Diploma in Plumbing

Being a plumber is much more than being able to mend a leaking pipe. It is a highly skilled profession, well paid and in great demand. In fact the demand for plumbers is absolutely huge. Some people are even giving up lucrative professional careers because they can earn more as a plumber!

And that’s why this course is so rewarding – if you can’t afford to take time off work to attend college to study plumbing, this home study course is a fantastic way to learn the basic skills that could set you on your way to becoming a successful and in-demand plumber.

Do you like working with your hands? Would you like to learn all about cold and hot water systems, central heating, sanitation and electricity? Do you enjoy meeting people? If you can answer "yes" to all these then our Plumbing course is just right for you.

Who knows, you could end up earning over £50,000 a year as a plumber! And the great thing is, you will not have to take any time off work as you can study in your own time at home.

What will I learn on the Plumbing Diploma course?
The Plumbing Diploma Course is a golden opportunity to take the first step in becoming a successful plumber – either self-employed running your own lucrative business or working for a company. 

You will learn a great deal about the structure of the plumbing industry, trade regulations, tools in use, environmental concerns and much more besides.

And at the end of the course, you will be awarded a UK Open Learning Diploma!

You can end your studies there or go and take the City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate 6129 by taking the practical training and assessment. (please note that there are extra fees involved).

By taking this course you will also have covered all the theory to gain the Level 2 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering Services Plumbing (Domestic qualification). You will need to go to a City and Guilds accredited centre and complete the knowledge and on-the-job assessment.

The further training will take anything from 6 – 12 weeks and more details are available plus funding options by contacting UK Open Learning.

If you have 5 years or more experience you will be exempt from the practical training.

Course Overview
Unit 1 Plumbing Induction
The Apprenticeship Scheme; Plumbing S/NVQ; Technical
Certificate Scheme; Career Opportunities; Overview of
Plumbing Industry; Specialist Work; The Structure of the
Plumbing Industry; A Typical Business.

Unit 2 Health and Safety
Personal Safety and the Safety of Others; Regulations; Risk
Assessments; Access; Fire Safety and Emergencies; Electrical
Shock and First Aid; COSHH; LPG and Lead.

Unit 3 Common Plumbing Processes
Hand Tools; Power Tools; Measuring; Marking Out; Cutting;
Bending; Jointing; Fixing.

Unit 4 Key Plumbing Principles
Materials; Plumbing Science; Electricity; Calculations.

Unit 5 Sanitation systems
Sanitary Appliances; Traps; Pipework Systems; Pipework
Installation; Soundness Testing; Rainwater Systems;
Maintenance and De-Commissioning; Regulations.

Unit 6 Electricity
Electricity Supply Systems Installation; Earth Continuity; Testing
and De-commissioning; Regulations.

Unit 7 Cold Water Systems
Collection and Storage; Water Treatment; Water Distribution;
Service and Mains Connection; Service Pipework; Water Meters;
Direct and Indirect Systems; Cold Water Storage Cisterns; Water
Softeners; Frost Protection; System Components; Maintenance
and De-Commissioning; Regulations.

Unit 8 Domestic Hot Water Systems
Vented and Unvented Systems; Methods of Heating Water;
Types of Systems, Storage and Instantaneous; Thermal
Properties of Water; Venting and Overflow Arrangements;
Capacity of Storage Vessels; Control Devices to Prevent
Overheating; Sizing Requirements for Systems; System
Components; Maintenance and De-Commissioning;
Regulations.

Unit 9 Cold and hot water systems and components
Taps and Valves used in Hot and Cold Plumbing systems;
System Installation Requirements; Soundness Testing on Cold
and Hot Water Systems; Maintenance and De-commissioning;
Regulations.

Unit 10 Central Heating Systems
Systems and Components (including boilers); Central Heating
Controls; Maintenance and De-Commissioning; Energy
Efficiency; Regulations.

Unit 11 Sheet Lead Weatherings
Basic Principles; Fabrication Techniques; Flashings and Small
Weatherings.

Unit 12 Environmental Awareness
The Need for Energy Conservation; Legislation; The Building
Regulations; Improving Energy Efficiency; Reducing Waste;
Safe Disposal of Waste; Customer Advice.

Pre-requisites
Students must be aged 16 or over and be educated to GCSE level G or above or hold equivalent qualifications.
You must have access to the Internet to complete the course.

Support
You will have access to your own personal tutor via email and post.

Study Details
The course can be studied at your own pace but you must complete the course within 12 months from the date of purchase.
The course is around 180 study hours and there are no deadlines to meet so you can study in your own time.

FREE WATER REGULATIONS GUIDE WITH ALL ENROLMENTS

Assessment
You’ll complete a number of multiple-choice test papers that can be submitted to your tutor online or by post.  If you want to go on to achieve the City and Guilds 6129 Level 2 Technical Certificate, you only need to sit the practical training and assessment at a centre which we can help you find.

Qualification
UK Open Learning Diploma

FAQs

Q. What if I wish to cancel the course?

A. You have 7 days after the day you receive the course to return for a full refund. After the 7 days you would have to pay in full for the course as all the tutor fees will have been paid.

Q.  Is there an exam at the end of the course?

A. No, there is no final exam it is all assignment based.

Q. Where do I take my practical training?

A. We can put you in touch with centres in York and Essex where you can take your "Hands On Training".

Q. Is there any further reading I need to do?

A. No, although many student find it beneficial to do extra research on the Internet.