Plumbing Basics
Category:
Instructional lecture
Class Length:
2.5 hours
Learn to tackle common household plumbing issues with confidence. This introductory class covers the basic principles and hands-on skills needed to understand, diagnose, and repair simple plumbing problems. Through guided demonstrations and small-group practice, you’ll explore how toilets, sinks, and faucets work, what causes the most common issues, and how to replace worn or damaged parts safely.
Instructors will demystify terms like “P-trap,” “flapper,” and “supply line,” and teach participants how to disassemble, inspect, and reassemble fixtures at dedicated practice stations. You’ll learn to identify leaks, swap out washers and gaskets, reconnect drain assemblies, and reseal joints. While this class doesn’t cover plumbing code or major remodel work, it’s an excellent foundation for anyone looking to maintain or repair their home’s plumbing systems.
By the end, you’ll walk away with practical knowledge, problem-solving strategies, and the confidence to approach basic plumbing repairs on your own.
Upcoming class dates:
Class topics and tools:
- Anatomy and repair of toilets, sinks, and faucets
- Replacing flappers, stems, cartridges, and washers
- Diagnosing and fixing common leaks and clogs
- Safe disassembly and reconnection of supply lines and drains
- Proper use of tools, sealants, and fittings
Open to:
Adults ages 18 years and above and youth
ages 16-17 registered by a parent/guardian
Skill level beginner, intermediate, or advanced:
Beginner
Prerequisites (if required):
None
Safety notes:
- Plan to arrive a few minutes before class starts. For safety and instructional reasons, we are not able to allow participants to join the class more than 10 minutes after the class has begun.
- Safety glasses are provided for all participants, though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- Hearing protection is strongly encouraged for classes that involve the use of saws and other equipment. Hearing protection is provided for all participants, though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- For all classes that involve the use of tools and other equipment:
- Please do not wear dangling jewelry or baggy clothing.
- Closed-toed shoes are required. Sandals are not permitted.
- Long hair must be tied back.
Not yet available!
Cost:
$75
participation. Learn more about our scholarship options below.
Financial support
All of the programming at MAC is supported by donations, which enables us to offer classes at a lower cost to all participants. We also understand that our class fees may still be a barrier to participation for individuals with limited expendable income.
To ensure that our courses are accessible to as many community members as possible, we currently offer three levels of financial support: 25%, 50%, and 75%. If one of these discounts would make your participation possible, please select the option that best aligns with your personal needs and circumstances.
Individual participants may enroll in up to three discounted classes per calendar year.
To receive a financial support discount of 25%, enter “community25” in the Promo Code field of the registration checkout page. To receive a financial support discount of 50%, enter “community50” in the Promo Code field. To receive a financial support discount of 75%, enter “community75” in the Promo Code field.
More classes
Here's a sneak peek of a few of our upcoming classes.
