1. Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
2. Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
3. Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
4. Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
5. Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
6. Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.

1. Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
2. Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
3. Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.

1. Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
2. Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
3. Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

1. Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

1. Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

1. Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.

1. Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

1. Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

1. Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

1. Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
2. Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

1. Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.

1. Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

1. Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

1. Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.

1. Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.

1. Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.

1. Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

1. Keep records of work assignments.

1. Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.

1. Repair or remove and replace system components.

1. Repair or remove and replace system components.

1. Repair or remove and replace system components.

1. Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.

1. Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.

1. Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
2. Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.

1. Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.

The 576 hours required to complete apprenticeship are broken down into 144 hours per year for a total of four years. The curriculum utilized for the instruction is the PHCC Plumbing Training Series, developed in partnership with the PHCC Educational Foundation Plumbing Apprentice and Journeyman Training Committee. A team of subject matter experts including contractors, teachers and code experts developed the curriculum to provide an industry-oriented approach. Writers with a background in the trade and teaching produced the content. The program is organized according to the U.S. Department of Labor Standards and is recognized by them to meet the qualifying standards for the classroom portion of apprentice programs.