C-5.3 Describe How to Use the Internet to Source Manufacturer’s Documentation
Websites for Manufacturers
One key feature of this section is that you will be asked to carry out some of your own research. Finding information for yourself is a useful skill for a plumber because you need to keep up to date with changes to regulations and new technology. A majority of professionals use the internet to look for services and products. The internet serves as a tool for finding technical information or other criteria. Thus, the user saves time that would otherwise be spent using printed material to obtain information or compare products or services.
When a manufacturer has a website, there is no need to print product catalogues and brochures. All the manufacturer needs to do is place the information on the website.
You benefit as well because you will be able to find a product on a website much faster, which allows you to stay current as the product information changes and new products are introduced to the industry.
Product manufacturers’ websites hold vast amounts of information, including:
- Online catalogues
- Detailed product pages, including:
- Rough-in dimensions (every major manufacturer has specifications on their website, usually in PDF format)
- Related products
- Sub-assembly components
- Component drawings and blueprints (including magnification-on-hover)
- Product manuals
- Warranty information
- Support for multiple languages
- Dealer locators with built-in Google Maps integration
Many modern products also include digital controls or software (for example, boilers, pumps, or programmable thermostats). Manufacturers’ websites, such as RIDGID, often provide setup instructions, manuals, and updates for these systems. However, not all products include software—many components, such as pipes, fittings, and basic fixtures, are still fully mechanical. Plumbers must still ensure that any software or digital tools are used in accordance with local codes and regulations. Manufacturer software is helpful, but it should be used as a guide and always verified against approved codes and requirements.
Search Engines
You do not always have to know a website’s address to use the internet. It is important to know how to search for information. One of the best search methods is to use a search engine.
A web search engine is a type of website that helps a computer user find information on the internet. It does this by looking through other web pages for the text the user wants to find. You’ve probably already used one or more search engines. Google is the most popular.
When using a search engine, you must enter at least one keyword in the search box. Usually an on-screen button must be clicked to submit the search. The search engine looks for matches between the keyword(s) entered and its database of websites and words.
After a search is submitted, the results are quickly returned as a list. The list usually shows web page names, short descriptions and a link for each matching web page. You can click on any of the links to go to one of the websites.
The usefulness of a search engine depends on the relevance of the result set it gives back. While there may be millions of web pages that include a particular word or phrase, some pages may be more relevant, popular or authoritative than others. Most search engines rank the results to provide the best results first.
Using AI and Online Search Results
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools and search engines (such as Google Search) can quickly provide summaries and answers, but they are not always reliable for plumbing work.
AI-generated content and search result summaries (often called “AI overviews”) may:
- Provide incorrect or outdated information
- Miss important safety details or code requirements
- Oversimplify complex installation or maintenance procedures
- Combine information from multiple sources without verifying accuracy
Plumbing work must follow current codes, manufacturer instructions, and applicable regulations. In British Columbia, these requirements are enforced by authorities such as Technical Safety BC.
Best practice:
- Always verify information using manufacturer documentation, approved codes, and trusted industry sources (e.g., regulatory authorities, certified training materials).
- Use AI and search engines as a starting point only, not as your final source.
- When in doubt, consult a qualified professional, instructor, or inspector.
Self-Test C-5.3: Describe How to Use the Internet to Source Manufacturer’s Documentation
Complete Self-Test C-5.3 and check your answers.
If you are using a printed copy, please find Self-Test C-5.3 and Answer Key at the end of this section. If you prefer, you can scan the QR code with your digital device to go directly to the interactive Self-Test.
Use the internet to access manufacturers’ websites to find the following information:
References
BC Industry Training Authority. (2019). Piping trades apprenticeship program: Use Tools and Equipment—Level 1 harmonized [Binder]. Crown Publications, Queen’s Printer for British Columbia. https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/Product/Details/7960000261_S
- Plumber: Level 2 Competency C-4 Use Manufacturer and Supplier Documentation
- Steamfitter: Level 2 Competency C-4 Use Manufacturer and Supplier Documentation
- Sprinkler Fitter: Level 1 Competency C-4 Use Manufacturer and Supplier Documentation
Camosun College. (2019). Line D: Organizational Skills —Competency D-5: Use Manufacturer and Supplier Documentation (Rev. ed.) [Learning guide]. BCcampus. https://collection.bccampus.ca/textbook/9MgG7bwy/
Camosun College. (2015). Trades Access Common Core Competency D-5: Use Manufacturer and Supplier Documentation. Victoria, B.C.: Crown Publications. Download for free from the B.C. Open Textbook Collection (https://open.bccampus.ca/browse-ourcollection/find-open-textbooks/).
RIDGID. (n.d.). Software tools. https://www.ridgid.com/ca/en/software
Technical Safety BC. (n.d.). Technical Safety BC. https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/
Media Attributions
All figures are sourced from Industry Training Authority (2019) and/or Camosun College (2019) and are used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence unless otherwise noted. Images copyrighted by the BC Industry Training Authority are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence.
Detailed facts and data about how a product works or is used. (Section C-5.3)
Measurements used to plan where pipes or fixtures will be installed. (Section C-5.3)
A website that helps you find information on the internet. (Section C-5.3)
A word or phrase you type into a search box to find information online. (Section C-5.3)
How closely information matches what you are looking for. (Section C-5.3)
The list of results shown after you search for something online. (Section C-5.3)
Computer systems that can create answers, summaries, or suggestions based on information they have learned, but that may not always be correct or up to date. (Section C-5.3)
