, insulation, pressure testing, and seismic codes, and methods for joining copper tubing.Unit 8 - Cast-Iron Pipe and FittingsIn this unit students learn about cast-iron pipe and fittings. They study hub-and-spigot and no-hub cast iron pipe, joining methods, installation, and testing.Unit 9 - Carbon Steel Pipe and FittingsIn this unit students focus on carbon steel pipe and fittings. They study sizing and labeling requirements of steel pipe, what threading and fittings are, pipe threading, pipe thread sealant, corrugated stainless steel tubing, and types of valves used in the plumbing industry.Unit 10 - Plumbing FixturesIn this unit students receive an in-depth understanding of plumbing fixtures through a series of six lessons. They also study fixture fittings.Unit 11 - Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) SystemsIn this unit, students study drain, waste, and vent systems. They learn about traps, trap arms, trap seal loss, vents, drains. and drainage fittings. They also learn about grade and septic tank systems.Unit 12 - Water Distribution SystemsIn this unit, students explore water distribution systems. They learn about water sources, locating a well, what shallow wells are, what submersible pumps are, what water treatment is, and how to size a water system. They also learn what a cross-connect is and begin to understand plumbing codes.