I. Introduction to Plumbing and Safety
- Role and Importance of Plumbers: Understanding the significance of plumbing in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Overview of Plumbing Systems: Introduction to water supply, drainage, sanitation, and specialized systems.
- Basic Plumbing Terminology: Pipes, fittings, fixtures, valves, traps, vents, etc.
- Workplace Safety and Regulations:
- Electrical safety (especially near water).
- Working at heights (ladders, scaffolding).
- Handling heavy materials and equipment.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – helmets, gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes.
- First aid for common plumbing injuries (cuts, burns, falls).
- Fire safety in plumbing environments.
- Understanding basic health and safety standards (e.g., as per Indian regulations).
- Plumbing Tools and Equipment:
- Hand Tools: Pipe wrenches, hacksaws, pliers, measuring tapes, spirit levels, screwdrivers, hammers, chisels, pipe cutters, reamers, deburring tools, threading dies.
- Power Tools: Drilling machines, pipe threading machines, specialized pipe cutting tools.
- Measuring and Marking Tools: Rules, tapes, squares, marking gauges.
- Specialized Tools: Drain augers, plungers, leak detectors, pressure gauges, soldering/brazing equipment.
- Proper use, care, and maintenance of all tools.
II. Plumbing Materials and Components
- Types of Pipes:
- Metallic Pipes: GI (Galvanized Iron), Copper, Cast Iron (CI). Properties, uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
- Plastic Pipes: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride), PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer), PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride). Properties, uses, and joining methods.
- Pipe Fittings:
- Types: Elbows, Tees, Couplings, Reducers, Unions, Adapters, Plugs, Caps, Nipples, Bushings.
- Materials and compatibility with pipes.
- Threaded, solvent weld, compression, push-fit, soldered, brazed, flanged joints.
- Valves and Faucets:
- Types of Valves: Gate valve, Globe valve, Ball valve, Check valve, Stopcock, Pressure reducing valve, Float valve. Function and application.
- Types of Faucets/Taps: Mixer taps, single-lever, sensor-based. Installation and repair.
- Sealants and Adhesives: Teflon tape, thread sealants, solvent cement, gaskets, O-rings.
- Fasteners and Supports: Clamps, hangers, brackets, bolts, screws.
- Water Tanks: Overhead tanks, underground tanks. Materials, installation, and maintenance.
III. Water Supply Systems
- Sources of Water: Municipal supply, borewells, rainwater harvesting.
- Water Distribution Systems:
- Direct supply system.
- Indirect supply system (with storage tanks).
- Layout and design principles for residential and commercial buildings.
- Hot and Cold Water Systems:
- Layout and installation of hot and cold water pipelines.
- Water heaters/Geysers (Electric, Gas, Solar) – basic understanding, connection.
- Thermal expansion and contraction in pipes.
- Insulation for hot and cold water pipes.
- Water Quality and Treatment: Basic understanding of filtration, chlorination, and water softeners.
- Water Meter Installation: Types and connection.
- Pressure Testing: Methods for testing water supply lines for leaks.
IV. Sanitation and Drainage Systems
- Types of Drainage Systems:
- Single stack system.
- One-pipe and two-pipe systems.
- Ventilation systems for drainage.
- Sanitary Fixtures:
- Water Closets (WCs) – types (EWC, IWC), installation, flushing mechanisms.
- Wash Basins, Sinks, Urinals, Bathtubs, Showers.
- Bidet and other specialized fixtures.
- Installation, sealing, and connection to drainage.
- Traps: P-trap, S-trap, Q-trap, floor traps, gully traps. Function and importance in preventing foul gases.
- Vents and Anti-siphonage Pipes: Role in maintaining atmospheric pressure in drainage.
- Drainage Pipes and Fittings: Understanding the sizing, slope, and layout for effective waste removal.
- Sewerage Systems:
- Main sewer lines, branch lines.
- Manholes and inspection chambers – installation and maintenance.
- Septic tanks and soak pits – basic understanding, function, and maintenance.
- Stormwater drainage systems and rainwater gutters.
V. Installation Techniques and Practices
- Pipe Cutting, Threading, and Bending:
- Accurate measurement and marking.
- Techniques for different pipe materials.
- Using threading dies, pipe benders.
- Pipe Joining Techniques:
- Threaded Joints: Using sealants like Teflon tape or thread compounds.
- Solvent Welding: For PVC/CPVC pipes.
- Soldering/Brazing: For copper pipes.
- Compression Joints: For copper and PEX.
- Push-fit Joints: For PEX and some composite pipes.
- Fixture Installation: Proper mounting, sealing, and connection of all sanitary fixtures.
- System Layout and Drawing Interpretation: Reading and understanding plumbing blueprints, symbols, and schematic diagrams.
- Rough-in Plumbing: Installing pipes within walls and floors during construction.
- Finish Plumbing: Installing fixtures and visible components after construction.
- Waterproofing and Sealing: Ensuring leak-proof installations.
VI. Maintenance, Repair, and Troubleshooting
- Common Plumbing Problems:
- Leaks (faucets, pipes, joints, fixtures).
- Clogged drains and toilets.
- Low water pressure.
- Water heater issues (no hot water, pilot light issues).
- Noisy pipes (water hammer).
- Corrosion and rust.
- Drainage system blockages.
- Troubleshooting Techniques: Systematic diagnosis of plumbing issues.
- Repair Techniques:
- Repairing/replacing faulty faucets and valves (washers, cartridges).
- Pipe patching and replacement.
- Clearing blockages (plungers, drain augers, hydro-jetting – basic concept).
- Repairing/replacing water heater components.
- Identifying and fixing leaks.
- Replacing old or damaged sanitary fixtures.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections, cleaning, and pressure checks.
VII. Advanced and Specialized Plumbing (Optional/Brief Introduction)
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Collection, filtration, and storage basics.
- Solar Water Heating Systems: Components and basic connection principles.
- Fire Fighting Systems: Introduction to sprinkler systems and fire hydrants (basic plumbing aspects).
- Water Conservation Techniques: Low-flow fixtures, efficient systems.
- Green Plumbing Practices: Sustainable materials and methods.
VIII. Professional Practice and Employability Skills
- Customer Service and Communication:
- Interacting with clients, explaining technical issues clearly.
- Providing estimates and service reports.
- Handling complaints professionally.
- Work Ethics: Punctuality, reliability, integrity, and safety compliance.
- Cost Estimation: Basic understanding of material and labor cost calculation.
- Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintaining job cards, inventory.
- Entrepreneurship: Basic concepts for starting a plumbing service.
Practical Training:
Practical sessions are paramount in a plumbing course. Students should engage in:
- Hands-on use of all plumbing tools.
- Cutting, threading, bending, and joining various types of pipes.
- Installing and testing water supply lines.
- Installing and connecting sanitary fixtures (WCs, basins, sinks, showers).
- Laying drainage pipes with correct slopes.
- Clearing simulated blockages.
- Performing repairs on common plumbing faults (leaking taps, pipe repairs).
- Reading and sketching basic plumbing diagrams.
- Safety drills and first aid practice.
