SOLAS Plumbing study plan

Explain the thermal expansion and pressure behaviour of at least three common pipe materials (copper, PEX, and CPVC or multilayer) and state the design implications for each.

Identify the principal health and safety hazards on plumbing sites (manual handling, silica dust, asbestos, confined spaces, electrical and hot-work risks) and match each to a control measure.

Describe the correct selection and safe use of PPE and access equipment for above-ground plumbing installation tasks.

Outline the legal duties of employers and operatives under health and safety legislation for plumbing work, including risk assessment and accident reporting.

Compare jointing methods for copper, steel, PEX, and plastic waste pipe, stating where each is suitable and where it must not be used.

Explain how pipe sizing and pressure loss are affected by flow rate, pipe diameter, and fittings, and carry out a simple pressure-loss estimate for a given run.

Describe the purpose and operation of key pipework components: isolation valves, check valves, pressure-reducing valves, expansion vessels, and air vents.

Interpret a simple pipework schematic and identify the materials and fittings specified.

Explain the requirements for cold-water storage and distribution, including cistern sizing, air gaps, and the prevention of stagnation.

Describe the principles of boosted cold-water supply and the role of accumulators and pumps.

Explain how water supply pressure and flow are tested and what results indicate a satisfactory supply.

Outline the causes and prevention of water hammer and noise transmission in supply pipework.

Describe the selection and installation requirements for common sanitary appliances (WC, basin, bath, shower, sink) including trap seal and access for maintenance.

Explain the principles of above-ground drainage: branch, stack, and vent requirements, and the role of air admittance valves.

Calculate fall and gradient for a horizontal drainage run and state the consequences of incorrect fall.

Identify the causes of trap seal loss and describe how to prevent it.

Compare open-vented and unvented hot-water systems and state the safety controls required for each.

Explain the operating principles of heat pumps and solar thermal systems and the plumbing considerations for each.

Describe the conditions that promote Legionella growth and the control measures for hot- and cold-water systems, including temperature regimes and flushing.

Identify backflow risks and select appropriate protection (air gap, RPZ, double check valve) for given situations.

Sequence the installation of a domestic hot- and cold-water system from first fix to second fix, stating inspection points.

Describe the pressure testing and flushing procedures for supply and drainage pipework and the acceptance criteria.

Explain the commissioning checks for hot-water systems, including temperature and safety device testing.

Prepare a handover pack listing the documentation, labels, and user instructions required.

Diagnose common faults in supply, drainage, and hot-water systems from given symptoms and state the logical test sequence for each.

Describe the maintenance requirements for Legionella control, including temperature monitoring, descaling, and record keeping.

Explain how to test and maintain backflow protection devices and the records required.

Outline a repair procedure for a leaking concealed pipe that minimises disruption and restores compliance.

Complete a timed mock examination covering all eight domains and review every incorrect answer.

Revisit the two weakest domains identified by the mock and produce a one-page summary of key facts for each.

Recite the key numerical requirements (pipe sizes, gradients, temperatures, test pressures) from memory.

Confirm understanding of health and safety duties and Legionella and backflow controls through a self-check quiz.