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Trade course · Mechanics & maintenance techs

Mechanical Training for Water & Wastewater Plants and Systems

Pumps large and small, valves of every type, actuators, drives and process equipment — maintained the way the field demands.

Mechanical Training for Water & Wastewater Plants and Systems is an online, self-paced course from TRYeTECH Academy covering centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps, seals and bearings, alignment and vibration, valves, actuators and process equipment. It has 10 modules and 70 lessons — about 150 hours of study — and every lesson combines narrated slides with Key details, pre-task checklists, troubleshooting scenarios, hands-on practice labs, worked examples, quizzes and flashcards.

Start free lesson: Mechanical Maintenance, Module 1 Lesson 1Create account
  • 10 modules
  • 70 lessons
  • ≈150 hours
  • ≈15 CEUs*
  • Online, self-paced
Illustration of an end-suction centrifugal pump coupled to an electric motor on a baseplate

Who this course is for

Starting out

For maintenance helpers, apprentice mechanics and operators who maintain their own equipment. Every term is explained in plain language, each lesson opens with a pre-task checklist and the scenarios build safe troubleshooting habits from day one.

Experienced & licensed

For millwrights, plant mechanics, maintenance planners and supervisors. You get code and standard references, numbers you can use in the field, pro-level scenarios and tracked active hours for CEU/continuing-education records.

What’s included

Practice labs in this course

Course sequence: Mechanical Maintenance

4 numbered courses, 150 hours in total. Take them in order — each one prepares you for the next. Download the two-page sheet for any course.

  1. Mechanical Safety, Fundamentals & Hydraulics

    Foundation · 30 hours · 2 modules · 14 lessons · 6 3D simulators

    The maintenance trade, plant safety rules and the hydraulics every pump, valve and pipe decision rests on.

    • Apply lockout/tagout, confined-space entry, rigging and lifting rules to pump-station and process work.
    • Use pressure, head, flow, velocity and friction-loss relationships to explain how fluid systems behave.
    • Read pipe and instrument drawings, hydraulic grade lines and basic P&IDs.

    Download the MECH 101 course sheet (PDF)

  2. Pumps: Centrifugal, Positive Displacement & Metering

    Intermediate · 30 hours · 2 modules · 14 lessons · 6 3D simulators

    How pumps move water, sludge and chemicals — and how to select, start, troubleshoot and rebuild them.

    • Read pump curves and find the operating point against the system curve and BEP.
    • Apply the affinity laws to speed changes and explain NPSH, cavitation and vortexing.
    • Identify impeller types, wear rings, volutes and suction-piping problems.

    Download the MECH 102 course sheet (PDF)

  3. Seals, Bearings, Alignment & Vibration

    Intermediate · 30 hours · 2 modules · 14 lessons · 6 3D simulators

    The reliability skills that decide how long rotating equipment lives: seals, lubrication, alignment and condition monitoring.

    • Adjust and replace packing and select mechanical seal types and flush plans.
    • Choose, install, lubricate and diagnose rolling-element bearings.
    • Calculate grease quantity and relubrication intervals and avoid over-greasing.

    Download the MECH 103 course sheet (PDF)

  4. Valves, Actuators, Process Equipment & Systems

    Advanced · 60 hours · 4 modules · 28 lessons · 12 3D simulators

    Every valve type and actuator, the mechanical heart of treatment processes, and the PM programs and troubleshooting that keep distribution and collection systems running.

    • Select gate, globe, butterfly, ball, check, plug, knife, diaphragm, pinch and pressure-reducing valves for the duty.
    • Explain control-valve Cv, characteristics and installed gain.
    • Size, set up and troubleshoot electric, pneumatic and hydraulic valve and gate actuators including torque and limit settings.

    Download the MECH 104 course sheet (PDF)

Course outline

10 modules · 70 lessons · about 15 hours per module. Lesson 1 of every module is free with an account.

  1. Module 1: Mechanical Safety, Standards & the Maintenance Trade

    Module 1 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    An introduction to the water and wastewater maintenance trade: where the mechanic fits, how plants and systems are laid out, how to read P&IDs and mechanical drawings, and which standards and regulations govern the work. The module then builds the safety foundation every later module relies on: control of all hazardous energy, confined-space entry and atmospheres, rigging and lifting, machine guarding and pressure…

    You will be able to:

    • Describe the roles of the water/wastewater mechanic and how maintenance and operations hand equipment back and forth.
    • Trace the water treatment train from intake to tap and the wastewater train from collection to outfall, naming the main mechanical equipment.
    • Read basic P&ID symbols and ISA-5.1 tags and identify plan, section, isometric and GA drawings.
    • Explain the roles of HI, AWWA, ASME, API, ISO, NSF, OSHA/VOSH, Ten States and Virginia regulations.

