Plumbing Technology Course Catalog

Tarkio Technology Institute offers two certificates in plumbing, the Basic and Advanced Plumbing Certificates, and a Diploma in Plumbing Technology. The certificates build upon each other to provide students a complete program in plumbing, that prepares them for work as apprentice plumbers. By adding academic courses, the two certificates can be turned into a diploma.

Program Entry Requirements

Before registering for the Plumbing program, students must demonstrate competence in Mathematics with a minimum of 75 on the arithmetic portion of the College Placement Test, or provide a transcript showing a grade of C or higher in Senior High School Mathematics or by completing MATH098 College Preparation Math with a grade of C or higher. Students must apply for admission to a program and register for classes through the school’s Admission/Registrar Office. Students must meet class prerequisites, have the instructor’s permission, and there must be available space in the class.

PL 101 Modern Plumbing

(Fall Semester)

Credits 8

Class 3 Hours

Lab 10 Hours

This course introduces the tools, equipment, and materials associated with the plumbing industry. Topics include safety, use and care of tools, recognition and assembly of fittings and pipes, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely assemble various pipes and fittings in accordance with good plumbing practice. They will learn the skill of cutting and threading pipe. This is the introductory course in plumbing. This course may be taken as part of the certificate program or as a class. Prerequisite: Successful completion of High School Math, MATH 098 College Preparation Math or a College-level mathematics course.

PL102 Plumbing Maintenance and Repairs 

(Fall Semester)

Credit 3

Class 1 Hour

Lab 4 Hours

This course covers the maintenance and repair of plumbing lines and fixtures. Emphasis is placed on identifying and diagnosing problems related to water, drain and vent lines, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures. Students learn how to deal with clogs and use drain snakes. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and diagnose needed repairs to the plumbing system. Students will complete work-based learning as part of this course. Co-requisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission.

WD101 Basic Welding Processes

(Fall Semester)

Credits 2

Class 1 Hour

Lab 2 Hours

This course introduces basic welding and cutting. Emphasis is placed on beads applied with gasses, mild steel fillers, and electrodes and the capillary action of solder. Upon completion, students should be able to set up welding and oxy-fuel equipment and perform welding, brazing, and soldering processes. Co-requisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission. 

BP 101 Blueprint Reading for Construction

(Fall Semester)

Credits 3

Class 2 Hours

Lab 2 Hours

This course covers the interpretation of blueprints and specifications that are associated with design and construction projects. Topics include interpretation of documents for foundations, floor plans, elevations, and related topics. Emphasis is placed on understanding plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning features in construction plans. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret construction prints and documents. Prerequisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission

PL102B Plumbing Maintenance and Repairs (Spring Semester)   

Credits 3

Class 1 Hour

Lab 4 Hours

This course covers the maintenance and repair of plumbing lines and fixtures. Emphasis is placed on identifying and diagnosing problems related to water, drain and vent lines, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures. Students learn how to deal with clogs and use drain snakes. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and diagnose needed repairs to the plumbing system. Students will complete work-based learning as part of this course. Co-requisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission.

PL110 Advanced Plumbing (Spring Semester)

Credits 5

Class 2 Hour

Lab 6 Hours

This course covers the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems and components. Topics include safe use of tools, implementation of standard practices, and installation/maintenance of piping, fittings, valves, appliances and fixtures used in plumbed systems. Upon completion, students should be able to install/maintain basic plumbing systems, components, appliances, and fixtures through appropriate use of plumbing tools and standard practices. Basic plumbing codes are introduced. Prerequisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission.

PL 120 Plumbing Estimates

(Spring Semester)

Credits 2

Class 1 Hours

Lab 2 Hours

This course covers techniques for estimating quantities of materials and cost of installation for various types of plumbing systems. Topics include design of systems, codes, material take-offs, pricing, and public relations. Upon completion, students should be able to order materials needed for installation from a designed system. Prerequisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission.

PL 201 Commercial Plumbing

(Spring Semester)

Credits 3

Class 2 Hours

Lab 2 Hours

This course covers the installation of various commercial and industrial piping. Topics include piping in steam, gas, air, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to select and install various piping systems for a variety of applications. Prerequisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission.

PL202 - Basic Electrical for Plumbers (Spring Semester)

Credits 3

Class 2 Hours

Lab 2 Hours

This course provides an overview of electrical history and theory, including current, voltage, resistance and Ohm's law, circuits and electrical distribution, and grounding. Students learn safety procedures. Students practice electrical wiring and set up electric water heaters. Prerequisite: PL 101 Modern Plumbing or Instructor’s Permission.

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