Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons:

1. Introduction to Plumbing – Materials & Techniques

• Use of Pipes
• Transporting Gases
• Transporting Liquids
• Scope and Nature of Plumbing Work
• Pipe Materials
• Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Non-ferrous Metal Pipes
• Copper
• Brass
• Nickel
• Aluminium
• Plastic Pipes
• PVCs
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipe
• PVC-U (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipe
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Pipe
• PP (Polypropylene) Pipe
• PE (Polyethylene) Pipe
• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipe
• PE-RT (Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance) Pipe
• Other Pipes
• Cement/concrete
• Fibreglass
• Glass
• Wood
• Pipe Dimensions
• Terminology

2.  Plumbing Tools & Equipment

• General Hand Tools
• Accessory Plumbing Tools & Equipment
• Power Tools & Machines
• Safety Guidelines for Using Power Tools

3.  Working with Piping Materials

• Selection of Pipe Materials
• Flow Rate
• Type of Fluid
• Temperature of Fluid
• Pressure of the Fluid
• Properties of the Material
• Location of Pipework
• Other Influencing Factors
• Availability
• Cost
• Ease of Installation
• Working with Ferrous Pipes
• Cutting Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Working with Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Cutting Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Copper pipe cutter/pipe slice (auto cut tool)
• Joining Non-Ferrous Metal Pipes
• Working with Plastic Pipe
• Working with Other Types of Pipes
• Safety Issues

4.  Mains Gas & Water Supply and Sewage Removal

• Residential Mains Systems
• Residential Mains Gas Supply
• Residential Water Supply
• Sources and Treatment Processes
• Hot water systems
• Water metering and pressure management
• Sewage removal
• Systems and Maintenance
• Water Safety Guidelines

5.  Common Plumbing Tasks

• Introduction to Routine Tasks
• Regulations
• Routine Maintenance of Water Systems
• Plumbing Repairs
• DIY Aspects of Fixing Leaks
• Guttering and Downpipes

6. Rainwater tank collection, bottled gas, sewerage tanks/grey water

• Introduction
• Repairing & replacing damaged fittings
• Filtration systems
• Residential rainwater collection
• Bottled Gas Systems
• Sewerage Tanks
• Greywater Tanks

7.  Plumbing for Outdoors – Gardens, Pools, Irrigation

• Overview of Installation, Pipework and Runoff
• Swimming pool installation
• Types of Swimming Pool and their Features
• Construction Process and Key Considerations
• Regulations and Permits
• Pipework for Swimming Pools
• Runoff Zones and Drainage
• Managing Storm water and Excess Pool Water
• Safety and Compliance
• Irrigation

8.  Air conditioning & Heating units and systems

• Overview Buildings and Greenhouses
• Cooling and Refrigeration Systems
• Refrigeration Components in Vapour Compression Systems
• Compressors
• Condensers
• Evaporators
• Interconnecting Pipework: Suction, Discharge, Liquid Drain and Liquid Lines

9.  Applications for Plumbing in Industrial and Commercial Contexts

• Water Supply System in Industrial Settings
• Sources, Purification, Distribution, Conservation, Monitoring
• Wastewater Management
• Plumbing Systems in Commercial Buildings
• Specialised Commercial & Industrial Systems
• Fire Protection
• Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
• Plumbing Maintenance & Regulations
• Machinery Applications
• Gas and Liquid Management in Cars an Engines
• Cooling, Fuel Supply & Lubrication Systems
• Hydraulic Systems
• Sealants

10. Sustainability and innovation for Plumbing

• Awareness of Products and Techniques
• Innovative Thinking
• Geothermal Heating Systems
• Solar Heating Systems
• Greywater Heat Recovery Systems
• Systems of Conservation
• Off-Grid Systems
• Resources Conversation

Please Note:   At the end of each lesson there is an assignment to be completed and forwarded to your Tutor for marking, and returned together with the Tutor’s tailored feedback, comments, recommendations, and extra reading if required.

Plumbing  BSS105 Learning Goals

• Discuss the scope and nature of plumbing and gas fitting work, including materials and techniques used.
• Describe plumbing tools.
• Describe common plumbing systems used for supply and removal of gas, water, and sewage.
• Describe the routine work tasks that plumbers and gasfitters undertake.
• Describe the work of plumbers and gasfitters in collecting, holding, and treating liquids and gases
• including water and sewage.
• Describe the work of plumbers and related occupations in the installation, operation and maintenance of pools, irrigation systems and spas.
• Explain plumbing work involved in the installation and maintenance of heating and cooling systems for environmental control in residential properties, factories, commercial, industrial and agricultural situations.
• Explain industrial and commercial applications for plumbing and gas fitting
• Discuss different innovative and sustainable solutions used with use/operation/management of gasses and liquids.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.