PL - Plumbing Technician

Students will meet the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workplace safety. In addition, students will review the history, work performed, responsibilities, and safety principles associated with plumbing and pipefitting. Completion of the PTI 101 Workshop is encouraged

This course introduces students to fittings (plastic, copper, cast iron, and steel) in addition to water distribution systems. Students are taught how to identify and select proper hand tools, materials, load ratings, and equipment used in basic rigging to move materials and equipment.

In this course, students will be introduced to plumbing math consisting of formulas and equations for determining pipe weights, clearances, fitting allowances, and pipe bends. Students will also read, interpret, and apply blueprints. Topics will include symbols, terminology, floor plans, elevation, and mechanical plans.

Students will gain exposure to the biological and chemical actions of disposal systems, function and construction of sewer laterals, and determination of drain grades. In addition, students will identify functions, types, and locations of main housing traps, fresh air inlets, branches, waste stacks, and vent stacks.

Students will be exposed to potable water treatment, tools used on water supply systems, water pressure, hydrostatic pressure, basement water mains, and pressure-reducing valves. Pipe cleaning, hydro jets, and excavation techniques will be explored. Students will also engage in the process of heating water by installing circulating pipes and troubleshooting water heaters. Students will study the maintenance and repair of existing backflow prevention assemblies within a building.

A continuation of Math & Blueprint Reading I, students will study advanced plumbing math by calculating volumes of cubes and cylinders. Students will expand upon drawing fundamentals, read schematics, and diagram fluid power systems.

In this course, students will be introduced to water treatment and the tools utilized on water supply systems. Students are taught about water pressure, hydrostatic pressure, basement water mains, and pressure-reducing valves. Students will examine heat loss and how it relates to radiator size, applying ventilation principles and requirements for commercial buildings.

Students will be introduced to the installation of circulating pipes. In addition, students will troubleshoot electric, gas, and solar water heaters while gaining exposure to thermostats. Students will be exposed to soldering and welds required for plumbing, cameras, video inspection, and locators.

Students will gain field experience under an externship agreement with Perry Technical Institute, the employer, and the student. Completion of the externship packet is required.

This course will complete the home plumbing system: drain-waste vent, water shut-off, toilets, faucets, drains, dishwashers, food disposers, water heaters, showers/tubs, water softeners, icemakers, water filters, sinks, and gas lines. Students will also be instructed on drainage, back siphonage, sump pumps, conduction, convection, and radiation.

This course helps students develop professionally by focusing on soft skills, career planning, and future growth. Students are taught proper communication skills for the plumbing industry. Topics will include verbal communication with co-workers and written communication such as filling out a timecard or a work order. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully interview for positions, develop future training plans, and set goals for career advancement.

Students will gain field experience under an externship agreement with Perry Technical Institute, the employer, and the student. Completion of the externship packet is required. If the student does not obtain an externship, completion of a capstone project is required.