Week 2: Tool Proficiency & Vehicle Setup
Overview
Week 2 focuses on hands-on tool certification and vehicle setup. By end of Week 2, the tech must demonstrate competency with core service tools and have their assigned vehicle properly stocked and organized.
Prerequisites
- Week 1 Orientation & Safety Certification complete
- Vehicle assigned
Tool Certification Checklist
The tech must demonstrate proficiency with each tool before sign-off. Senior tech or Operations Manager signs off on each:
Diagnostic Tools
- [ ] Drain camera operation (if applicable)
- [ ] Gas leak detector use and calibration check
- [ ] CO detector — test, read, and document
- [ ] Water pressure gauge — proper measurement and documentation
- [ ] Multi-meter for water heater diagnostics
Hand Tools
- [ ] Pipe cutter (copper and PVC)
- [ ] Torch kit — safe setup, use, and shutdown (see Soldering & Flux Safety SOP)
- [ ] Press tool operation (if press fittings used)
- [ ] ProPress or SharkBite tool proficiency
Power Tools
- [ ] Drill and hole saw for installations
- [ ] Reciprocating saw — safe operation
- [ ] Shop vac and drain cleaning equipment (Cart Jetter if trained)
Cart Jetter (if applicable)
- [ ] Setup, operation, and safe shutdown
- [ ] Hose management and nozzle selection
- [ ] Post-use cleaning and storage
Vehicle Setup Standards
Every Spartan service vehicle must be stocked to the standard kit list before the tech runs their first solo call. Verified by Operations Manager:
- Core repair parts (supply lines, shut-offs, wax rings, drain parts)
- PPE kit (gloves, safety glasses, knee pads, drop cloths)
- Home protection supplies (shoe covers, floor mats, rags)
- Camera and documentation supplies
- Emergency contact card posted in vehicle
Enterprise Gas Card
- Card issued during Week 1; confirm PIN and usage limits
- Fuel only — no food, car washes, or personal use
- Receipts logged in ServiceTitan under vehicle expenses
Completion Criteria
- All tool certifications signed off by senior tech or Operations Manager
- Vehicle stocked to standard kit and documented
- Enterprise gas card PIN confirmed
- Tech ready to begin ride-along phase
Related SOPs
- Soldering & Flux Safety
- Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist
- Vehicle & Fleet Policy
- Photo Documentation Requirements
Slack Operational Insights
Thread tape on cleanout plugs (Slack: #rick-black channel): "Always thread tape cleanout plugs to prevent leaks." This is one of the most common sources of callbacks — teach it explicitly in Week 2 tool training. It is a simple step techs skip, and it costs the company callbacks and customer trust.
Polybutylene identification (Slack: multiple channels): During tool/pipe training, cover poly (PB) piping identification. Look for gray collars on SharkBite fittings. A standard SharkBite will leak on poly — use the correct poly fitting. When the right fitting is unavailable, reschedule rather than risk water damage.
PEX cannot be directly connected to gas water heaters (established Spartan safety rule): Cover this in Week 2 piping training.