Backflow Certification
BACKFLOW PREVENTION TESTERS CERTIFICATION COURSE - $550.00
A person wanting to be certified as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester must have attended and successfully completed an approved comprehensive training program, such as our AWWA (American Water Works Association) course. Our AWWA course has been approved by all the municipalities in Florida and in the United States as well. AWWA has approved The Florida Plumbing and Backflow Association to administer these courses. Our course is 32 hours of classroom training and "hands-on" laboratory training. You will study the RP (Reduced Pressure) principle for testing, DCVA (Double Check Valve Assembly) priniciple, the PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker), and the AVB (Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker) in this class as well as many other concepts. We study the drinking water systems, the fire sprinkler systems, and lawn irrigation systems. If you are a Fire Sprinkler Contractor or a Plumbing Contractor you will receive 32 hours of continuing education credits approved by the DPBR for your contractor's license renewal as well.

Second Year

The Plumbing Code book is purchased in the second semester. Current and all subsequent years' updated codes are adequately covered Safety (CPR), valve meters, pumps, water systems, soldering, installation practices, and blueprint reading are taught in this year. In the practical lab experience, the apprentices do a complete residential bathroom ground rough through a top-out. The class is filled with different speakers; such as A.O. Smith, Engineering Concepts (chair carriers), Atlantic Filter (soft water), Fire Wall Barriers, OSHA, Southeast Pumps, and all the students attend the PHCC annual trade show.

Third Year

This exciting year of commercial plumbing starts off with a study of how fixtures are made and how they differ from residential fixtures. Then we introduce foot pedals valves, bedpan washers, knee valves, clinical sinks, and mop sinks, commercial toilets and flush valves. We move on to sizing and installing gas pipe along with related codes (NAPA 54). Again, in the second semester the Plumbing Code is studied along with plan reading, layouts, flat line and isometric drawings, from which, a materials list can be made. (Builder's level is then observed). Finally, the commercial lab is made up of installing and troubleshooting commercial hot water heaters, urinals, lavatories and water closet carriers, drinking fountains and the use of cast iron.

Fourth Year

We start off with the big challenge of the "Journeyman Prep Course" for five weeks, and we have an excellent passing percentage. Then back to the fourth year book, with mechanical theory, journeyman responsibilities, and a special six weeks presentation on service. Then they study the Accessibility Requirement Manual (Handicapped Code), Solar Water and Pool Heating Installation Manual, and finally, they can receive the 32 hour Backflow Prevention Certification. And in fourth year, the apprentices usually contribute their time to a charitable project such as a community service like the Habitat House for Humanity or for any non-profit organization.