Associate in Science Degree in Plumbing and Heating - Warwick - RI - Rhode Island - New England Tech - I2113

The Associate in Science Degree in Plumbing and Heating is a program offered jointly through the Plumbing Department and the Heating Department.
Plumbing/Heating is a comprehensive program designed to train the student as an entry-to-industry level technician. The student is taught the basic theory and practices of plumbing and heating and receives hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. The program offers a curriculum combining two distinct but interconnected areas: heating, with residential structures and plumbing: residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

The four quarter plumbing portion of the program includes the study of basic tools; methods of fabrication; fitting identification and usage; drainage; waste and venting; water piping methods and design; sewage disposal and treatment; water sources and distribution; and household and industrial maintenance.

Plumbing has incorporated the use of Gray Water Technology and Rain Water Harvesting.  These technologies will be taught in the third and fourth quarters of the program.  The student will attain a better understanding of the concepts which will allow them to work on these projects as plumbers.

In the heating portion of the program, various heating systems are examined such as steam, warm air, forced hot water and gas-fired equipment. Also presented are the burners used in conjunction with these systems and their associated control circuitry. Special consideration is given to electricity and wiring, and heat loss calculations and system design as they relate to a residential application.

Heating has incorporated the use of Biofuel and solar technologies. The fuel oil that is used in our heating units has been entirely replaced with Biofuel. Additionally, the two oil fired buildings on campus have now been converted to Biofuel.  Solar technology is now part of heating’s second quarter curriculum. The solar panels, tank and controls have been ordered, and we intend on having a working model ready for the fall quarter, 2009.
 
Historically, the northeast area of the country has been a stronghold for oil heat; however, gas has gained in popularity recently. Gas Technology was developed to meet the local market demand for heating technicians who are well-trained in both oil and gas equipment.

Gas Technology examines the field of gas-fired equipment. The theory and lab experience includes the design, installation, troubleshooting, and servicing of units such as gas-fired furnaces, boilers, water heaters and rooftop systems.

The graduate is prepared for entry-level technician positions in the plumbing and heating industry. In addition, after completing certain prerequisites*, graduates of this program area are eligible to continue on for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management Technology.