Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Plumbing

• Use of Pipes
• Transporting Gases
• Transporting Liquids
• Scope and Nature of Plumbing Work
• Pipe Materials
• Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Non-ferrous Metal Pipes
• Copper
• Brass
• Nickel
• Aluminium
• Plastic Pipes
• PVCs
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipe
• PVC-U (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipe
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Pipe
• PP (Polypropylene) Pipe
• PE (Polyethylene) Pipe
• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipe
• PE-RT (Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance) Pipe
• Other Pipes
• Cement/concrete
• Fibreglass
• Glass
• Wood
• Pipe Dimensions
• Terminology
  
  

2. Plumbing Tools & Equipment

• General Hand Tools
• Accessory Plumbing Tools & Equipment
• Power Tools & Machines
• Safety Guidelines for Using Power Tools
  
  

3. Working with Piping Materials

• Selection of Pipe Material
• Type of Fluid & Flow Rate
• Temperature and Pressure of Fluid
• Properties of the Material
• Location of Pipework
• Other Influencing Factors
• Availability and Cost 
• Ease of Installation
• Working with Ferrous Pipes
• Cutting Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Working with Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Cutting Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Copper pipe cutter/pipe slice (auto cut tool)
• Joining Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Working with Plastic Pipe
• Working with Other Types of Pipes
• Safety Issues
  
  

4. Mains Gas & Water Supply and Sewage Removal

• Residential Mains Systems 
• Residential Mains Gas Supply 
• Residential Water Supply 
• Sources and Treatment Processes 
• Hot water systems
• Water metering and pressure management 
• Sewage removal 
• Systems and Maintenance 
• Water Safety Guidelines 

5. Common Plumbing Tasks

• Introduction to Routine Tasks 
• Regulations 
• Routine Maintenance of Water Systems 
• Plumbing Repairs 
• DIY Aspects of Fixing Leaks 
• Guttering and Downpipes 
  
  

6. Rainwater tank collection, bottled gas, sewerage tanks/grey water

• Introduction
• Repairing & replacing damaged fittings
• Filtration systems 
• Residential rainwater collection 
• Bottled Gas Systems
• Sewerage Tanks 
• Greywater Tanks
  
  

7. Plumbing for Outdoors – Gardens, Pools, Irrigation

• Overview of Installation, Pipework and Runoff 
• Swimming pool installation 
• Types of Swimming Pool and their Features 
• Construction Process and Key Considerations
• Regulations and Permits
• Pipework for Swimming Pools 
• Runoff Zones and Drainage
• Managing Storm water and Excess Pool Water 
• Safety and Compliance
• Irrigation 

8. Air conditioning & Heating units and systems

• Overview Buildings and Greenhouses
• Cooling and Refrigeration Systems
• Refrigeration Components in Vapour Compression Systems 
• Compressors 
• Condensers 
• Evaporators
• Interconnecting Pipework: Suction, Discharge, Liquid Drain and Liquid Lines

 9. Applications for Plumbing in Industrial and Commercial Contexts

• Water Supply System in Industrial Settings 
• Sources, Purification, Distribution, Conservation, Monitoring 
• Wastewater Management 
• Plumbing Systems in Commercial Buildings
• Specialised Commercial & Industrial Systems 
• Fire Protection
• Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
• Plumbing Maintenance & Regulations
• Machinery Applications 
• Gas and Liquid Management in Cars an Engines
• Cooling, Fuel Supply & Lubrication Systems 
• Hydraulic Systems 
• Sealants 
  
  

10. Sustainability and innovation for Plumbing

• Awareness of Products and Techniques 
• Innovative Thinking 
• Geothermal Heating Systems 
• Solar Heating Systems 
• Greywater Heat Recovery Systems 
• Systems of Conservation 
• Off-Grid Systems 
• Resources Conversation 
  
  

Aims

• Discuss the scope and nature of plumbing and gas fitting work, including materials and techniques used.
• Describe plumbing tools.
• Describe common plumbing systems used for supply and removal of gas, water, and sewage.
• Describe the routine work tasks which a plumbers and gasfitters undertake.
• Describe the work of plumbers and gasfitters in collecting, holding, and treating liquids and gases including water and sewage.
• Describe the work of plumbers and related occupations in the installation, operation and maintenance of pools, irrigation systems and spas.
• Explain plumbing work involved in the installation and maintenance of heating and cooling systems for environmental control in residential properties, factories, commercial, industrial and agricultural situations.
• Explain industrial and commercial applications for plumbing and gas fitting.
• Discuss different innovative and sustainable solutions used with use/operation/management of gasses and liquids.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What are the benefits of studying Plumbing?
More confidence handling plumbing jobs at home without relying on guesswork.
Less stress during repairs/renovations because you understand what needs doing and in what order.
Better understanding of how systems work (so you can choose sensible solutions).
Save money through reduced reliance on call-out plumbers.
Improved professionalism and reliability in how you approach fixtures, testing, and clean-up.
More career clarity by seeing whether plumbing feels like a good long-term fit for you.
Enhanced employability by building a credible foundation for entry roles and structured training pathways.

What is the course duration and format? 
There are 10 lessons.
The course can be completed in approximately 10 weeks.
Each lesson includes experiential tasks, a self-assessment test, and a written assignment.
Assignments and projects are marked by our expert tutors and returned with written feedback.
There is an optional exam upon completion of the course. 
The course is self-paced. Study wherever you want, whenever you want.

How long can I access course materials?
You have all the time you want. We don't have a cut-off date. You can continue to access your course indefinitely. This is one of the ways we are different. 

You can review and revisit course material as often as you like, helping to reinforce learning and improve retention.  

Can I use this course as a credit toward a qualification?
Yes. This can be used as a module in a variety of certificates and diplomas with ACS or in a degree with one of our affiliate partners, Warnborough College.

Various other universities and colleges around the world have also assessed and given credits for our courses in degrees.

Who is this course for?
People interested in taking the first step towards a career in plumbing
Handypersons, property maintenance workers, or grounds staff
Self-employed or sole business operators
Entrepreneurs
Volunteers/trainees looking for entry-level employability e.g. plumbing assistant/trainee or maintenance support
Property managers/landlords 
DIY homeowners or renovators
Career starters/career changers
People working in related trades (construction/renovation) who want basic plumbing competence to support projects

Ready to Enrol?

If you're ready to enrol or have any questions, please follow the instructions at the top of the page.