Plumbing Merit Badge

1. Plumbing, health and safety Requirement

Describe (a) how a properly working plumbing system protects your family's health and safety; list (b) five important local health regulations related to plumbing and tell how they protect health and safety; describe (c) the safety precautions you must take when making home plumbing repairs.

2. Draw a home's water supply and drainage Requirement

Two drawings, each explained.

2 parts

• 2(a). Draw the hot- and cold-water supply system
• 2(b). Draw the drainage system of a house

3. Show how to use five important plumber's tools Requirement

4. Fourteen plumbing terms Requirement

Identify and explain washer, retaining nut, plunger (rubber force cup), solder, flux, elbow, tee, nipple, coupling, plug, union, trap, drainpipe and water meter.

5. The kinds of pipe used most often Requirement

Name them, and explain why these pipes are used in a plumbing system.

6. Hands-on plumbing. Do FOUR Often forgotten Requirement

The badge states the choice: four of seven, each under the supervision of a knowledgeable adult.

Each of the four tasks is done under the supervision of a knowledgeable adult, including the store visit in 6(a).

7 parts

• 6(a). Identify pipe, fittings and tools at a store Optional May not apply
• 6(b). Cut PVC or CPVC and solvent weld three connections Optional May not apply
• 6(c). Cut PEX pipe and make a connection Optional May not apply
• 6(d). Solder a copper connection using a gas torch Optional May not apply
• 6(e). Replace a kitchen or lavatory faucet Optional May not apply
• 6(f). Remove, clean or replace, and reinstall a drain trap Optional May not apply
• 6(g). Properly apply pipe thread tape Optional May not apply

7. Three careers in plumbing, one researched Requirement

Training, education, certification requirements, experience and expenses; prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, and whether you might be interested.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 2. Draw a home's water supply and drainage, 3. Show how to use five important plumber's tools and 4 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.