Home DIY: Plumbing Workshop

What you'll learn

Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of Home DIY  with this workshop, as part of our Woodwork courses in Sydney!

This hands-on DIY Plumbing workshop will teach you the essential skills to confidently handle basic plumbing repairs and maintenance in your home.

Through a combination of live demonstrations and guided practice, you’ll learn how plumbing systems work and get hands-on experience fixing leaks, clearing clogs, and replacing taps and fixtures — all in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

• Identify key components of your home plumbing system
• Use essential plumbing tools safely and effectively
• Repair leaking taps and seal pipe joints
• Clear blocked drains using plungers and snakes
• Replace showerheads, tap washers, and toilet parts
• Use best practices to troubleshoot and prevent common issues

Course content

Plumbing Basics

• Introduction to Plumbing Systems
  • Overview of home water supply and drainage systems
  • Identifying key components: pipes, valves, faucets, traps, and fixtures
• Essential Tools and Materials
  • Common plumbing tools and their uses (pipe wrench, plunger, Teflon tape, etc.)
  • Types of pipes and fittings (PVC, PEX, copper, etc.)

Hands-On Practice: Basic Repairs

• Fixing Leaks
  • Identifying sources of leaks
  • Repairing faucet leaks and replacing washers
  • Sealing pipe joints with Teflon tape
• Clearing Clogs
  • Using a plunger and drain snake effectively
  • Preventing clogs with proper maintenance

Hands-On Practice: Fixture and Pipe Work

• Replacing Fixtures and Parts
  • How to replace a faucet or showerhead
  • Installing a new toilet flapper or fill valve
• Working with Pipes
  • Cutting and joining PVC or PEX pipes
  • Understanding compression and push-fit fittings

Intended audience

Who is this home DIY course for?

This course is ideal for beginners and anyone keen to develop practical plumbing skills for home maintenance. Whether you're new to DIY or simply want to feel more confident tackling common plumbing issues, this hands-on workshop offers the perfect introduction.  

Course materials

What to bring to class:

• Encouraged to bring small timber furniture item or work on one of our example pieces.
• PPE: face mask, safety goggles, earmuffs. Alternatively use ours which will be supplied.
• Wear old clothes, closed-in shoes, and tie back long hair
• Avoid jewellery and loose accessories
• Lunch (or purchase from nearby cafes)

Materials provided

All major tools and materials are provided by The Bower. You'll get hands-on experience using real tools in a safe and supportive setting.

Course venue

• The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre Workshop
• Summer Hill: 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill NSW 2131
• Redfern: 107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016
• The entrance to the Bower workshop is at the rear of 107 Redfern Street and is opposite no. 23 Turner Street. You will see a hand-painted sign "The Bower Woodworks". If the door is locked, please press the doorbell on the left-hand side of the garage door. Please note, the doors for the venue at the rear will be open and not the front. If you have trouble locating the entrance or encounter any emergencies, please contact the workshop manager at 0422 840 471.
• Public transport is the best way to get to the workshop space. The space is located close to Redfern Train Station, a local transport hub.
• Most nearby parking is 2-hour-timed (including some paid parking on Redfern St) though it is untimed after 8 pm. Untimed parking is available on Pitt St between Phillip and Wellington St.

Accessibility

We welcome learners of all abilities. Let us know your accessibility needs when enrolling so we can make arrangements in advance.