    Lessons

    1. The water/wastewater mechanic Free sample
    2. Hazardous energy control for mechanical systems
    3. Confined spaces & atmospheres
    4. Rigging, lifting & material handling
    5. Machine guarding, rotating equipment & pressure safety
    6. Tools, fasteners & torque
    7. Maintenance documentation & work management

  2. Module 2: Mechanical Fundamentals & Hydraulics for Maintenance

    Module 2 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    This module gives water and wastewater mechanics the hydraulic and mechanical foundation behind every pump, pipe and valve job: pressure and head, flow and velocity, friction and system curves, TDH and NPSH, power and energy, materials and corrosion, water hammer, and how to read the drawings that describe it all. Every calculation is worked with real plant numbers, and every field task starts from lockout…

    You will be able to:

    • Convert between psi, feet of head, psia, psig and inches of mercury vacuum for water and other liquids
    • Convert flow between gpm, MGD and cfs and calculate pipe velocity with Q = VA
    • Select, install and read pressure and compound gauges correctly, including elevation correction
    • Calculate friction loss with Hazen-Williams and minor losses with K-factors

    Lessons

    1. Units, pressure & head Free with account
    2. Pipe flow & friction
    3. Pump hydraulics
    4. Power, torque & efficiency
    5. Materials & corrosion
    6. Water hammer & surge
    7. Reading mechanical drawings & P&IDs

  3. Module 3: Centrifugal Pumps: Small & Large

    Module 3 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    How centrifugal pumps are built, chosen, installed, overhauled and kept running in water and wastewater service, from small end-suction plant water pumps to large split-case high-service units, deep-well vertical turbines and submersible non-clogs. The module ties pump curves, NPSH and intake design to the shop-floor work of rings, clearances, lateral settings and guide rails, and finishes with a data-driven…

    You will be able to:

    • Identify the major centrifugal pump types used in water and wastewater service and explain where each is applied.
    • Compare enclosed, semi-open and open impellers, and volute versus diffuser casings, including their effect on radial and axial loads.
    • Read a pump curve set and locate shutoff head, BEP, runout, NPSH3 and the HI 9.6.3 preferred and allowable operating regions.
    • Predict pump behavior with the affinity laws for speed and impeller diameter, and explain why static head limits VFD savings.

    Lessons

    1. Centrifugal pump types & where they're used Free with account
    2. Pump curves & operation
    3. Installation
    4. Overhaul of horizontal pumps
    5. Vertical turbine & well pumps
    6. Submersible & non-clog wastewater pumps
    7. Centrifugal pump troubleshooting

  4. Module 4: Positive Displacement, Sludge & Chemical Metering Pumps

    Module 4 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    How positive displacement pumps differ from centrifugal pumps and why every one needs overpressure protection, then the progressive cavity, plunger, lobe, screw, air-lift and diaphragm pumps that move sludge, scum and raw wastewater. The module finishes with chemical metering pumps and feed systems, calibration and dose math, material compatibility, and a troubleshooting method for loss of prime, gas lock, check…

    You will be able to:

    • Explain how PD pump flow and pressure behave compared with centrifugal pumps and why relief protection is required
    • Identify PD pump families and match each to sludge, scum, polymer, lime and chemical services
    • Calculate PD flow, slip, volumetric efficiency, horsepower and torque
    • Describe progressive cavity rotor, stator, joint and seal construction and select stator elastomers

    Lessons

    1. PD principles vs centrifugal Free with account
    2. Progressive cavity pumps
    3. Plunger, piston, lobe & screw pumps
    4. Diaphragm pumps
    5. Chemical metering pumps
    6. Chemical feed systems mechanical
    7. PD & metering pump troubleshooting

  5. Module 5: Seals, Packing, Bearings & Lubrication

    Module 5 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    How shaft sealing, bearings and lubrication keep water and wastewater pumps, motors, mixers and gear drives running. The module covers packing, mechanical seals and flush plans, bearing selection, life, mounting and failure analysis, lubricant selection and quantity, building a lubrication program, gearbox care, and troubleshooting to root cause, always starting from lockout of every energy source.

