Trade & Industry

At a Glance

  • Emphasis in plumbing theory and practical application.
  • Employable as an apprentice plumber.
  • Program length is five quarters if full time.

Plumbing

DESCRIPTION:
The Plumbing diploma program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in plumbing and related fields. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of plumbing theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Plumbing diploma and have the qualification of an apprentice plumber.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Employable as an apprentice plumber.

ADMISSIONs CRITERIA:
Attainment of 16 years or more of age; achievement of minimum regular admission score on tests of reading, language, and math as specified in TCSG document Minimum Program Entrance Scores; and completion of application and related procedures. 

PROGRAM COSTS: (Program costs are estimates and are subject to change)
Application fee: $15; Tuition: $2,160; Fees: $405; Books & Supplies: $2,088; Total Program Costs: $4,668 

PROGRAM LENGTH:
Five quarters if full time.

Program Requirements

Credit Hours
Contact Hours
 
General Core Courses (13 hours)
ENG
1010
Fundamentals of English I
5
5

This course emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include: analysis of writing; writing practice; grammar skills; editing and proofreading skills; research skills; and oral presentation skills. Homework assignments reinforce classroom learning.

MAT
1012
Foundations of Mathematics
5
5

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include: fractions, decimals, fractions, percents, ratio and proportion; measurement and conversion; formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

EMP
1000
Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development
3
3

Provides a study of human relations and professional development in today’s rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include: human relations skills, job acquisition skills, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

Occupational Courses (52 hours)
CFC
100
Safety
2
2
Provides a review of general safety rules and practices and provides students with information about state and federal regulations including OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Emphasis is placed on electrical, fire, lifting, and ladder and scaffolding hazards. Topics include: overview of safety rules and regulations, protective equipment, barriers and barricades, flammable materials, electrical hazards, ladders and scaffolding, safety in trenches and excavations, and introduction to rigging.
PLB
116
Plumbing Drawing I
3
3
Introduces the reading and interpretation of residential plumbing prints and architectural drawings. Topics include: types of plans, scales, specifications, convention, and schedules.
PLB
117
Plumbing Drawings II
2
2

Introduces the reading and interpretation of commercial prints and architectural drawings. Topics include: types of plans, scales, specifications, conventions, and schedules.

PLB
120
Pipes, Fittings, & Valves I
2
3
The student is introduced to the pipes, fittings, valves, hangers and joining methods as used in the pipe trades. Topics include: pipes, fittings, valves, hangers, and joining techniques.
PLB
122
Drainage Systems I
2
3

Provides an introduction to the treatment, design and materials used in residential drainage systems. Applicable plumbing codes are also discussed. Topics include: public and private sewage systems and treatment; materials, fittings, and valves; traps, venting, and grade; ejector and sump pumps; design, sizing, & installation of drainage systems.

PLB
124
Water Supply Systems I
2
3
Provides an introduction to the sources, treatment, design, and materials used in residential cold and hot water distribution systems. Applicable plumbing codes are also discussed. Topics include: public and private water systems; materials and fittings; valves; water treatment; water mains and services; hot water supply; design and installation of water supply systems.
PLB
126
Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances I
2
3

Introduces the identification, theory, application and installation of residential plumbing fixtures, trim and appliances. Topics include: types of fixtures and appliances, fixture controls, and installation procedures.

PLB
128
Gas Piping, Venting & Appliances I
3
4

Provides instruction in the materials and design of residential gas supply systems and the installation of residential gas appliances. Emphasis is placed in conformance with applicable gas codes. Topics include: types of gas, safety, materials and fittings, valves, design and size gas systems, gas appliances and controls, and gas venting.

PLB
130
Pipes, Fittings, and Values II
2
3

The student is introduced to the pipes, fittings, valves, hangers and joining methods used in commercial plumbing and pipe fitting. Topics include: pipes, fittings, and valves; hangers and supports; and joining techniques.

PLB
132
Drainage Systems II
3
4

Provides instruction in the treatment, design and materials used in commercial drainage systems. Applicable plumbing codes are also discussed. Topics include: public and private sewage systems and treatment; materials, fittings, and valves; traps, venting, and grade; ejector and sump pumps; and design and sizing drainage systems.

PLB
134
Water Supply Systems II
3
4

Provides an introduction to the sources, treatment, design, and materials used in commercial cold and hot water distribution systems. Applicable plumbing codes are also discussed. Topics include: public and private water systems; materials, fittings, valves and meters; water treatment; hot water supply; pumps; design and sizing water supply systems.

PLB
136
Plumbing Fixtures, and Appliances II
3
4

Provides instruction in the identification, theory, application and installation of commercial plumbing fixtures, trim and appliances. Topics include: types of fixtures and appliances, fixture controls, installation procedures, and the American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

PLB
138
Gas Piping, Venting, and Appliances II
2
3

Provides instruction in the materials and design of commercial gas supply systems and the installation of commercial gas appliances. Emphasis is placed on conformance with applicable gas codes. Topics include: types of gas, safety, materials and fittings, valves, design and size gas systems, gas appliances and controls, and gas venting.

