Plumbing
25 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
PLMB 040A 30-hour Cal/OSHA Standard for Excellence
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
This course is designed for indentured apprentices registered with the State of California who are pursuing a career in the plumbing industry. It is divided into two parts to educate United Association (UA) members about Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and the responsibilities of being part of a union. First, students learn to recognize potential hazards by studying Cal/OSHA standards and develop an understanding of what constitutes a safe working environment. They also learn how to respond to unsafe conditions by knowing who to contact and how to address the situation safely. The second part of this course covers the history of the UA, the rights of UA members, and the rights of employers. Students gain an understanding of the mutual respect and commitment required between labor and management both on and off the job.
PLMB 040B Trade-Related Math
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
This course is designed for indentured apprentices registered with the State of California who are pursuing a career in the plumbing industry. Students receive instruction in trade-related mathematics, including the use of fractions, decimals, and percentages. The course also covers the fundamentals of 3-4-5 triangles. By the end of the course, students will be able to calculate pipe fitting allowances and apply grade measurements to piping problems.
PLMB 040C Advanced Trade-Related Math and Science
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040B
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This class has two parts to educate United Association (UA) members in advanced math and related science. In the first half of class, students learn the fundamentals of trigonometry, equal spread offsets, and rolling offsets. Students are shown basic functions of the Pipe Trades Pro Calculator. In the second half of class students, learn basic concepts of related science in the piping industry and are introduced to complex elements, British Thermal Units, pressures, weights, and temperatures.
PLMB 040D Copper Joining Methods
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 20 Lecture, 20 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040B, PLMB 040A
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course focuses on the fundamentals of the copper joining methods used in the plumbing and pipefitting trades as well as the use of an oxy-acetylene torch for flame cutting and welding. Students are exposed to safety and safe work practices, soldering and brazing theory, types and uses of copper tube, solders, fluxes and brazing alloys, joint preparation and assembly, heating equipment and tools, flared, compression, soldered and brazed joints, as well as performance tests for soldering and brazing.
PLMB 040E Plan Reading and Isometric Drawing Fundamentals
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 12 Lecture, 28 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040C
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This is an introduction on how to read building plans and how to interpret those drawings along with how to draw an isometric drawing which is a very effective tool in communicating the desired result of the piping installation. The importance and meanings of the symbols and lines, how to locate specific details, and make drawings to scale dimensions are discussed. Students are required to complete a series of isometric drawing exercises as well as assignments that cover symbol identification and locating specific equipment.
PLMB 040F Pipe Fabrication and Installation Fundamentals
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 12 Lecture, 28 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040C, PLMB 040A
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course will educate United Association (UA) members in the fundamentals of pipe fabrication and installation. It will give the student the necessary instruction and development on how to provide piping for various types of pipe systems such as air, gas, steam, water, and refrigeration. The student will be able to identify material and components for proper assembly, joining, and testing of piping systems based on industry-wide procedures and specifications.
PLMB 040G Safe Rigging Practice
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 4 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040C, PLMB 040A
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers safety, best rigging practices, proper setup procedures, and hands-on demonstrations. Students learn to locate and inspect the identification tags and inspect equipment thoroughly. By the end of this course, students will be able to accurately locate and calculate the center of gravity, assess sling stress, crane setup, and effecticely set up crane rigging, as well as operate tuggers, jacks and rollers.
PLMB 040H Introduction to Computers
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture, 0 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040C, PLMB 040A
This course is tailored for Indentured Apprentices in the State of California who are embarking on a career in the plumbing industry. In this class, basic computer terminology, parts, and skills for professional use within the industry will be covered. Students receive an introduction to the basic key commands and how to use them in conjunction with processing applications. At the end of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to compose a proper email, create a professional document, make a spreadsheet, and develop and present a presentation.
PLMB 040I Introduction to Plumbing Code
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040C, PLMB 040A
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. It is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to proficiently navigate the plumbing codebook and address common installation challenges. Students gain an understanding of fundamental plumbing systems, key terminology, definitions, and the various fittings and materials frequently used in the field. By mastering these foundational elements and comprehending the operational aspects of plumbing systems, students will be prepared to efficiently research and apply general code requirements and sizing specifications.
PLMB 040J Underground Installations
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 24 Lecture, 16 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This class covers the approved materials for underground installations, along with the process of excavating and installing underground utilities and the review and reinforcement of necessary safety procedures. Topics of discussion include the importance of 811 (national "Call Before you Dig" phone number), soil classification, and trench safety along with the use of specialty tools and equipment. At the end of this course, students will have gained experience in transferring elevations, finding new elevations, laying out trenches to be excavated, and performing a builder’s level run.
PLMB 040K Fuel Gas Systems
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This course covers approved materials for the installation of a variety of fuel gas distribution systems and appliances, sizing of fuel gas distribution systems based on the Uniform Plumbing Code longest length and branch length methods at multiple pressures for natural gas and for propane, and calculating the proper amount of air for combustion. Students will be expected to size fuel gas systems, identify approved materials and locate and apply appropriate code sections to facilitate proper installations.
PLMB 040L Water Heater and Venting
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 34 Lecture, 6 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for various appliances used in water heating, the impact of proper venting on fuel gas supplied water heating equipment and how to size a flue, specific manufacturer’s requirements for installation of water heating appliances and sizing for application, and applicable codes and typical troubleshooting and maintenance of water heating appliances.
