Rating: 
Summary: Lives up to the title
Review: I very rarely spend hard earned money on "how-to" books since they very rarely offer the kind of insight a do-it-yourselfer is looking for. This book is the best exception to that rule that I have found. The book covers all facets of plumbing.Included in the book are high level overviews, extensive discussions of plumbing materials, and step by step instructions for planning, installing, and repairing plumming systems. Whether you are a current home owner looking for assistance in home plumbing repairs, or designing the plumbing system for new construction, this book contains everything you need to get the job done. In addition to the thoroughness of the information contained in the book, there are outstanding graphics and photographs depicting topic at hand. This book would be a bargain at five times the cost.
Rating:
Summary: Lives up to the title
Review: I very rarely spend hard earned money on "how-to" books since they very rarely offer the kind of insight a do-it-yourselfer is looking for. This book is the best exception to that rule that I have found. The book covers all facets of plumbing. Included in the book are high level overviews, extensive discussions of plumbing materials, and step by step instructions for planning, installing, and repairing plumming systems. Whether you are a current home owner looking for assistance in home plumbing repairs, or designing the plumbing system for new construction, this book contains everything you need to get the job done. In addition to the thoroughness of the information contained in the book, there are outstanding graphics and photographs depicting topic at hand. This book would be a bargain at five times the cost.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I'm a new homeowner and was interested in installing a utility sink in my garage but was unsure of what all I would need to do or if I should hire a professional. This book gave excellent descriptions of general household plumbing as well as advise on how to plan plumbing projects. I definately feel I can now make an informed decision about my project.
Rating:
Summary: Great resource for doing it yourself- and doing it right!
Review: I'm the kind of homeowner who isn't afraid of attempting various repairs- with the proper guidance and directions (I do have some background in electronics repair, but that's a distant relative to home repairs, IMO.) This book provides both for me through excellent organization, clear instructions highlighted by excellent overall and step-by-step photos (for instance, photos of three alternative "naked" shower plumbing setups as typically installed in American homes, sans drywall and covering, as well as step-by-step photos of how to perform component maintenance or replacement). Included are lists of the tools needed to do the job (ever had to stop mid-job because you didn't have the exact tool to continue?), a well-written index and even handy conversion (metric - Imperial) tables, as well as what in my opinion is the only useless bit of this book, a sketchy resource list of professional associations. I think this book still merits five stars; it is good for scoping and planning, and then to follow as you are doing. Finally- a well-illustrated and clearly written book for the rest of us, not assuming we know it all nor talking down to us! Kudos- and thanks!- to Black and Decker.
Rating:
Summary: Great resource for doing it yourself- and doing it right!
Review: I'm the kind of homeowner who isn't afraid of attempting various repairs- with the proper guidance and directions (I do have some background in electronics repair, but that's a distant relative to home repairs, IMO.) This book provides both for me through excellent organization, clear instructions highlighted by excellent overall and step-by-step photos (for instance, photos of three alternative "naked" shower plumbing setups as typically installed in American homes, sans drywall and covering, as well as step-by-step photos of how to perform component maintenance or replacement). Included are lists of the tools needed to do the job (ever had to stop mid-job because you didn't have the exact tool to continue?), a well-written index and even handy conversion (metric - Imperial) tables, as well as what in my opinion is the only useless bit of this book, a sketchy resource list of professional associations. I think this book still merits five stars; it is good for scoping and planning, and then to follow as you are doing. Finally- a well-illustrated and clearly written book for the rest of us, not assuming we know it all nor talking down to us! Kudos- and thanks!- to Black and Decker.
Rating:
Summary: Best Book on a Confusing Subject I've Found!
Review: I've been disappointed many times at the lack of depth given by many "do-it-yourself" books. This isn't one of them! The photos are clear, the language concise. Each procedure is given clearly in a step-by-step manner that anyone can follow. After reading this book I may even tackle copper pipe and soldering, something which I've never been quite brave enough to do before. I had questions answered that I've been searching for, quite literally, years. How-to manuals just don't get any better.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, BUT...
Review: The Black and Decker line of repair and home improvement books are clearly one, if not, thee best I have ever seen. Their illustrations and attention to detail are far better than the other name brand books. I am actually very surprised to the amount of work they must have gone through to get some of the shots they show. I have both the plumbing and wiring book and find/found them very useful for even the biggest of jobs. My only complaint with this particular book was the lack of detail on sizing and layout of supply and waste pipes for new installations. They have some good tables and cover some issues with code, but there are many fine details involving UPC and IRC standards, as well as many tricks and do's and don'ts in the trade that I would like to see covered. In other words, you'll need more data if you plan on getting a permit and passing inspection. Perhaps a well drawn out 2-story plan, noting why each pipe was placed and sized as such, for optimal service, would make this book outstanding. In either case, it's still one of the best book out there. Check out the "Code Check" flip references by Taunton Press for the fine details to compliment this book. Hope this helps.
Rating:
Summary: Very helpful book!
Review: This book is an excellent DIY book. Not only does it give advice on basic repairs, it has many helpful tips of the trade. An excellent resource for any homeowner.
Rating: 
Summary: Most projects well covered
Review: This book is well written and certainly well presented, with excellent pictures to illustrate the task at hand. Its comprehensive on the topic of home plumbing with many tasks covered. I doubt whether there is a better and more up to date publication. However some constructive criticism; I would have appreciated more technical information at times. There was no reason as to why certain pipes or fixtures were used instead of others, whether it was in the code or the author had the experience to know, you had to accept it on blind faith.
So I often thought when doing a certain project, "why did they choose these products and methods." Also there is very little on the subject of Gas plumbing except the installation of a Gas hot water tank.
Rating:
Summary: True to it's Title
Review: This book, is without a doubt, the best book on plumbing that I've seen, and I looked through a lot of them before choosing this one. Just like the title says, it's a complete guide, with excellent photos and numeric tables to help meet code. If you're going to do your own plumbing, I'd recommend this one.
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