About Plumbing Technology

Students in the Plumbing Technology program learn how to design, install, and repair residential and commercial plumbing systems and hydronic heating systems. Some of the skills acquired are joining different types of piping materials, reading blueprints, and installing and repairing boilers, plumbing fixtures, faucets, and water heaters.

Employment opportunities in the plumbing and pipe-fitting industries include the installation of plumbing and heating systems in new buildings and the installation and maintenance of plumbing, heating, and piping systems for industries, public utilities, or government agencies. Self-employment is another option. Many graduates become self-employed plumbers after completing their apprenticeships.


What you’ll learn

  • Apply safety principles and demonstrate good work habits in the trade.
  • Use the hand and power tools of the trade.
  • Identify piping materials and install them using proper connections.
  • Use and apply trade terms and technical data.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and codes as they apply to the trade.
  • Lay out, estimate, calculate, and use mathematical skills as required in the trade.
  • Install, maintain, and repair plumbing, heating, and mechanical systems and equipment.
  • Keep abreast of new developments in the field.
  • Demonstrate the ability to write letters of application, memos, work orders, reports, and apply communication skills in the world of work. 

Sample Job Titles 

Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.

Drain Technician, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician, Pipe Fitter, Pipe Welder, Pipefitter, Plumber, Residential Plumber, Service Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Steamfitter

Essential Skills Needed

This program requires a variety of foundational skills for students to thrive. Click the button below to view the full list of essential skills you’ll need before enrolling.

Location
Woolworth Building, Main Campus

Type of program
Associate Degree

Job/Salary Outlook
See industry data

Length of program
2 years, 73 credits

Cost of program
$4,500/semester tuition
$3,105 – $3,623/semester housing
$1,915 – $2,417/semester meal plan

Tool List (PDF)

Program details

Courses

MODEL SCHEDULE FOR PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY

  • PLBG 107 The Plumbing Trade (3 credits)
  • PLBG 112 Plumbing Design I: Intro to Plumbing Systems (3 credits)
  • PLBG 117 Plumbing Installation I (a): Plumbing Materials (3 credits)
  • PLBG 122 Plumbing Installation I (b): Plumbing Tools (1.5 credits)
  • PLBG 130 Construction Blueprint Reading (1.5 credits)
  • MATH 126 Technical Mathematics I (or higher) (3 credits)
  • ENG 106 English Composition (3 credits)
  • Health/PE Elective (1 credit)
  • PLBG 156 Plumbing Design II: Blueprint Reading (3 credits)
  • PLBG 170 Plumbing Installation II (a): Underground and Aboveground Rough-In (3 credits)
  • PLBG 176 Plumbing Installation II (b): Fixture Installation (3 credits)
  • PLBG 167 Plumbing Service I: Intro (3 credits)
  • MATH Elective (3 credits)
  • CIS 111 Intro to Computer Applications (3 credits)
  • PLBG 207 Plumbing Design III: Plumbing Codes (3 credits)
  • PLBG 213 Plumbing Installation III (3 credits)
  • PLBG 216 Plumbing Installation IV: Commercial Plumbing Installation (3 credits)
  • PLBG 223 Plumbing Service II: Advanced Plumbing Services (3 credits)
  • Science Elective (3 credits)
  • Humanities Elective (3 credits)
  • PLBG 256 Plumbing Design IV: Designing Hydronic Heating Systems (3 credits)
  • PLBG 262 Plumbing Installation V (3 credits)
  • PLBG 267 Plumbing Service III (3 credits)
  • PLBG 272 Plumbing Installation VI (3 credits)
  • BUSN 106 Small Business Management (3 credits)
  • ELECTIVE General Education Elective (3 credits)

Total Credits 73

Faculty
Kemon P first year plumbing technology instructor

Kemon Papadimitriou

Instructor, Plumbing Technology, Second-Year Students, ‘004
Skyler Major second year students plumbing technology instructor

Skyler Major

Instructor, Plumbing Technology, First-Year Students, ’22
Occupational Advisory Committee

The Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) serves as a vital link between the Program of study and industry, ensuring that the program remains aligned with current workforce needs, technological advancements, and best practices in the field. Composed of employers, educators, and other community members, the committee provides guidance, feedback, and recommendations to enhance the curriculum, instructional methods, and student learning experiences.

Purpose and Responsibilities:

  • Curriculum & Industry Alignment
  • Workforce Readiness
  • Student & Faculty Support
  • Internship & Employment Connections
  • Accreditation & Program Evaluation
  • Facilities & Equipment Recommendations

By fostering a strong relationship between academia and industry, the OAC helps ensure that Thaddeus Stevens College programs maintain the highest standards in CTE (career and technical education). 

  • Justin Fisher, Homeclimates
  • Greg Weikel, Swartley Bros. Engineers, Inc.
A student at Thaddeus Stevens College in the plumbing lab with a basketball shirt on.

The outcomes speak for themselves

Graduates of this program can read blueprints, fix pipes and plumbing fixtures, and install and repair boilers. The numbers below are three-year averages across program cohorts.


You can also view Institutional Performance Data here.

Success stories

Several pipes and fittings

Our graduates work with the industry’s best

B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc Logo
UGI Logo
Clear Flow Water Solutions Logo
Rabe Plumbing & Heating Logo