Learn Practical Skills At Home

Your comprehensive lessons are clear and well-organized; easy to follow, yet challenging and engaging at the same time. Each lesson begins with an introductory note from your instructor, plus a preview outlining the subject matter and study objectives.

Next comes the reading assignment from your beautifully illustrated textbook, lesson book or supplemental references. Practical review exercises will help reinforce important concepts and techniques. Then, turn in your open-book exam (available online) for the lesson, whenever YOU are ready.

Enroll online or call 1-800-535-1613 to speak with an Admission Advisor!

Meet Your Instructor

Cary Mandeville is the chief instructor of The Professional Plumbing Program. He is a licensed Master Plumber, and owns his own plumbing company. He also teaches plumbing to builders. He is eager to share his knowledge with you in this fine, accredited training course. Jerome Sabol, technical advisor to this program, owns a successful plumbing business. He'll share his many secrets with you.

We'll make sure you progress smoothly through your studies. If you need help or have questions along the way, just write, call, fax or E-mail us 24 hours a day. Our staff of courteous, knowledgeable career tutors will give you prompt, personal guidance.

What You’ll Learn Lesson By Lesson in this Course

Lesson 1: Modern Plumbing Fixtures

Materials used in fixtures; lavatories and sinks; types and styles of commodes; urinals; bathtubs; spa and whirlpool tubs; steam generators; bidets; service sinks; water fountains.

Lesson 2: Plumbing Tools & Safety

Selecting, using, and maintaining the right tools; measuring, layout, marking, alignment, cutting, and excavating tools; tools for assembling and holding; reducing accidents and injury; trenching and excavating; handling ladders, scaffolds, ropes, and hoisting devices; welding, brazing, and electrical safety; ventilators.

Lesson 3: Math For Plumbers

Reading a rule correctly; adding and subtracting lengths; computing pipe offsets using simple trigonometry and the Pythagorean theorem; computing area and volume; converting to metric measurements.

Lesson 4: Pipes, Fittings, Valves & Faucets

Cast iron; steel pipe; malleable iron, copper, and plastic pipe and fittings; valves; utility faucets; compression and non-compression faucets; kitchen and bathroom faucets and fixtures; single pipe water systems; water meters; selecting proper grades and sizes for various applications.

Lesson 5: Reading Blueprints

Interpreting and preparing plumbing plans and specifications; recognizing plumbing symbols and abbreviations in architectural drawings; scaling a drawing correctly; preparing piping sketches; metric dimensions and scales.

Supplement: Time Management Guide

How to study more effectively and increase your productivity, both as a student and when you begin your career.

Lesson 6: Installing Pipes & Fittings

The first and second roughs; attaching laterals to the water main; measuring, cutting, joining, and supporting pipe runs; locating fixtures; installing copper, galvanized, and black iron pipe and fittings; inspection and testing; solders, fluxes, plastics, and adhesives; sweat soldering; brazing and welding materials and procedures.

Lesson 7: Designing Plumbing Systems

Basic design considerations; designing the piping, venting, and water supply systems; reducing water hammer and vibration; using the builder's level and cold beam laser; collecting and draining storm water; installing drainage, waste, and venting systems using various materials.

Lesson 8: Water Supply
& Treatment Systems

Locating a well; types of wells and water pumps; pump installation; pressure tanks; connecting to a municipal water supply system; inhibiting water contaminants; disinfecting water; pH balance; iron removal; hydrogen sulfide gas; sediment and turbidity; cartridge filters; water softeners; reverse osmosis; pasteurization; ultraviolet light.

Lesson 9: Waste Disposal Systems
& Hydraulics

Understanding private waste disposal systems; how septic systems work; disposing of excess ground water; hydraulics; pneumatics; maintaining the plumbing system; installing water conservation fixtures and energy conservation systems.

Lesson 10: Water Heaters & Air Conditioning System Installation

Storage-type water heaters; instantaneous water heaters; water coolers; basic components of an air conditioning system; installing air conditioning systems, refrigeration units, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.

Lesson 11: Spas, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs & Irrigation Systems

Swimming pool design and components; skimmers; scum gutters; installing spas, hot tubs, and swimming pools; lawn sprinkler design and installation; sprinkler heads; drip irrigation systems.

Lesson 12: Repairing Water Supply
& DMV Systems

How to detect, test, and repair problems in the water supply system including faucets and valves, commodes, pipes, and hot water systems; water-saving devices; maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing water heaters.

Lesson 13: Job Organization
& Plumbing Codes

Lesson 13: Administration and enforcement of building codes; preparing the list of supplies, tools, and equipment for the job; coordinating with other trades; important safety precautions; deliveries and inspections; checking work quality.

Lesson 14: Your Future In Plumbing

Who employs plumbers; plumbing organizations; advancing from apprentice to contractor; professional and personal qualifications; licensing and certification of plumbers; getting your first plumbing job; starting your own plumbing business.

Supplement: Career Search Guide

How to find the best opportunities; building a business.