Online Plumbing Courses 2026: Learn Anywhere, Anytime, Any Device

Beginner or expert, on-demand virtual learning give you anywhere, anytime, any device flexibility.

Taught by an industry experts with hours of video lessons, 3D simulations and knowledge checks that test your comprehension. These innovative online plumbing courses simplify foundational concepts and present troubleshooting at a pace that’s easy to learn and digest. If you’re looking to apply these skills on the job, companies like Discount Water Heaters on Florida’s Treasure Coast actively work with trained technicians.

PLMB101: Introduction to Water Heaters

This course introduces you to the components, setup, and function of gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. You’ll start by learning about the anatomy of these three types of water heaters and conclude with how to maintain them. The course will cover water, gas and vent piping along with the various components common to most water heaters. Controls, sequence of operation and safety devices along with a few special illustrations make this a great course for both beginners and experienced technicians alike. Covers:

Water Heater Anatomy
Connecting Piping
Dielectric Connections
Relief Valves
Expansion Tanks
Dip Tubes & Anode Rods
Gas Piping
Venting: Category I, Category IV & Direct Vent
Drain Pans
Controls for Gas Fired Units: Standing Pilot, Piezo Igniters, Power Vent with HSI, Vent Motors, and Pressure Switches
Controls for Electric Units: Thermostats, Heating Elements and Sequence of Operation
Water Heater Maintenance

PLMB102: Basic Plumbing Tools

There are many different tools required for the plumber, from daily jobs to a veteran challenge. This course covers the basic tools you’ll use most. It goes through various different categories, explaining each tool’s application and helpful tips, with safety practices in mind. It begins with tools used in the home, then transitions to tools for commercial application. Finally you’ll explore some helpful repair tools that aid in common problems. Proper usage and safety covers:

Hand tools
Leveling tools
Pipe wrenches and pipe cutters
Tubing cutters
Torches
Helpful repair tools for common problems

PLMB103: Caulking and Sealing

Properly using caulk and caulking tools is essential to creating a neat and professional look as well as a long lasting seal between materials. Caulk can be used for many applications, including windows, doors, and fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen. This course covers the different kinds of caulk and what they’re used for, the tools needed, and how to properly remove and apply caulk to specific building materials.

How to select the proper caulk based on application
Understand the common tools used in preparing for and applying caulks and sealants
Tools and methods used to remove caulk, apply caulk in various applications, and the proper methods for caulking and sealing specific building materials

PLMB104: PLUMBING MATERIALS OVERVIEW

Pipes are used to bring water or gas into a building and sewage or waste out. Being able to determine what type of pipes a structure has is crucial to understanding what type of work needs to be done. Each pipe material has its own fittings, assembly methods, and application. This course covers potable water piping, sanitary drainage, and fuel gas piping.

Identify galvanized piping, copper pipe and tubing, CPVC, PVC, PE, PEX, ABS, and cast iron pipes and fittings
Understand the purpose of a dielectric union
Learn solvent welding process and selection of the proper primer and glue
Understand the differences between PE and PEX pipe, fittings, and application
Identify hub and no hub cast iron pipe and the methods used for joining them
Understand the difference between PVC and ABS pipe and how to select the proper primer and cement
Identify black iron and CSST piping
Learn what bonding wire does

PLMB105: Plumbing Demolition

Before remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, you have to remove the old fixtures. It’s important to know how to remove plumbing fixtures correctly for both safety reasons and to prevent damage to things that are not removed. This course covers the procedures for removing common bathroom and kitchen fixtures, including sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers:

Proper procedures for demolition and replacement of bathroom and kitchen fixtures
Removing a sink and bath vanity, toilet, tub, and shower
Remove or modify kitchen plumbing

PLMB106: Plumbing Bath & Kitchen Fixtures Overview

Explore all the materials, configurations and components of various plumbing fixtures for the bathroom and kitchen. Take a look at lavatory materials and mounting types. Learn kitchen sinks and faucets. Discover how many different showers, bathtubs and showerheads there are, as well as the benefits of each. Understand the anatomy and function of toilets. Course covers topics essential to being able to make an informed and professional recommendation for what fixture would be best suited for an individual situation.

