Reviews
There are a lot of plumbing books out there but not all of them are good. This one is not only good, it's the best we've seen. Written and photographed by Merle Henkenius, a master plumber and longtime contributor to Popular Mechanics, this 270-page text covers everything from soup to nuts. The introductory sections on residential plumbing design, material specifications and tool use demystify much that's left to the imagination in other books. And the individual project chapters that cover the installation and repair of faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and much more are presented in exhaustive detail. The text is thorough and exceptionally literate, filled with unexpected insights at nearly every turn. The book has 700 photos and illustrations so you never have to wonder what an important part looks like or where it's located. If you want to do at least some of the plumbing work in your home yourself, we can't think of a better place to start. -Steve Wilson, Popular Mechanics September 2002|9781580110853|
Synopsis
An overview of the plumbing system with code-compliant, step-by-step projects. Over 730 full-color photos and illustrations., Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Projects is a comprehensive how-to book that prepares a do-it-yourselfer to handle any plumbing task in the home, from replacing a washer in a leaky faucet to cutting and joining cast-iron vent pipes. The author's emphasis is on doing things correctly, so all the projects use only code-compliant techniques. The book gives readers an overview of a house's plumbing system, including supply, waste, and vent piping, and explains the basic physics that keep everything working well. Readers learn not only how to plan and complete each project but how to spot and improve outdated or dangerous techniques and materials in their home's plumbing system.