Plumbing Technician Course

Overview:

The Wasatch Trade Tech Plumbing Technician program is a 150-clock-hour, online distance-education course preparing learners for entry-level positions in plumbing service and new-construction support. The curriculum covers plumbing safety, tools, water properties and pressure, code awareness, pipe types and joining methods, water supply, drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, fixtures, gas piping, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The program is built around the most comprehensive virtual reality lab set in the Wasatch Trade Tech catalog — six purpose-built VR scenarios covering soldering copper, plumbing hand tools, faucet installation, toilet installation, and gas and electric water heater troubleshooting. Graduates are positioned to sit for the OSHA 10 Construction Industry credentialing exam and earn the Wasatch Trade Tech Plumbing Technician Certificate.

Learning Path (Total hours: 150 hours)

1. Introduction and Ethics (6 Hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Introduction to Plumbing
• Ethical Work Practices & Customer Service
• Plumbing Safety & Hazard Awareness

2. OSHA 10 — Construction Industry (10 Hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Introduction to OSHA
• Fall Hazards
• Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
• Struck-By Hazards
• Caught-In or -Between Hazards
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Health Hazards in Construction
• Excavations
• Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
• Scaffolds
• Hand and Power Tools
• Safe Driving Practices
• Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection
• Cranes
• Welding and Cutting

3. Tools, Material, and Measurement (10 hours | Incldues VR LAB)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Plumbing Hand Tools
• Power Tools and Specialty Equipment
• Measurement and Layout

Virtual Reality Lab
VR LAB · SIM-P02 — Using Core Plumbing Hand Tools. Students identify and operate the core
plumbing hand-tool set — pipe wrenches, basin wrenches, tubing cutters, deburring tools, channel
locks, and threaders — in a controlled VR environment before transitioning to field tasks

4. Plumbing Fundamentals and Water Science (12 Hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Water Properties: Pressure and Flow
• The Plumbing System as a Whole
• Blueprint Reading and Plumbing Drawings
• Plumbing Code Awareness

5. Pipe Types, Fittings, & Joining Methods (18 Hours | Includes VR LAB)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Copper Pipe and Tubing
• PVC, CPVC, and ABS Plastic Pipe
• PEX Tubing
• Cast Iron, Galvanized, and Specialty Pipe

Virtual Reality Lab
VR LAB · SIM-P01 — Soldering a Copper Pipe Joint. Students complete the full soldering
workflow — joint cleaning and sanding, flux application, torch handling, sweat-soldering technique,
and leak verification — in a controlled VR environment before live torch work.

6. Water Supply Systems (14 hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Water Distribution Fundamentals
• Fixture Supply & Rough-In
• Water Heaters: Gas, Electric, and Tankless
• Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control
• Boiler Systems & Hydronic Heating Awareness

7. Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems (12 hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• DWV Principles & Code Requirements
• Drain & Waste Pipe Sizing and Slope
• Traps, Cleanouts, & Common DWV Configurations
• Drain Clearing and Troubleshooting

8. Fixtures and Appliance Connections (18 hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Toilets: Installation, Repair, and Troubleshooting
• Faucets, Sinks, and Lavatories
• Bathtubs, Showers, & Tub/Shower Valves
• Appliance Connections

Virtual Reality Lab
VR LAB · SIM-P03 — Installing a Kitchen Faucet. Students complete a full kitchen faucet
installation — supply-line connection, mounting, sealing, and leak verification — in a controlled VR
environment.

VR LAB · SIM-P04 — Installing a Toilet.

Students complete a full toilet installation — wax-ring
setting, closet-bolt alignment, supply connection, level check, and flush test — in VR before the live
skills assessment.

9. Gas Piping Awareness (8 hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Natural Gas and Propane Safety
• Gas Piping Materials & Connections
• Gas Appliance Connections & Testing

10. Preventive Maintenance & Inspection (16 hours | Includes VR LAB)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• PM Schedules for Plumbing Systems
• Common Plumbing Failures & Early Detection
• Inspection Checklists & Documentation
• Boiler Preventive Maintenance

Virtual Reality Lab
VR LAB · SIM-P05A — Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater. Students perform a structured
diagnosis on a residential gas water heater — pilot/igniter diagnosis, gas valve testing,
thermocouple checks, and combustion safety verification — in VR before field service.

VR LAB · SIM-P05B — Troubleshooting an Electric Water Heater. Students diagnose a
residential electric water heater — element resistance testing, thermostat diagnosis, and T&P valve
verification — applying multimeter techniques in a 240V appliance context.

11. Career Readiness and Job Transition (6 hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Plumbing Career Pathways
• Resume Writing (Plumbing-Focused)
• Interviewing & First Day Success

12. ATC Certification Prep (20 hours)

Topics Covered (LMS lessons)

• Plumbing Safety
• IPC Fundamentals (Articles, Definitions, Permits)
• UPC Fundamentals (and Differences from IPC)
• Water Supply & Distribution
• DWV (Drain, Waste, Vent) Systems
• Joining Methods & Materials
• Fixtures & Rough-In Dimensions
• Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control
• Plumbing Calculations

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
Apply OSHA 10 Construction Industry safety practices to plumbing jobsites
Identify and safely use plumbing hand tools, power tools, and specialty equipment
Explain water properties, pressure, and flow behavior in residential plumbing systems
Read plumbing drawings and identify code-awareness requirements for residential plumbing.
Select pipe materials and joining methods appropriate for water supply, DWV, and gas applications.
Solder copper joints to a code-compliant, leak-free standard
Identify and install common residential plumbing fixtures including toilets, faucets, and tub/shower valves.
Diagnose common plumbing failures using systematic troubleshooting procedures.
Troubleshoot gas and electric water heaters using vendor-correct service procedures.
Apply preventive maintenance and documentation practices to plumbing systems.
Demonstrate workplace readiness including resume writing, customer communication, and apprenticeship pathways

Program Completion Time:

Admission Requirements:

Age: Must be at least 18 years old (17-year-olds can start the course but can only finish it once they turn 18).
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Residency: Proof of U.S. residency
Language: English proficiency
Prerequisites: Payment in full

Completion Requirements:

Pass all 11 modules in sequence
Pass the mid-program competency assessment
Complete all 6 virtual reality lab tasks with passing scores
Sit for the OSHA 10 Construction Industry credentialing exam and Sit for the ATC Plumbing Certification exam (administered by American Trade Certifications)

Student Supports:

Program Structure:

Program Cost:

What you will earn upon course completion?

