Plumbing


Plumbing
BSA Supply No. 35933

Plumbing, including pipe fitting, is an important and well-paid occupation. The industry is quite broad. It covers installations and repairs in homes, commercial properties, and factories. Plumbing pipelines are used for water supply, waste drainage, natural-gas heating, and many other purposes.

Requirements

  1. Do the following:
    • Describe how a properly working plumbing system protects your family's health and safety.
    • List five important local health regulations related to plumbing and tell how they protect health and safety.
    • Describe the safety precautions you must take when making home plumbing repairs.
  2. Do the following:
    • Make a drawing and explain how a home hot- and cold-water supply system works. Tell how you would make it safe from freezing.
    • Make a drawing and explain the drainage system of the plumbing in a house. Show and explain the use of drains and vents.
  3. Show how to use five important plumber's tools.
  4. Identify and describe the use of each of the following: washer, retaining nut, plunger (rubber force cup), solder, flux, elbow, tee, nipple, coupling, plug, union, trap, drainpipe, and water meter.
  5. Name the kinds of pipe that are used most often in a plumbing system. Explain why these pipes are used.
  6. Cut, thread, and connect two pieces of steel pipe.
  7. Under the supervision of a knowledgeable adult, solder three copper tube connections using a gas torch. Include one tee, two straight pieces, and one coupling.
  8. Do the following:
    • Replace a washer in a faucet.
    • Clean out a sink or lavatory trap.

Resources

Books

  • Better Homes and Gardens editors. Step-by-Step Plumbing. Meredith Books, 1997.
  • Home Depot Books editors. Plumbing 1-2-3: Install, Upgrade, Repair, and Maintain Your Home's Plumbing System. Home Depot, 2001.
  • Popular Mechanics editors. Home How-To. Hearst Books, 2000.

Organizations and Web Sites

American Society of Plumbing Engineers
Telephone: 773-693-ASPE
Web site: http://www.aspe.org

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Telephone: 909-595-8449
Web site: http://www.iapmo.org

Mechanical Contractors Association of America
Telephone: 301-869-5800
Web site: http://www.mcaa.org

Plumbing-Heating- Cooling Contractors
Telephone: 703-237-8100
Web site: http://www.phccweb.org

United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters
Telephone: 202-628-5823
Web site: http://www.ua.org