PLB
140
Pipe Offsets and Measurements
1
1

Provides a trade related course in problem solving using formulas and tables to calculate pipe measurements. Topics include: review of basic math skills, problem solving skills, pipe measurement and fitting take-off, piping offsets, and piping formulas.

PLB
142
Special Plumbing Systems
5
5

Provides information and instruction in the design, use of materials, and purpose of special plumbing systems. Applicable plumbing codes are also discussed. Topics may include types of vent systems, water treatment, waste water treatment, corrosive waste piping, interceptors, storm drain systems, gray water systems, irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, compressed air systems, mobile home parks, hydronics, boilers, site visits, and piping systems to accommodate local needs and requirements.

PLB
144
Plumbing Service
5
6

Provides instruction in the repair and maintenance of plumbing fixtures, appliances, and systems. There is an emphasis on analysis, problem solving, and planning in performing service work. Bidding, invoicing, and working with the customer are also included. Requirements include 20 hours of demonstration lab or 30 hours of occupation based instruction (OBI) on the job. Topics include: plumbing fixtures and controls, appliances, servicing drain systems, servicing water systems, servicing gas systems, planning service work, bidding and invoicing, and customer relations.

PLB
146
Plumbing Codes
5
5

Provides an introduction to model, international, and local plumbing codes. Topics include: history, purpose, and construction of codes; model and international codes; local codes and amendments; and code applications.

SCT
100
Introduction to Microcomputers
3
5

Introduces the fundamental concepts and operations necessary to use microcomputers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include: computer terminology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to networking, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, and introduction to databases.

Choose one of the following: (2 hours)
CFC
101
2
2

Covers orientation and introduction to construction technology dealing with building and facility maintenance, cabinetmaking, carpentry, construction management, masonry, plumbing and advanced plumbing. Topics include: workplace expectations of quality of work performed, professional ethical standards, proper communication practices, working in teams, learning for success and life skills. Provides an overview of the history of the plumbing and pipefitting trades.

PLB
100
2
2

This course provides an introduction to the construction trades, the skills required to succeed in construction, tools, and job site safety. This course also provides certification in CPR and First Aid. Topics include: introduction to the construction trades; ethics, communication, and attitudes; use and care of hand and power tools; job site safety; and CPR and first aid.

Select a minimum of 12 credit hours from the following: (3 - 12 hours)
PLB
107
Physical Science and Mechanics for the Pipe
5
5

Explores the science of materials and the mechanics related to the pipe trades. Topics include: properties and characteristics of water; hydraulics and pneumatics; mechanics; metals, alloys, and synthetics; corrosion; and basic electrical theory.

PLB
148
Plumbing Internship
12
36

Provides students with the opportunity to apply basic plumbing principles through engagement in live work activities. Students are acquainted with occupational responsibilities by exposure to workplace problem-solving situations. Students can be placed in an occupational-based instruction (OBI) internship, assigned to a live-work practicum at the technical institution, or exposed to a combination of both types of learning experiences. The OBI internship is implemented through use of individualized training plans and written performance evaluation of on-the-job training activities. Topics include, but may not be limited to: problem-solving, adaptability to the job setting, use of interpersonal skills, interpretation of work orders, professional development, and application of basic plumbing skills and techniques.

PLB
150
Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Certification
5
5

Provides guidelines for acceptable practice for testing, inspection, and repair of backflow prevention assemblies used in cross-connection control installations. Requires passing the exam from an approved backflow tester agency. Topics include: public health, laws and regulations, principles of backflow, backpressure, back siphonage, test procedures, and surveys.

PLB
152
Advanced Plumbing Code Applications
5
5

This second course on plumbing codes provides an in depth study of the plumbing codes and amendments used in Georgia. Emphasis is placed on code applications. Topics include: code definitions, regulations, tables and sizing charts, drawings, applications, and current Georgia amendments.

PLB
154
Medical Gas Certification
5
5

Provides instruction in the installation, repair, inspection and certification of medical gas systems. Topics include: review of the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, medical gas systems, brazing, installing, and testing.

PLB
158
Advanced Drawing and Plan Reading
5
5

Advanced instruction in reading and interpreting various plans used in the construction industry. Topics include: specifications, site plans, architectural plans, structural plans, plumbing plans, electrical plans, mechanical plans, material take-off and bill of materials, isometric drawing and sleeve drawings.

WLD
133
Metal Weld & Cutting Technique
3
5
Provides instruction in the fundamental use of the electric arc welder and the oxyacetylene cutting outfit. Emphasis is placed on safe set up and use of equipment. Topics include: arc welding, flame cutting, safety practices, oxyfuel welding, and brazing.
Credit Hours: 68 - 77
Contact Hours: 83 - 114