2025-12-22 – Weekly Plumbing News : Hands-on CE vs slide decks debate

Last week in our plumbing community, members engaged in vibrant discussions about continuing education and professional development, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training over traditional presentations. There was also a lively debate on optimizing training hours for maximum benefit. Practical problem-solving was a key theme, especially in discussions about rapidly addressing emergency leaks. Additionally, energy efficiency in high-rises and the technical aspects of plumbing components, such as Schedule 40 piping, were explored in depth.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Hands-on CE that beats slide decks
This thread delves into the value of practical, hands-on continuing education for plumbers, arguing that it offers more applicable skills than typical slide presentations.
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Using our paid training hours smartly
Members are discussing strategies to make the most of paid training hours, weighing the benefits of different learning approaches.
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Fastest way to stop a midnight leak
A practical exchange of tips for swiftly handling leaks that occur during off-hours, ensuring minimal disruption and damage.
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Drain heat recovery in high-rises
This discussion explores innovative ways to enhance energy efficiency in high-rise buildings through drain heat recovery systems.
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Why is it called Schedule 40
Curious about plumbing terminology? This thread unpacks the history and rationale behind the naming of Schedule 40 piping.
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Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters worth it
Members weigh in on whether these non-invasive flow meters are a smart investment for modern plumbing projects.
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Press tools for 4" mains on hospital work
This topic covers the efficacy and practicality of using press tools for large-diameter pipe installations in healthcare settings.
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Looking forward to another week of insightful discussions. Keep sharing your experiences and questions.

Our shop’s 60-minute soldering lab beat any deck; slides only for code refs — https://iapmo.org/education :wrench:.

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We run 30–45 minute ‘failure labs’ — mock manifold with a hidden under-crimp and a mis-sized vent — and techs have to prove the fault with a gauge or smoke pen; it’s an escape room for leaks. I’m with @marie_holt25 that hands-on wins, but I tack on a two-slide safety/code recap so new folks don’t walk away with just a trick.

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Quick example: 20-minute trace-the-drop with an $80 manometer on mock gas; slides only for recap, QR to code; @Riley https://phccweb.org/education.

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