Plumbing courses are ideal if you are looking for a long-term career in plumbing. There are a number of technical and vocational schools which offer such courses. In the old days, you were just required to apprentice under a trained plumber and gain hands on experience, but today there is a need to be educated in the intricacies of the trade. This is a desired qualification if you wish to be employed in a reputable organization. The courses will enable you to seek and obtain the best possible jobs in the trade. There is a growing demand for specialists.



An Overview of The Course

The image of a plumber is of a person carrying his bag of tools to help fix your leaking tap or pipes. Plumbing is this and much more. It is much more than just fitting pipes and unclogging drains all your life. This is what you will learn from the various plumbing courses being offered at vocational training schools.

Plumbing courses incorporate both practical knowledge as well as theory. You are taught the very basics of plumbing as well as the more complex issues involved. It is hard work and very physical. The theory of plumbing would include classes on:

- Health and safety

- Sanitation and drainage

- A variety of plumbing processes

- How to deal with cold and hot water problems

- Trouble shooting plumbing problems

- Maintenance

- Learning the basics of electrics

- Learning about water regulations

In plumbing courses, you will spend more time on the practical aspect of plumbing. You will spend a lot of time with tools in your hand, learning the tricks of the trade. You will be taught by experts in the field - those who have had years of experience working with their hands. The practical training is very extensive and rigorous. Plumbing practical training would include the following:

- Pipe bending and jointing

- How to install plastic pipes

- Working on copper pipes

- Soldering

- How to fit and change taps, pipes, valves and cisterns, among other items

- How to install and replace bathroom fixtures, such as immersion heaters; electric showers; mixer type showers and taps

- How to install radiators and other equipment, such as washing machines

- Recognizing and troubleshooting domestic and commercial problems

You are not required to have any previous knowledge of plumbing. There are short-term courses as well as longer plumbing courses. The fee will depend on the course you opt for. Most classes, both theoretical and practical, are held five days a week. You will need to spend five to six hours a day in class. Most schools provide you with the tools and materials required for you to do the task.

After attending plumbing courses you gain the ability to pursue a career in any one of the following:

- Laying of pipes

- Plumber on a construction job

- Fitting sprinklers

- Fitting steam pipes

- As a plumbing inspector on a construction site

- Repairing various domestic plumbing problems