Lavatory materials & mounting styles
Faucets, types & benefits
Kitchen sinks & faucets, types & benefits
Bathtub and shower enclosures & materials
The anatomy and basic functionality of toilets

Troubleshooting Courses:

Electric Water Heaters
Toilets
Kitchen Sinks
Gas Water Heaters

Online Plumbing Courses 2026: Learn Essential Skills at Your Own Pace

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Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills, on-demand virtual learning gives you the flexibility to train anywhere, anytime, on any device.

Our online trade school plumbing courses are taught by industry experts and feature hours of video lessons, 3D simulations, and knowledge checks that test your comprehension. These innovative courses simplify foundational concepts and present troubleshooting scenarios at a pace that’s easy to learn and digest.

Perfect for:

Aspiring plumbers preparing for apprenticeships
Career changers exploring blue collar careers
Current apprentices supplementing hands-on training
DIY enthusiasts wanting professional-level knowledge
Anyone seeking job-ready plumbing skills

Why Choose Virtual Plumbing Training?

Learn on your schedule: Study during evenings, weekends, or whenever fits your life. No need to quit your current job or relocate for training.

Real-world simulations: Practice on virtual water heaters, fixtures, and pipe systems before touching actual equipment. Make mistakes safely while building confidence.

Industry expert instruction: Learn from licensed plumbers with decades of field experience who know what employers expect.

Career support included: Get interview coaching, resume help, and job placement assistance when you’re ready to enter the field.

Affordable alternative: Train at a fraction of the cost of traditional trade schools or community college programs.

Core Plumbing Courses

PLMB101: Introduction to Water Heaters

Master the components, setup, and function of gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. You’ll learn the anatomy of all three types and how to maintain them properly.

What you’ll learn:

Water heater anatomy and component identification
Connecting piping, dielectric connections, and relief valves
Expansion tanks, dip tubes, and anode rods
Gas piping installation and requirements
Venting systems: Category I, Category IV, and Direct Vent
Drain pans and proper installation
Controls for gas-fired units: standing pilot, piezo igniters, power vent with HSI, vent motors, and pressure switches
Controls for electric units: thermostats, heating elements, and sequence of operation
Water heater maintenance procedures and best practices

Why this matters: Water heater installation and repair is one of the most common plumbing services. This course prepares you for real service calls from day one.

PLMB102: Basic Plumbing Tools

From daily jobs to veteran challenges, this course covers the essential tools every plumber uses. You’ll explore various tool categories, learning each tool’s proper application and safety practices.

Tools covered:

Hand tools for common plumbing tasks
Leveling tools and their applications
Pipe wrenches and pipe cutters
Tubing cutters for copper and other materials
Torches for soldering and brazing
Helpful repair tools for common problems
Commercial-grade tools and when to use them

Course structure: Begins with residential tools, transitions to commercial applications, then explores specialized repair tools. Proper usage and safety emphasized throughout.

PLMB103: Caulking and Sealing

Creating professional-looking, long-lasting seals between materials is essential for any plumber. This course teaches proper caulking techniques for windows, doors, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen installations.

What you’ll master:

Selecting the proper caulk based on application (silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, etc.)
Common tools used in preparing surfaces and applying caulks and sealants
Methods for removing old caulk without damaging surfaces
Proper application techniques for various building materials
Creating clean, professional-looking bead lines
Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Real-world application: Poor caulking causes callbacks and damages your reputation. This course ensures your work looks professional and lasts.

PLMB104: Plumbing Materials Overview

Understanding pipe materials is crucial for determining what type of work needs to be done. Each material has its own fittings, assembly methods, and specific applications.

