Instructor

Kraig Swanson
Department Head, Plumbing and Heating
Kraig.Swanson@cttech.org
203-732-1849

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s Plumbing and Heating course breakdown by grade. Each student is required to complete four years of a Career Technical Education program.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits
Exploratory and Introduction to Plumbing and Heating Residential Plumbing Residential and Commercial Plumbing Heating and Residential and Commercial Plumbing

Course Descriptions*

Students deciding to enter the field of Plumbing and Heating will be introduced to the basics of safety and sanitation, as well as the use and care of hand tools, power tools and stationary equipment. The students will use basic math computations and measurements necessary to calculate necessary plumbing materials and piping. Students will be introduced to the plumbing and mechanical codes and demonstrate basic-level skills in soldering, using basic solvents and steel piping techniques.

The Grade 10 Plumbing and Heating program is designed to provide students with information regarding safety, beginning with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) electrical safety and the safe use of power and hand tools. Students will examine the installation of drain, waste and venting, the use of copper tubing and steel piping and the installation of hangers and supports. Pipe sizing, residential fixtures and appliances and the proper use of fittings are also covered. Students will demonstrate the installation of drain, waste and vent (DWV) pipes using copper, steel, cast-iron, plastic, pipe and fittings. Students will perform both in-school and outside plumbing and heating projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level. They will also be able to install residential plumbing fixtures, thread pipe and explain basic drain cleaning.

In Grade 11, students will demonstrate theoretical competency in International and Mechanical Plumbing Codes. Students will be able to size drain, waste and vent (DWV), storm and sewage pumps, water distribution systems and venting gas appliances. Students will demonstrate the ability to install and repair DWV, water systems and residential and commercial fixtures and appliances. They will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview. Students will perform in-school and outside plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

In Grade 12, instruction expands into the heating field. Students will continue with safety and be introduced to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, ground water pollution, as well as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury and lead dangers. Students will demonstrate theoretical competency in related sciences and math. Students will also be able to complete a take-off from prints including symbols and isometrics, interpret the heating mechanical code and produce an estimate for a customer. Students will demonstrate the ability to install gas and oil boilers and heating equipment. They will be able to complete a set-up of a boiler, perform an efficiency test and make necessary adjustments. Students will advance in their participation in both in-school and outside plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, to interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the Senior Summative Assessment, which is a computerized interactive test.

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two- or a four-year engineering degree. Students can obtain immediate employment in the plumbing and heating field. Employment includes: residential and commercial plumbing and heating apprenticeship, sprinkler-fitters apprenticeship, pipe-fitters apprenticeship, steamfitters apprenticeship, gasfitters apprenticeship, estimators, plumbing and heating service technician, plumbing and heating maintenance, plumbing and heating sales representative and wholesale supply representative.