Building and Construction Institute of the Southeast
Plumbing Diploma Program

Lesson Plans/Textbooks:

1. NCCER, Contren Learning Series; Plumbing; Level One, Annotated Instructor’s Guide. 3rd Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.
2. NCCER, Contren Learning Series; Plumbing; Level Two, Annotated Instructor’s Guide. 3rd Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.
3. NCCER, Contren Learning Series; Plumbing; Level Three, Annotated Instructor’s Guide. 3rd Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.
4. NCCER, Contren Learning Series; Plumbing; Level Four, Annotated Instructor’s Guide. 3rd Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.
5. NCCER, Contren Learning Series; Core Curriculum; Introductory Craft Skills; Annotated Instructor’s Guide. 3rd Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004.
6. International Plumbing Code (2003)

Competencies / Objectives

The individual Modules describe the core learning competencies or the Terminal Learning Objectives (TLO). The associated subtasks are the Enabling Learning Objectives (ELO). All modules are in accordance with the corresponding NCCER textbook.
 

Semester One

Common Core

1. OSHA 10 certification
2. Apply general workplace skills to include positive work habits and
   responsibilities necessary for successful employment.
• Demonstrate time, materials, and resource management skills.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills such as problem solving, decision making, and reasoning.
• Demonstrate positive work habits and acceptance of responsibilities necessary for successful employment. (Punctuality, follows instructions, etc)
• Demonstrate pro-active human relationship skills in the work setting to include conflict resolution, team participation, leadership, negotiation, and customer/client service.

NCCER Level One

1. Explain the role that safety plays in the construction crafts.
2. Describe the meaning of job-site safety.
3. Describe the characteristics of a competent person and a qualified person.
4. Explain the appropriate safety precautions to take around common job-site hazards.
5. Demonstrate the use and care of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
6. Properly don and remove personal protective equipment (safety goggles, hard hat, and personal fall protection).
7. Follow the safety procedures required for lifting heavy objects.
8. Describe safe behavior on and around ladders and scaffolds.
9. Explain the importance of Hazard Communications (HazCom) and material safety data sheets (MSDSs).
10. Describe fire prevention and firefighting techniques.
11. Define safe work procedures to use around electrical hazards.

1. Recognize and identify some of the basic hand tools used in the construction trade.
2. Use hand tools safely.
3. Describe the basic procedures for taking care of hand tools.

1. Identify power tools commonly used in the construction trades.
2. Use power tools safely.
3. Explain how to maintain power tools properly.

1. Recognize and identify basic blueprint terms, components, and symbols.
2. Relate information on blueprints to actual locations on the print.
3. Recognize different classifications of drawings.
4. Interpret and use drawing dimensions.

1. Demonstrate the ability to interpret information and instructions presented in both written and verbal form.
2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in on-the-job situations using written and verbal skills.

1. Describe the history of the plumbing profession.
2. Identify the responsibilities of a person working in the construction industry.
3. State the personal characteristics of a professional.
4. Identify the stages of progress within the plumbing profession and its positive impact on society.

1. Describe the common unsafe acts and unsafe conditions that cause accidents.
2. Describe how to handle unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
3. Explain how the cost of accidents and illnesses affects everyone on site.
4. Explain how the cost of accidents and illnesses affects everyone on site.
5. Identify job-site hazardous work specific to plumbers.
6. Demonstrate the proper use of ladders.
7. Demonstrate how to maintain power tools safely.
8. Explain how to work safely in and around a trench.
9. Describe and demonstrate the lockout/tagout process.

1. Identify the basic hand and power tools used in the plumbing trade.
2. Demonstrate the proper use of plumbing tools.
3. Demonstrate the ability to know when and how to select the proper tool(s) for tasks.
4. Demonstrate the proper maintenance for caring for hand and power tools.
5. Demonstrate how to prepare a surface for tool use.
6. Describe the safety requirements for using plumbing tools.

1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems using those skills.
2. Demonstrate effective relationship skills with co-workers and supervisors, the ability to work on a team, and appropriate leadership skills.
3. Demonstrate the awareness of workplace issues such as sexual harassment, stress, and substance abuse.
4. Demonstrate appropriate work ethic and responsibilities.

1. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.
2. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.
3. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals.
4. Convert decimals to percentages and percentages to decimals.
5. Convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions.
6. Explain what the metric system is and how it is important in the plumbing trade.
7. Square various numbers and take square roots of numbers, with and without a calculator.
8. Identify the parts of a fitting and use common pipe-measuring techniques.
9. Use fitting dimension tables to determine fitting allowances and thread makeup.
10. Calculate end-to-end measurements using fitting allowances and thread makeup.

1. Identify types of materials and schedules of plastic piping to include PEX water tubing (requires certification for installation).
2. Identify proper and improper applications of plastic piping.
3. Identify types of fittings and valves used with plastic piping
4. Identify and determine the kinds of hangers and supports needed for plastic piping
5. Identify the various techniques used in hanging and supporting plastic piping.
6. Properly measure, cut, and join plastic piping.
7. Explain proper procedures for the handling, storage, and protection of plastic pipes.

1. Identify the types of materials and schedules used with copper piping.
2. Identify the material properties, storage, and handling requirements of copper piping.
3. Identify the types of fittings and valves used with copper piping.
4. Identify the techniques used in hanging and supporting copper piping.
5. Properly measure, ream, cut, and join copper piping.
6. Identify the hazards and safety precautions associated with copper piping.

1. Recognize proper and improper applications of cast-iron piping.
2. Identify the material properties, storage, and handling requirements of carbon steel piping.
3. Identify the types of materials and schedules used in cast-iron piping.
4. Identify the types of fittings used with cast-iron piping.
5. Identify the various techniques used in handling and supporting cast-iron piping.
6. Properly measure, cut, and join cast-iron piping.
7. Properly measure, cut, and join cast-iron piping.

MODULE 02109-05 – CARBON STEEL PIPE AND FITTINGS

1. Recognize proper applications of carbon steel piping.
2. Identify the material properties, storage, and handling requirements of carbon steel piping.
3. Identify the various techniques used in hanging and supporting carbon steel piping.
4. Properly measure, cut, groove, thread, and join carbon steel piping.  

1. 1. Identify the common manufacturers of corrugated stainless steel tubing.
2. Recognize proper and improper applications of corrugated stainless steel tubing.
3. Identify the various techniques used in hanging and supporting corrugated stainless steel tubing.
4. Explain how to properly measure, cut, join, and groove corrugated stainless steel tubing.
5. Identify the material properties, storage, and handling requirements of corrugated stainless steel tubing.

1. Identify the basic types of materials used in the manufacture of plumbing fixtures.
2. Discuss common types of sinks, lavatories, and faucets.
3. Identify and discuss common types of bathtubs, bath-shower modules, shower stalls, and shower baths.
4. Discuss common types of toilets, urinals, and bidets.
5. Identify and describe common types of drinking fountains and water coolers.
6. Discuss common types of garbage disposals and domestic dishwashers.

1. Explain how waste moves from a fixture through the drain system to the environment.
2. Identify the major components of a drainage system and describe their functions.
3. Identify the different types of traps and their components, explain the importance of traps, and identify the ways that traps can lose their seals.
4. Identify the various types of drain, waste, and vent (DWV) fittings and describe their applications.
5. Identify significant code and health issues, violations, and consequences related to DWV systems.

1. Describe the process by which water is distributed in municipal, residential, and private water systems.
2. Identify the major components of a water distribution system, and describe the function of each component.
3. Explain the relationships between components of a water distribution system.

Semester Two

NCCER Level Two

 MODULE 02201-05 – PLUMBING MATH TWO

1. Calculate 111⁄4-, 221⁄2-, 45-, 60-, and 72-degree offsets.
2. Check the squareness of a corner using the 3-4-5 ratio.
3. Lay out square corners using the 3-4-5 ratio.
4. Use a framing square to find the travel.
5. Use a folding rule to find given angles.
6. Calculate 111⁄4-, 221⁄2-, 45-, 60-, and 72-degree parallel offsets.
7. Calculate rolling offsets using constants for the angled fittings.
8. Calculate rolling offsets using a framing square.
9. Calculate 45-degree offsets around obstructions.

1. Interpret information from given site plans.
2. Verify dimensions shown on drawings and generate an RFI when you find discrepancies.
3. Locate plumbing entry points, walls, and chases.
4. Create an isometric drawing.
5. Do a material takeoff for drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) and water supply systems from information shown on drawings.
6. Use approved submittal data, floor plans, and architectural details to lay out fixture rough-ins, to develop estimates, and to establish general fixture locations.
7. Recognize the need for coordination and shop drawings.