Piping systems covered:

Potable water piping:

Galvanized piping (older homes)
Copper pipe and tubing (Type K, L, M)
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) – increasingly popular
PE (Polyethylene)

Sanitary drainage:

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Cast iron pipe (hub and no-hub)

Fuel gas piping:

Black iron pipe
CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing)
Bonding wire requirements

Skills you’ll develop:

Identify different pipe materials and fittings on sight
Understand dielectric unions and when they’re required
Master the solvent welding process and proper primer/glue selection
Distinguish between PE and PEX applications
Learn joining methods for hub and no-hub cast iron
Understand PVC vs ABS differences and proper installation

PLMB105: Plumbing Demolition

Before remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, you must remove old fixtures correctly. This course teaches safe demolition procedures that prevent damage to structures and surrounding materials.

Fixtures and procedures covered:

Removing sinks and bath vanities without damaging cabinets or walls
Toilet removal and proper wax ring disposal
Bathtub removal (alcove, drop-in, and freestanding)
Shower pan and surround removal
Kitchen sink and garbage disposal disconnection
Modifying existing kitchen plumbing for new layouts

Safety emphasis: Learn how to shut off water properly, drain lines safely, and identify potential hazards before demolition begins.

PLMB106: Plumbing Bath & Kitchen Fixtures Overview

Explore materials, configurations, and components of various plumbing fixtures. This course prepares you to make informed, professional recommendations based on individual situations.

Bathroom fixtures:

Lavatory materials (porcelain, vitreous china, acrylic) and mounting styles (drop-in, undermount, vessel)
Faucet types and benefits (single-handle, widespread, centerset)
Bathtub materials and styles (alcove, freestanding, soaking, jetted)
Shower enclosures and materials (fiberglass, acrylic, tile, glass)
Toilet anatomy and basic functionality (gravity-fed, pressure-assisted, dual-flush)

Kitchen fixtures:

Kitchen sink materials (stainless steel, composite, cast iron)
Sink configurations (single bowl, double bowl, farmhouse)
Kitchen faucet types and features (pull-down, pull-out, touchless)
Garbage disposal installation and compatibility

Why this knowledge matters: Customers rely on your expertise to select fixtures that match their needs, budget, and style. This course makes you a trusted advisor, not just an installer.

Troubleshooting Courses

Put your knowledge to work with real-world troubleshooting scenarios. These advanced courses teach diagnostic skills that separate average plumbers from highly-paid specialists.

Electric Water Heaters Troubleshooting

Diagnose and repair common electric water heater problems including no hot water, insufficient hot water, leaking tanks, faulty thermostats, failed heating elements, and tripped breakers.

Gas Water Heaters Troubleshooting

Master gas water heater diagnostics including pilot light issues, burner problems, thermocouple failures, venting concerns, and gas valve malfunctions.

Toilet Troubleshooting

Fix common toilet problems like running toilets, weak flush, clogs, leaks, fill valve issues, and flapper problems. Learn when to repair vs. replace.

Kitchen Sink Troubleshooting

Address drainage issues, faucet leaks, garbage disposal problems, trap clogs, and supply line issues. Includes proper diagnostic procedures.

How Virtual Training Prepares You for Real Jobs

3D simulations: Practice installations and repairs in virtual environments. See inside pipes, valves, and fixtures to understand how they work.

Step-by-step guidance: Follow experienced plumbers through complex procedures. Pause, rewind, and review as many times as needed.

Knowledge checks: Test your understanding with quizzes and scenarios that mirror real service calls.

Build confidence: Make mistakes safely while learning. By the time you work on actual customer systems, you’ve already practiced dozens of times.

Complement apprenticeships: Many students use our courses while working as helpers or apprentices. The knowledge accelerates your on-the-job learning.

Start Your Plumbing Career with The Blue Collar Recruiter

The Blue Collar Recruiter Virtual Trade School offers comprehensive plumbing training that gets you job-ready faster than traditional programs.

What’s included: ✓ Complete plumbing course library with lifetime access
✓ Virtual reality simulations for hands-on practice
✓ Industry expert instruction from licensed plumbers
✓ Study at your own pace from anywhere
✓ Certificate of completion for your resume
✓ Interview coaching and resume building
✓ Job placement assistance upon completion
✓ Ongoing mentoring and career support

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