# Choose Four Supervised Tasks

Part of the Plumbing Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/index.md)

*6. Hands-On Plumbing Practice*

> **6.** Do FOUR of the following, each under the supervision of a knowledgeable adult:

You must complete exactly **four** options from this list. This page helps you choose wisely before you start buying materials or taking apart fixtures.

## Your Options

- **[Req 6a — Hardware Store Field ID](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6a/)**: Visit a store and learn to identify common pipe materials, fittings, and specialty tools in real packaging. This is a great confidence-builder because it improves your vocabulary without requiring repairs at home.
- **[Req 6b — Solvent-Welded Plastic Pipe](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6b/)**: Practice cutting, deburring, and solvent welding plastic pipe. You will learn careful prep work and why plumbing joints depend on clean surfaces and correct assembly.
- **[Req 6c — PEX Connections](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6c/)**: Cut PEX and make a connection using a quick-connect or crimp fitting. This is a good introduction to modern flexible water-supply systems.
- **[Req 6d — Soldering Copper](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6d/)**: Make a soldered copper joint with a gas torch. This is classic plumbing craft work, but it demands close supervision and strong safety habits.
- **[Req 6e — Replacing a Faucet](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6e/)**: Remove an old kitchen or lavatory faucet and install a replacement. You will practice shutoffs, access in tight spaces, and leak checking.
- **[Req 6f — Cleaning a Drain Trap](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6f/)**: Remove, clean or replace, and reinstall a trap. This teaches how simple drainage parts come apart and go back together.
- **[Req 6g — Applying Thread Tape](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6g/)**: Apply thread tape the right way so threaded joints seal properly. It is a smaller task, but one that plumbers use constantly.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Four Tasks** — Match the project to your setting and supervision

- [ ] **Time available**: Store identification and thread tape can be done quickly; faucet replacement or soldering may take longer.
- [ ] **Tools needed**: PEX work, soldering, and faucet replacement may require specialized tools or supplies.
- [ ] **Risk level**: Soldering uses flame. Faucet and trap work can create leaks if shutoffs fail or parts are reassembled incorrectly.
- [ ] **Best beginner options**: 6a, 6f, and 6g are often easier starting points because they build familiarity without as much installation complexity.
- [ ] **What you will gain**: 6a builds recognition skills, 6b and 6c build joining skills, 6d builds metal-working confidence, 6e and 6f build real repair experience, and 6g builds good installation habits.

> **Tip**
>
> A balanced set of four often works best: one observation task, one pipe-joining task, one repair task, and one smaller precision task. That gives you variety and shows your counselor different kinds of plumbing ability.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Every option on this page must be done under the supervision of a knowledgeable adult. If a project involves flame, pressurized water, older corroded plumbing, or a fixture that the household depends on every day, make the supervision even closer.

The first option is a great low-risk place to begin because it helps you recognize the materials and tools you will see in the rest of the requirement.

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- Previous: [Common Pipe Materials](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req5/index.md)
- Next: [Hardware Store Field ID](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/plumbing/guide/req6a/index.md)