Physical Planning and Construction Building Construction

Understand And Describe Basic Plumbing Principles Training

SAQA US 119075 | NQF 2 | Credits 8 | Duration 5 Days
From $1,242 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with foundational knowledge of plumbing principles, including water supply systems, drainage, and fixture installation. It focuses on understanding basic plumbing theory, safety practices, and the application of relevant regulations in a South African context.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the principles of water supply and distribution systems.
  • Identify and describe different types of plumbing fixtures and fittings.
  • Apply basic safety procedures and regulations in plumbing work.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of drainage and waste disposal systems.
  • Interpret simple plumbing diagrams and specifications.
  • Describe the role of plumbing in building construction and maintenance.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for aspiring plumbers, construction workers, and maintenance staff who need a basic understanding of plumbing systems. It also benefits individuals seeking entry-level qualifications in the plumbing trade.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Plumbing Principles and Safety

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and importance of plumbing in the built environment.
• Identify relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Recognise common plumbing tools and materials.
• Explain the basic principles of water supply and drainage.

Topics:
• Overview of the plumbing industry and career pathways.
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and site safety.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.
• Introduction to plumbing materials: pipes, fittings, valves.
• Basic plumbing tools: wrenches, cutters, threaders.
• Principles of water supply: pressure, flow, and backflow prevention.
• Principles of drainage: gravity, venting, and traps.
• Environmental considerations: water conservation and waste management.

Day 2: Water Supply Systems and Installation

Objectives:
• Describe types of water supply systems (direct, indirect, pumped).
• Identify components of a cold water supply system.
• Explain hot water systems and safety devices.
• Demonstrate basic pipe joining techniques.

Topics:
• Direct vs. indirect cold water supply systems.
• Pipe sizing and pressure requirements.
• Water meters, stopcocks, and non-return valves.
• Types of hot water systems: geysers, solar, heat pumps.
• Temperature and pressure relief valves.
• Pipe joining methods: compression, soldering, solvent welding.
• Installation of pipework for supply systems.
• Testing for leaks and pressure testing procedures.

Day 3: Sanitary Drainage and Ventilation

Objectives:
• Understand the principles of sanitary drainage systems.
• Identify drainage pipework and fittings.
• Explain the importance of ventilation in drainage.
• Describe waste pipe installation and gradient requirements.

Topics:
• Components of a drainage system: traps, waste pipes, soil pipes.
• Gradient and fall requirements for drainage pipes.
• Pipe materials for drainage: PVC, cast iron, HDPE.
• Drainage fittings: bends, junctions, access points.
• Principles of ventilation: primary and secondary venting.
• Anti-siphonage and ventilation pipe installation.
• Connection to municipal sewer or septic tank.
• Testing drainage systems: water test and smoke test.

Day 4: Fixtures, Fittings, and Appliances

Objectives:
• Identify common plumbing fixtures and their installation requirements.
• Explain the operation and installation of taps, mixers, and valves.
• Describe the installation of toilets, basins, baths, and showers.
• Understand basic water heating appliances and connections.

Topics:
• Types of taps: pillar, mixer, sensor, and thermostatic.
• Valve types: gate, globe, ball, and check valves.
• Toilet installation: pan, cistern, and flushing mechanisms.
• Basin and vanity installation: waste fittings and trap connections.
• Bath and shower installation: mixing valves and showerheads.
• Kitchen sink installation: waste disposal units and taps.
• Geyser installation: mounting, pipe connections, and safety.
• Solar water heater and heat pump basics.

Day 5: Practical Application and Integration

Objectives:
• Apply plumbing principles to a simulated installation scenario.
• Integrate water supply and drainage systems.
• Perform testing and commissioning of a plumbing system.
• Demonstrate fault-finding and basic repairs.

Topics:
• Practical exercise: install a complete water supply and drainage system for a bathroom.
• Pipework routing and support.
• Connecting fixtures: basin, toilet, and shower.
• Pressure testing and leak detection.
• Commissioning: flushing, checking flow rates.
• Common faults: blockages, leaks, low pressure.
• Basic repairs: replacing washers, clearing blockages.
• Review of unit standard outcomes and assessment preparation.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Fri 11 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Sep 2026 Fri 02 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Oct 2026 Fri 23 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Dec 2026 Fri 11 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 11 Jan 2027 Fri 15 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Feb 2027 Fri 19 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Fri 05 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Jun 2027 Fri 11 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Jun 2027 Fri 02 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Jul 2027 Fri 23 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Sep 2027 Fri 10 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Sep 2027 Fri 01 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 18 Oct 2027 Fri 22 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Dec 2027 Fri 10 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 17 Jan 2028 Fri 21 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 498 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $1,863 Register
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Dubai, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Cape Town, South Africa Winter 2026 $3,078 Register
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Mauritius Winter 2026 $3,834 Register
Mon 03 Aug 2026 Fri 07 Aug 2026 Johannesburg, South Africa Winter 2026 $2,592 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 14 Sep 2026 Fri 18 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Fri 09 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Oct 2026 Fri 30 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Dec 2026 Fri 18 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 18 Jan 2027 Fri 22 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Feb 2027 Fri 26 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Mar 2027 Fri 26 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Jun 2027 Fri 18 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Jul 2027 Fri 09 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Jul 2027 Fri 30 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Fri 17 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 04 Oct 2027 Fri 08 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 25 Oct 2027 Fri 29 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Dec 2027 Fri 17 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 03 Jan 2028 Fri 07 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 24 Jan 2028 Fri 28 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

View Sessions & Register Get A Quote Download Course Brochure
Have an account?

Sign in to track your applications and manage your cart.

Related Courses

Other Physical Planning and Construction courses at NQF level 2 learners on this page also viewed.

Browse the full Physical Planning and Construction category for physical planning and construction training programmes.
GET A QUOTE / APPLY COURSE CATALOGUE