Completing this course will help you:

Understand the principles and components of HVAC systems.
Gain hands-on experience with HVAC tools and equipment.
Develop problem-solving skills for HVAC system troubleshooting and repair.
Prepare for certification exams and increase your employability in the HVAC industry.

Who is the course for?

This program is designed for adult learners seeking entry-level competency. Applicants must meet the
following:

Minimum age 18 years
Reading and math fundamentals (fractions, decimals, basic algebra
Technology requirements per Program Policies (device, internet, webcam, microphone)
Computer literacy and email proficiency
Physical capability to perform plumbing field tasks (with or without reasonable accommodation)

A Great Return on Your Investment

AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE

• Wasatch Trade Tech – 9-12 weeks
• 4-Year University – 5.2 years
• 2-Year College – 3.4 years

AVERAGE TUITION AND FEES

• Wasatch Trade Tech – $7,999
• 4-Year University – $103,000
• 2-Year College – $39,000

EDUCATION COST + LOST INCOME

• Wasatch Trade Tech – $29,000
• 4-Year University – $261,120
• 2-Year College – $141,461

MEDIAN COMPENSATION

• Wasatch Trade Tech – $46,200
• 4-Year University – $47,000
• 2-Year College – $38,600

TIME TO RECOVER INVESTMENT

• Wasatch Trade Tech – 7.5 months
• 4-Year University – 4.7 years
• 2-Year College – 3.7 years

	Wasatch Trade Tech	Four-Year University	Two-Year College
AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE	9-12 weeks	5.2 Years	3.4 Years
AVERAGE TUITION AND FEES	$7,999	$103,000	$39,000
EDUCATION COST + LOST INCOME	$29,000	$261,120	$141,461
MEDIAN COMPENSATION (Based on full-time employment)	$46,200	$47,000	$38,600
TIME TO RECOVER INVESTMENT	7.5 months	4.7 Years	3.7 Years

Wasatch Trade Tech Advantage

The HVAC industry is booming, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a remarkable 15% job growth by 2026 – far outpacing many other professional fields. As buildings become more complex and environmental sustainability becomes critical, skilled HVAC technicians are now essential professionals.

Working as an HVAC technician means entering a dynamic field with continuous learning opportunities. You’re not just choosing a job – you’re stepping into a profession with purpose.

Wasatch Trade Tech equips you with industry-standard certifications crucial for HVAC success: NATE Ready-to-Work, EPA 608 Universal, and OSHA 10 safety certifications. Our comprehensive course goes beyond test preparation, providing a roadmap to professional success.

These certifications are your ticket to higher earning potential, professional credibility, and a competitive edge in the HVAC industry. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to not just pass exams, but truly understand HVAC technology and safety.

Your future starts here – certified, capable, and ready to succeed

Wasatch Trade Tech (WTT) reimagines professional training with an affordable, online HVAC certification course. Unlike traditional schools charging $25,000+ for nearly year-long programs, WTT offers a swift, cost-effective path into a high-demand field.

With critical technician shortages, you could even secure an apprenticeship during your training. Your HVAC career is now shorter, more accessible, and more dynamic than ever. Start now.

Scholarship Opportunities

Financial assistance and scholarship opportunities may be available for qualified candidates who demonstrate both merit and need. These opportunities are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as academic background, professional experience, financial circumstances, and commitment to the field/industry. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact our admissions office (801.834.4547) to discuss available options and submit the necessary documentation for scholarship consideration. While award amounts vary, our goal is to make quality technical education accessible to promising students who are dedicated to building a career in skilled trades.

FAQ

What makes Wasatch Trade Tech's HVAC course unique?

Our online HVAC course stands out by reimagining technical education for the modern learner. Unlike traditional trade schools that lock you into lengthy, expensive courses, we offer a revolutionary approach to professional training:

Rapid Certification Path

Complete your comprehensive HVAC certification in as little as 12 weeks
Learn entirely online, from the comfort of your home
Flexible schedule that works around your current job and life commitments

Unprecedented Affordability

Cost significantly less than traditional trade schools (often 30-40% lower tuition)
No hidden fees or additional expenses for commuting or physical materials
Highest return on educational investment in the technical training market

Comprehensive Curriculum

Fully interactive online modules covering all critical HVAC technical skills
Preparation for key industry certifications like NATE, EPA 608, and OSHA
Real-world problem-solving techniques taught through digital simulations and case studies

Our course isn’t just an education – it’s a fast-track to a professional HVAC career, designed for motivated individuals who want maximum skills with minimum time and financial investment.

What additional support or instruction is available if I need help understanding HVAC course material or concepts?

Our students have exclusive access to weekly live video sessions with Master HVAC Technician Tiff Singleton, who hosts an interactive Q&A once per week in the evening (Central Time). During these 60-minute sessions, Tiff addresses student questions about course material, technical concepts, and shares valuable industry insights drawn from years of field experience and teaching thousands of HVAC students.

Attendance on these calls is not mandatory but is highly recommended for those students who are in the first few weeks of starting their program.