PLMB 040M Drainage I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 32 Lecture, 8 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the installation of sanitary drainage systems and the protection of the health and safety of the public. Students learn about approved materials for installations of drains and sanitary sewers, requirements for indirect wastes, installation requirements for traps and interceptors, and minimum drainage pipe sizing for specific fixtures. Students will comprehend the basic design and function of sanitary drainage systems, along with the minimum code requirements for the installation and protection of sanitary waste systems.
PLMB 040N Drainage II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 4 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040M
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the installation of alternate sanitary drainage systems and the protection of the health and safety of the public. Students take an in-depth look at alternative methods and designs that can be used to provide sanitary drainage systems under adverse conditions or to simplify the installation process. This course covers the minimum requirements for the installation of special venting for sanitary drainage systems and appurtenances, private disposal, and on-site wastewater treatment systems. At the conclusion of this class, students will be competent in understanding alternate sanitary drainage systems and how they are designed.
PLMB 040P Water Supply Systems
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the installation of the modern water supply and distribution system and the installation requirements that must be followed to protect the health and safety of the public. This course provides students with information on water supply systems, piping materials, water treatment, water distribution systems, water heating, and water conservation. Students learn more in-depth about theory and practice of water distribution, plumbing codes, water quality, types of piping networks, sizing of pipes, and approved materials.
PLMB 040Q Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 13 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the identification, installation best practices, applicable codes and common service and repair issues related to many different plumbing related fixtures and appliances. Coursework includes the history of plumbing fixtures, sanitary fixtures, bathing fixtures, emergency plumbing fixtures, sinks and kitchen fixtures, waste receptors, clothes washers, water dispensing fixtures, and many plumbing appurtenances.
PLMB 040R Advanced Drawing for Plumbing
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 26 Lecture, 14 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for building on the plan reading skills that were acquired in 905 Plan Reading and Isometric Drawing Fundamentals as well as cultivating Building Information Modeling fundamentals. Students work within the BIM 360, Navisworks, and Revisto modeling programs.
PLMB 040S Design and Layout for Plumbing
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 12 Lecture, 28 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040R
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. In this course, students use the codebook, architectural sketches, and fixture manufacturer specifications to design plumbing systems. The course covers how codes and standards affect the layout of plumbing fixtures and how friction, cost, and other trades are taken into consideration in the design process of individual plumbing systems; the result being a complete set of plumbing system drawings that are stream-lined, cost effective to install, and do not clash with other trades while complying with codes and standards and meeting the customers’ needs.
PLMB 040T Project Estimation
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 7 Lecture, 33 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040S, PLMB 040R
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This course introduces students to different methods of estimating plumbing projects. Students will become familiar with the bottom-up method of estimation with the end goal of formulating profitable estimations. This class will also refresh and reinforce each students’ isometric drawing skills, plan-reading skills, the use of submittals for information about the project, completion of material lists and request forms, and the use of requests for information forms.
PLMB 040U Plumbing Modules
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 4 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040T, PLMB 040S, PLMB 040R
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This course is intended to give students hands-on experience on what it takes to safely fabricate and install the plumbing systems they have been learning about to this point. Students are given a set of plans and will have to determine the most efficient way to install the plumbing systems. After installation, each system will then be tested for integrity and inspected for correctness.
PLMB 040V Storm Drain/Rainwater Harvesting
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 4 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040N, PLMB 040M
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. This course covers the minimum requirements for the installation of storm drains, roof drains, rainwater harvesting and the associated regulations, components and piping. Students examine the requirements for harvesting rainwater for beneficial use according to ARCSA/ASPE/ASSE standard 63 as well as the Uniform Plumbing Code. Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge of how to navigate the codes, standards, regulations and best practices for the proper installation of these systems.
PLMB 040W Pump, Valves, and Regulators
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 4 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the function, purpose, and design of various types of pumps, valves, and pressure regulators. This course includes identifying key components and their functions in each apparatus as well as hydraulic calculations associated with the selection of these appurtenances. Students explore the use of flow charts and performance curves for specifying pumps.
PLMB 040X Service and Repair
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 4 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. In this course, students are exposed to the theories, practices, and safety involved in servicing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing and hydronic systems. Basic troubleshooting, specialized tools and equipment, and safe work practices are covered. By the end of the course, students will have developed basic problem-solving and troubleshooting skills and a general understanding of what it takes to keep these systems functioning efficiently.
PLMB 040Y Risk Assessment, QA/QC, and Customer Service
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040A, PLMB 040C, PLMB 040D, PLMB 040E, PLMB 040F, PLMB 040G, PLMB 040H
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the instruction of project risk assessment with an emphasis on the differences between quality assurance and quality control as well as discussion of implementation tactics for each of them. The course will also focus on the methods and importance of effective customer service.
PLMB 040Z CAD and Jobsite Technology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 13 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PLMB 040R
This course is designed to meet the needs of indentured apprentices with the State of California who are interested in the plumbing industry. The course covers approved materials for the instruction of technology for the jobsite. Students are introduced to to BIM programs such as Revit, Navisworks, and Bluebeam Revu. Jobsite technologies such as LiDAR, Robotic Total Station, laser scanning, and drone surveying are also discussed. Students work within these programs to create digital construction documents of varying types.