    You will be able to:

    • Describe stuffing box components and explain why compression packing must leak to survive.
    • Size, cut, install and run in packing rings, including lantern ring placement and flush water pressure.
    • Apply cross-connection protection to potable seal and flush water supplies.
    • Identify mechanical seal components, face and elastomer materials, and single, dual, cartridge and component designs.

    Lessons

    1. Packing Free with account
    2. Mechanical seals
    3. Bearings
    4. Lubrication fundamentals
    5. Lubrication program
    6. Gearbox & reducer lubrication and maintenance
    7. Seal & bearing troubleshooting

  6. Module 6: Shaft Alignment, Couplings, Power Transmission & Vibration

    Module 6 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    How the power gets from the motor to the pump, blower, fan or clarifier mechanism, and how to keep that drive train straight, tight and smooth. The module covers coupling types and installation, precision shaft alignment from straightedge to reverse dial and laser, belts, chains and gear reducers, and the vibration, balancing and resonance basics a water/wastewater mechanic uses to find problems before they fail…

    You will be able to:

    • Identify rigid, jaw, grid, gear, disc, elastomeric tire and spacer couplings and match each to water/wastewater duties.
    • Select and install a coupling using torque, service factor, bore, speed and environment, and verify DBSE, key fit and hub position.
    • Apply OSHA 1910.219 guarding and full LOTO, including backspin, gravity and stored belt or spring energy, to every drive task.
    • Distinguish offset and angularity in vertical and horizontal planes and apply typical speed-based alignment tolerances.

    Lessons

    1. Couplings Free with account
    2. Alignment fundamentals
    3. Alignment methods
    4. Belts, chains & sheaves
    5. Gearboxes & speed reducers
    6. Vibration analysis basics
    7. Balancing & resonance

  7. Module 7: Valves: All Types

    Module 7 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    Every valve in a water or wastewater system, from the 2 in. nut on a buried gate valve to the pilot circuit on a PRV and the float in a force-main air valve: what each type does, which AWWA and ASME standards cover it, and how to select, install, operate and rebuild it. The module covers isolation, check, control, relief and air valves, hydrants and valve exercising programs, with the math behind turns, Cv, surge…

    You will be able to:

    • Classify valves by function (isolation, throttling, check, control, relief, air) and by motion (multi-turn, quarter-turn, self-acting, pilot-operated).
    • Identify valve parts, end connections, pressure ratings and materials, and match AWWA and ASME standards to the right service.
    • Explain rising versus non-rising stems and open-left versus open-right conventions, and estimate turns to close.
    • Select and describe gate, butterfly, eccentric plug, ball and knife gate valves for water, wastewater and sludge service per AWWA C500, C509, C515, C504, C517 and C507.

    Lessons

    1. Valve fundamentals & selection Free with account
    2. Isolation valves
    3. Check valves
    4. Control & pressure valves
    5. Air valves
    6. Hydrants & distribution valves
    7. Valve maintenance, repair & troubleshooting

  8. Module 8: Valve & Gate Actuators

    Module 8 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    How manual gear operators and electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and water-powered actuators move the valves and gates of water and wastewater plants and systems. The module covers torque and thrust, sizing with safety factors, setup of limit and torque switches, fail-safe positions, gates and stop logs, testing and records, and troubleshooting, always starting from lockout of every energy source including springs…

    You will be able to:

    • Classify actuators as manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or water-powered and as quarter-turn, multi-turn or linear.
    • Explain breakaway, running and seating torque and convert stem thrust to torque with a stem factor.
    • Size an actuator from valve torque or thrust with a safety factor at minimum air, oil or voltage conditions.
    • Calculate gear-operator input torque, rim pull and actuator stroke time.

