Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Plumbing: Modern Materials and Current Codes, All New Guide to Working With Gas Pipe (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

This is an excellent book for the homeowner wanting to delve into plumbing repairs and upgrades. I'd give it 4.5 stars (if I could) because it does that very well. Saying that, it won't teach everything there is to know about plumbing- but it does not claim to do this. It has an incredible amount of very clear color photos and covers most topics that a homeowner will want to know about. It includes a free DVD which is brief but covers some basics. Reviews here faulted it for not covering PEX, but the 4th edition does, and for not saying you shouldn't use metal clamps on copper tubing, but it does mention that- although it is burried.Why not 5 stars? There is a lot of info here but the layout is backwards IMO: the "basics", like how to sweat copper tubing (the book calls it pipe) is at the end of the book when this info should be at the beginning. I think they should've started with the basics and could have done a better job organizing them so the reader wouldn't miss something. There is probably not enough info here for the reader to design and layout an entire DWV system that would meet code for a new house, that's beyond the scope of the book, so if that's your goal you'll probably need an additional source(s).

Great book for learning the trade

At least this will help you understand why plumbers get a ton of money. It breaks down everything with pictures for guys who are afraid to read. It's simple, direct, and although you won't get your card when you're done with this, you'll have a good understanding of what you attempting to do. I bought it used, and it came to me like it was brand new. And don't tell your friends you have, cause they'll borrow it and that's the last time you'll see it. A lot cheaper than a plumber. Try it.

This is an EXCELLENT book, ought to be on the shelf of every home - next to the Black & Decker "Complete Guide to Home Wiring" - unless you're a complete klutz...Very good plumbing project planning (say that 3 times fast) guidance, all the repair and install basics. Deals with all common fixtures (faucet, sink, toilet, hot water heater, etc) and piping materials (plastic, copper, cast iron, black iron, reinforced hose, PEX). Even covers gas pipe basics. Comes with a nice DVD showing videos titled: Skills and Materials; Installations; Faucet Repair; Toilet Repair; and Emergencies.

The Black & Decker Series is a tremendous reference if your undertaking any Do It Yourself projects around the house. I enjoy referencing these so much we bought the entire series. A great addition to any handymans library with plenty of pictures and step by step directions to tackling tasks you would normally call someone for. It provides a great opportunity to save money by being able to take care of some projects yourself.

Book is vague and covers its topics very fast and incomplete. I know nothing about plumbing but after reading this book I know a lot of nothing about plumbing. I wanted to remove the baseboard heating and the oil burner I have for a gas/electric water heater and possibly upgrade to pex and remove the clogged cast iron sewage pipes for PVC. If you want a reference book for REPAIRING common plumbing problems this book may be it. If you want a book to explain how to do what I wanted to do this is not it. If you want a reference book for hiring a plumber to help upgrade your house this may be it. In the end I paid a plumber for his expertise for plans to upgrade my house. I did the majority of the work myself with this book and the plumber's hourly rate as a reference.

Because of the great reviews I decided to purchase this book and was very glad I did. This book gave me the confidence to tackle projects that I normally would have paid someone to do.I was always very nervous about sweating copper pipe together, but I followed the excellent step by step instructions and was amazed at how easy it was. The included DVD is also excellent as well showing very informative video of various projects.I highly recommend this book for the beginner on up.

A lot of good photos and good information. There is no such thing as a "perfect" book so there are things that could have been included, but it would have to be a 2 thousand page book to include everything. It does the job of giving clear information of a wide range of things. For the price you can't ask for more. I would recomment to seasoned plumbers as well as the weekend warrior.

ok

I haven't had a chance to use this book as yet but skimming through it, I can see that it will be useful in the future. Although i know a lot about plumbing, it is always nice to have a referance book to see if there is a better way to do the job. I am happy with my purchase.

This is an excellent reference book for any DIYer. The amount of shots they have managed to capture is fantastic, so much that i have purchased almost the entire Black and Decker Series of home improvement books. They explain the entire plumbing system in detail....provided you are not hooked up to a water well. I recently had some issues with my well system, and went to turn to my handy B&D reference book only to find out they do not cover this. If it were to to include this, it would definitely be a 5 star rated book.

great book, tons of ilustrations, a most have for a DIY person or for those who need to do a quick fix on something.

Great book for a beginner. Clear pictures, and the DVD is helpful. Make me more confident attacking small projects, and explains how water travels through out the house, including drains.I recommend this book for the Handyman.