What Skills Will I Learn From an Online Plumbing Course?

<p>Online courses can be an excellent alternative for students who do not have time or easy access to a campus-based option. Several schools and institutions offer online courses that allow students to learn the exact same material as those who take part in on-site education. However, students should be aware that most plumbers complete 4-year apprenticeships in order to learn the trade and qualify for licensure. Online learning alone won't qualify students for work in this hands-on field. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutOnlinePlumbingCourses">Important Facts About Online Plumbing Courses</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr> <tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Math, water-supply piping, plumbing system maintenance</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education </td><td> Some online courses can be used to acquire credit for licensure renewal</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Plumber, construction laborer, steamfitter</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (May 2021) </td><td> $63,350</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 2% growth</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---CourseTopics">Course Topics</h2> <p>The following concepts and ideas are typically found in online plumbing courses. </p> <h3 id="section---EquipmentUseAndToolCare">Equipment Use and Tool Care</h3> <p>In an online course for the plumbing and piping trades, you may have opportunities to learn the proper care and use of plumbing tools and equipment. For instance, you might become knowledgeable about the various tools used for boring and cutting, as well as pipe-joint assembly and maintenance. </p> <h3 id="section---PlumbingAndPipeInstallation">Plumbing and Pipe Installation</h3> <p>In intermediate plumbing courses, you may be taught how to prepare a work site and install piping components and systems. Intermediate courses could also teach you about brazing and soldering techniques. </p> <h3 id="section---DrainsWasteAndVenting">Drains, Waste, and Venting</h3> <p>As a plumbing course participant, you might also learn how to design, lay out, and vent sanitary drainage systems. Plumbing classes cover various types of venting systems like septic and storm-water removal as well as systems used for spas, hot tubs, and pools. </p> <h3 id="section---PlumbingSystemComponents">Plumbing System Components</h3> <p>Lesson coverage includes the key components that are used to create the plumbing system. Students will learn about applications and installations from water supply and treatment, through fixtures, piping and fittings, valves, meters, and water heaters. </p> <h3 id="section---PipingPrints">Piping Prints</h3> <p>You could also learn how to perform calculations for rectangular area and volume, pipe circumference, pipe and cylindrical area, water volume, and weight grade. Upon becoming an apprentice or a professional plumber, you might apply these skills in fuel gas appliance piping systems and mechanical piping systems.</p>