    Lessons

    1. Actuator fundamentals Free with account
    2. Electric actuators (MOVs)
    3. Pneumatic actuators
    4. Hydraulic & water-powered actuators
    5. Gates & stop logs
    6. Actuator installation, maintenance & testing
    7. Actuator troubleshooting

  9. Module 9: Treatment Process Mechanical Equipment

    Module 9 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    The machines that do the treating: headworks screens and grit equipment, clarifier and thickener mechanisms, mixers, flocculators and aeration, process blowers and compressors, filter and backwash systems, solids-handling equipment, and the cranes, hoists, ventilation and odor-control equipment that support them. Each lesson covers how the equipment works, what wears, how to inspect and maintain it, and the…

    You will be able to:

    • Identify climber, chain-driven, multi-rake and fine screens and explain their drives, cleaning controls and wear points.
    • Describe washer-compactors, aerated and vortex grit systems, grit pumps, cyclones and classifiers and their maintenance needs.
    • Calculate channel approach velocity and velocity through screen bars, including the effect of blinding.
    • Explain circular clarifier center drives, torque overload protection and why stored torsional energy must be released under control.

    Lessons

    1. Headworks equipment Free with account
    2. Clarifier & sedimentation mechanisms
    3. Mixers, flocculators & aeration
    4. Blowers & compressors
    5. Filtration & backwash equipment
    6. Solids handling
    7. Cranes, hoists & building mechanical

  10. Module 10: Distribution & Collection Systems Mechanical, PM Programs & Troubleshooting

    Module 10 · 7 lessons · ≈15 h

    The mechanical side of the pipes, stations and meters outside the plant fence: pipe and joint types, thrust restraint, main repair and wet tapping, lift and booster stations, meters and backflow assemblies. The module then ties the whole course together with preventive and predictive maintenance programs, reliability metrics, root-cause analysis, emergency response and asset renewal decisions — every task starting…

    You will be able to:

    • Identify ductile iron, PVC (C900/C909), HDPE (C906), steel and concrete pressure pipe and their strengths and weaknesses in distribution and collection service.
    • Explain push-on, mechanical, restrained, flanged and grooved joints and select the right gasket, gland and restraint.
    • Calculate thrust at bends, tees and dead ends and size a thrust block on undisturbed soil.
    • Plan a main repair with clamps, couplings or cut-in fittings, including measuring OD and bolt torque practice.

    Lessons

    1. Pipe, joints & fittings Free with account
    2. Main repair & tapping
    3. Pump, booster & lift stations mechanical
    4. Meters & service connections
    5. Predictive & preventive maintenance programs
    6. Mechanical troubleshooting & root-cause analysis
    7. Emergency response & asset renewal

Editions & standards

Prepared with AI assistance. Training only — verify against the current standards, your facility’s LOTO, confined-space and safety procedures, and manufacturer instructions.

Access & pricing

Purchases are completed securely in the Academy portal after you sign in; the price shown at checkout applies. Team and utility seats: support@tryetech.com.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Mechanical Maintenance course for?

It is written for two groups at once: maintenance helpers, apprentice mechanics and operators who maintain their own equipment get plain-language explanations of every term, and millwrights, plant mechanics, maintenance planners and supervisors get code and standard references, field tips and harder scenarios. No prerequisites are required.

Can I try it for free?

Yes. Lesson 1 of Module 1 opens without an account. A free account unlocks Lesson 1 of every module. Full access unlocks every lesson, lab, flashcard deck and certificate.

How many hours is the course, and does it count for CEUs?

Plan on about 150 hours (≈15 hours per module across 10 modules and 70 lessons), roughly 15 CEUs at 10 contact hours per CEU. The Academy records your active study time and issues module certificates with contact hours; whether they count is up to your licensing board or employer.

Which code and standard editions does it follow?

The course is written to: ANSI/HI · AWWA C-series & M-manuals · ASME B30/B31 · ISO 20816 · OSHA 1910 / VOSH. Each lesson cites the edition it uses. Always verify against the editions your authority having jurisdiction or regulator enforces.

Does it work on a phone or tablet in the plant?

Yes. The course runs in any modern browser on a phone, tablet or desktop, follows your light or dark setting, is fully keyboard accessible and keeps your place between devices when you are signed in.

Do I get a certificate?

You earn a module certificate when all lessons in a module are complete and the module quizzes average 80% or better. Each certificate lists your active study hours and a verification code anyone can check on the Academy site.

How do I buy full access or seats for my team?

Create a free account, then choose full access in the Academy portal. Utilities and contractors can contact support@tryetech.com for organization seats and verified email-domain access.

Start with a free lesson

See how the course works before you create an account — Module 1, Lesson 1 opens right away.

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* CEU estimate at 10 contact hours per CEU; credit is subject to approval by your licensing board or employer.