Curriculum

Online Plumbing Course Curriculum

Penn Foster's online Plumbing Training Program consists of nine courses to help you gain the knowledge and skills relevant to becoming a plumber. Plumbing classes will cover how to read blueprints and select and install piping and plumbing fixtures, as well as the basic codes, regulations, and standards that plumbers encounter.

Plumber

Career Diploma

6 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-275-4410 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

Online Plumbing Course Curriculum

30.1 continuing education units (CEUs)
8 courses
19 quizzes
1 graded project

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 6 months
Average time = 9 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. Starting Your Program is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you, get help when you need it, understand the Code of Conduct, and improve your study skills and time management. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learn
This course introduces you to the various domains of the construction industry: carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, drywall work, general maintenance, and so on. You’ll learn about the differences between construction and building trades and residential and commercial construction. The duties and tasks of the construction and building trades professional are also explained in this course. Finally, you’ll learn about the proper safety measures required in various areas of the construction industry. Securing a safe environment is crucial to ensuring individual workers’ safety.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the structure of work, safety measures, and fundamentals of the construction industry and building trades
Plumbers and pipe fitters work on piping systems that people rely on every day for sanitation and comfort. Piping systems provide buildings with fresh water and remove wastewater from these structures. Other systems carry gas or steam to power equipment or supply energy. You’ll identify the different features and purposes of these systems. For any system, all piping workers must follow state and local codes when installing or servicing any system. You’ll examine the types of construction drawings that each trades worker needs to read and interpret correctly. Because safety is essential in the piping trades, you’ll study the best work practices for using common construction tools and specialized piping tools.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the piping trades’ responsibilities and guiding procedures
- Categorize the types of plumbing and pipe-fitting tools and the safety practices for each
This course covers the basic fundamental principles you’ll need to build a solid foundation as a plumber. This course starts with an introduction to safety, common plumbing tools and leveling instruments, and basic mathematics involved on the job. You’ll learn about certain aspects of pluming work that come along with maintaining and installing different plumbing systems, including topics like hydraulics and pneumatics; how to rig and hoist using ropes and knots; and the procedures and equipment used in solder, brazing, welding, and excavating. Water supply and treatment, fixtures, and different piping materials and plumbing are also core components of the knowledge you’ll need to be a professional plumber.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the structure of the plumbing process, the safety measures involved, and the associated tools
- Categorize the various domains, codes, and responsibilities linked with plumbing
- Distinguish between the water supply fixtures and their materials that reduce water contamination
- Differentiate between then types of fittings, valves and heaters, and their installation methods
In this course, you’ll look at all the phases of plumbing systems that plumbers work with, from design and installation to repairs and remodeling. As a plumber, any jobs you take will revolve around pipes and fixtures. Your work will start with the planning and design of pipes and plumbing systems. Proper design that’s up to code and well-planned ensures the installation process can run smoothly. As a plumber, you’ll work with people across different trades areas in the design process, but once it’s time for pipe installation, it’s your responsibility to make sure all the appropriate measurements are taken, all the right materials are used, and that everything is done to code. This includes common DWV and water supply systems, but also special systems like pools, spas, or irrigation systems. Another big part of the job is making repairs and assisting in remodeling work.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the phases and procedures involved in the design and installation of plumbing systems
- Summarize the installation procedures related to water supply system, DWV piping, fixtures, faucets, and appliances
- Explain the role of the plumber in the installation and maintenance of special plumbing installations
- Analyze common plumbing system issues to correctly diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair problems during service and remodeling jobs
As a plumber, you’ll install pipes in settings that will require you to make precise calculations before cutting and installing the pipes. You’ll use math to measure, cut, and place pipes appropriately. On the job, you’ll apply math with basic fractions, as well as math with trigonometric principles. Although some topics are challenging, you can prepare for success as a plumber by mastering these skills that you’ll apply every day.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Develop math skills for work in the piping trades
- Produce calculations to cut and install pipe accurately
Finish plumbing refers to the connections made between pipes and fixtures or appliances. Typically plumbing projects involved with finish plumbing includes isolating the plumbing behind walls or under floors. In this case, access panels are created to make the shut off valves accessible for future maintenance and repairs. Plumbing projects range from common repairs such as a leaky faucet to more complex repairs such as a water heaters and installations including fixtures and drains. You’ll notice projects also vary depending on if the project is a renovation or new installation.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Distinguish between various types of plumbing tools, materials, and their use
- Explain the installing and design process of plumbing lines, fixtures, and faucets
- Explain the installing and design process for other fixtures, faucets, and drains
- Analyze various types of plumbing repairs related to home plumbing
- Organize the steps for installing a double bowl, self-rimming kitchen sink with a pullout faucet and the sink drain
As a plumber, you’ll need to know the fundamentals of reading piping prints. It’s important to know that prints serve a purpose and are necessary for the layout of plumbing systems. There are different processes for creating prints. You’ll need to know the different types of drawings, symbols, abbreviations, and dimensions that are used in laying out a good plumbing system. Also, as a plumber, you’ll need to know the different types of valves, pipe materials, and their manufacturing methods.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Interpret the components of piping prints needed for various plumbing designs

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.