 MODULE 02203-05 – HANGERS, SUPPORTS, STRUCTURAL

1. 1. Identify the hangers and supports used to install DWV and water supply systems and explain their applications.
2. Install pipe hangers and supports correctly according to local applicable codes and manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Modify structural members using the appropriate tools without weakening the structure.
4. Identify and install common types of fire-stopping materials used in penetrations through fire-rated structural members, walls, floors, and ceilings.

1. Develop a material takeoff from a given set of plans.
2. Use plans and fixture rough-in sheets to determine location of fixtures and route of the plumbing.
3. Install a building sewer and a building drain.
4. Locate the stack within the structure.
5. Install a DWV system using appropriate hangers and correct grade or slope.
6. Modify structural members using the appropriate tools without weakening the structure.
7. Test a DWV system.

  MODULE 02205-05 – INSTALLING ROOF, FLOOR, AND AREA DRAINS

1. Use a surveyor’s level or transit level to set the elevation of a floor or area drain.
2. Install a roof drain, a floor drain, and an area drain.
3. Install waterproof membranes and flashing.

 MODULE 02206-05 – TYPES OF VALVES

1. Identify the basic types of valves.
2. Describe the differences in pressure ratings for valves.
3. Demonstrate the ability to service various types of valves.

  MODULE 02207-05 – INSTALLING AND TESTING WATER SUPPLY PIPING

1. Develop a material takeoff from a given set of plans.
2. Use plans and fixture rough-in sheets to determine the location of fixtures and the route of the water supply piping.
3. Locate and size a water meter.
4. Locate a water heater, water softener, and hose bibbs.
5. Install a water distribution system using appropriate hangers.
6. Modify structural members, using the appropriate tools, without weakening the structure.
7. Correctly size and install a water service line, including backflow prevention.
8. Test a water supply system.

  MODULE 02208-05 – INSTALLING FIXTURES, VALVES, AND FAUCETS

1. Describe the general procedures you should follow before installing any fixture.
2. Install bathtubs, shower stalls, valves, and faucets.
3. Install water closets and urinals.
4. Install lavatories, sinks, and pop-up drains.
5. Protect fixtures.

1. State and demonstrate the safety precautions that must be followed when working on electrical equipment.
> 2. State how electrical power is generated and distributed.
2. Describe how voltage, current, resistance, and power are related.
3. Use Ohm’s law to calculate the current, voltage, and resistance in a circuit.
4. Use the power formula to calculate how much power is consumed by a circuit.
5. Describe the differences between series and parallel circuits.
6. Recognize and describe the purpose and operation of the various electrical components used in plumbing equipment.
7. Take voltage, current, and resistance measurements using electrical test equipment. Determine the positioning of leads.
8. Test a fuse for continuity.
9. Explain and understand electrical symbols.

1. Describe the basic operation of water heaters.
2. Identify and explain the functions of the basic components of water heaters.
3. Install an electric water heater.
4. Install a gas water heater.
5. Describe the safety hazards associated with water heaters.

1. Identify the major components of the following fuel systems and describe the function of each component:
   • Natural gas
   • LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas)
   • Fuel oil
2. Identify the physical properties of each type of fuel.
3. Identify the safety precautions and potential hazards associated with each type of fuel and system.
4. Connect appliances to the fuel gas system properly.
5. Apply local codes to various fuel gas systems.
6. Design, size, purge, and test fuel gas systems.
7. Demonstrate familiarity with applicable fuel gas codes.

1. Identify common repair and maintenance requirements for fixtures, valves, and faucets.
2. Identify the proper procedures for repairing and maintaining fixtures, valves, and faucets.

1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems using those skills.
2. Demonstrate effective relationship skills with co-workers and supervisors, the ability to work on a team, and appropriate leadership skills.
3. Demonstrate the awareness of workplace issues such as sexual harassment, stress, and substance abuse.
4. Demonstrate appropriate work ethic and responsibilities.
    

Semester Three

NCCR Level Three

1. Identify the weights and measures used in the English and metric systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of area and volume.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of area and volume calculations.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of temperature and pressure and how they apply to plumbing installations.
5. Explain the functions and applications of six simple machines.

1. Describe the model and local plumbing codes and their purposes.
2. Explain the procedure for modifying plumbing codes.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with the model code (if applicable) and local code used in your area.
4. Use the local plumbing code to find and cite references.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles of venting.
2. Design vent systems according to local code requirements.
3. Sketch the different types of vents.
4. Construct given vent configurations.
5. Install the different types of vents correctly.

