Plumbing for Homeowners by LRN2DIY

About this course

Plumbing problems have a way of showing up at the worst possible moment: a rocking toilet that suddenly leaks, a garbage disposal that starts clanking, a slow drain that turns into a full backup, or a water heater that smells like sulfur and never seems to last as long as it should. This free online course helps homeowners build practical, job-ready plumbing skills so you can handle common repairs safely, spot trouble early, and avoid costly mistakes that turn small issues into major damage.

You’ll learn how modern plumbing materials work in real homes, including how to make reliable PEX connections, position clamp rings correctly, and choose techniques that reduce the risk of future leaks. The course also walks through high-impact fixture projects many homeowners want to tackle: installing a new toilet, replacing a kitchen faucet, and swapping a garbage disposal while ensuring proper draining connections. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your troubleshooting instincts by understanding why drains fail, how P-traps protect your home, and what safe first steps to take before reaching for harsh chemicals or expensive service calls.

Water heaters get special attention because they are one of the most expensive and failure-prone systems in the house. You’ll learn sensible temperature settings, what extends tank life, how to address odors and sediment, and which upgrades can reduce corrosion and maintenance over time. The course also focuses on hands-on fundamentals that make every repair more dependable, such as using pipe wrenches and pliers correctly, removing stuck threaded parts without ruining threads, and applying PTFE/Teflon tape the right way to prevent drips and callbacks.

With quick explanations, practical demonstrations, and targeted exercises, you’ll finish with the confidence to plan repairs, work cleanly, and make decisions that protect your plumbing system for the long term. Whether you’re maintaining your own home or exploring construction and professional skills, this course helps you turn everyday plumbing tasks into reliable results.