1. Identify the reasons for using indirect systems.
2. Discuss the requirements for receptors and backflow preventers.
3. Demonstrate the ability to install an indirect waste system.
4. Identify the reasons for using special waste systems.
5. Describe the purpose of interceptors and how each type functions.
6. Sketch the basic installation and maintenance requirements for interceptors.
7. Describe the precautions that must be taken when installing interceptors to ensure ease of future maintenance and repair.
8. Install an interceptor.
9. Use the local plumbing code to cite the requirements for using indirect waste disposal systems.

1. Explain the functions, components, and operation of sewage and sump pumps.
2. Size a storm water sump by calculating the runoff from paved and unpaved land surfaces.
3. Size a sewage sump by calculating the sewage flow from a structure.
4. Install and adjust sensors, switches, and alarms in sewage and sump pumps.
5. Troubleshoot and repair sewage and sump pumps.
6. Using a detailed drawing, identify system components.
7. Install a sump pump.

1. Calculate pressure drops in a water supply system.
2. Size pipe for different flow rates.
3. Explain the difference between and advantages of a continuous-flow system and an intermittent-flow system.
4. Identify fixtures with high flow rates.
5. Explain the proper viscosity of liquids used in water supply installation.
6. Lay out a water supply system.
7. Calculate developed lengths of branches for a given water supply system.
8. Calculate flow rates for high flow rate fixtures.

1. Explain the principle of backflow due to back siphonage or back pressure.
2. Explain the hazards of backflow and demonstrate the importance of backflow preventers.
3. Identify and explain the applications of the six basic backflow prevention devices.
4. Install common types of backflow preventers.

1. Explain the complete water pressure booster system and its components.
2. Explain the maintenance and basic troubleshooting processes for water pressure booster systems.
3. Describe the characteristics of the different recirculation systems.
4. Identify the basic components of a recirculation system.
5. Identify the location of various components within a recirculation system.
6. Install a water pressure booster system per engineering plans and specifications.
7. Install the basic components of a recirculation system.
8. Use the local plumbing code to find and cite requirements for recirculation systems.
9. Diagnose basic problems in recirculation systems.

1. Diagnose water supply problems.
2. Diagnose water quality problems.
3. Explain different types of corrosion and their effects on pipes.
4. Diagnose and solve fixture and appliance problems.
5. Troubleshoot and repair water supply problems.
6. Troubleshoot and repair water heater problems.
7. Troubleshoot and repair water drainage problems.
8. Troubleshoot lawn irrigation systems.

NCCER Level Four

1. Correctly price a small job.
2. Understand how components of cost relate to profit.

1. Calculate drainage fixture units for waste systems.
2. Size building drains and sewers.
3. Size a vent system.
4. Identify and size special kinds of waste and vent systems.
5. Size roof drainage systems.

1. Use plans and blueprints to locate lines.
2. Use an electronic pipe locator to locate metallic and nonmetallic pipe.
3. Use a camera to locate and diagnose metallic and nonmetallic pipe.
4. Describe utility protection and notification procedures.

1. Flush out visible contaminants from plumbing systems.
2. Disinfect a potable water plumbing system.
3. Identify common water problems.
4. Practice methods used to soften water.
5. Analyze and measure water-conditioning problems.

1. Describe the proper location and layout of sewer and supply lines for a mobile home park.
2. Explain the procedure for connecting water and sewer lines to mobile homes.
3. Discuss code issues that are specific to mobile homes.
4. Explain a travel trailer park and its plumbing needs.
5. Describe a sanitary dump system.

1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems using those skills.
2. Demonstrate effective relationship skills with co-workers and supervisors, the ability to work on a team, and appropriate leadership skills.
3. Demonstrate the awareness of workplace issues such as sexual harassment, stress, and substance abuse.
4. Demonstrate appropriate work ethic and responsibilities.

1. Review all relevant code & specifications in preparation for Journeyman’s Examination.
2. *Must provide a journeyman’s certificate of competency upon examination.
3. Applicants for the journeyman’s certificate of competency shall provide, upon examination, the he or she has practical knowledge of residential plumbing and can show evidence of four (4) years’ actual work experience in the plumbing profession.

• (Chattanooga City Code Sec 27-57 (c))