Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems [Paperback]

R. Woodson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Builder's Guide | Publication Date: March 1, 1997

For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An authoritative professional reference no homebuilder should be without

As many homebuilders have learned the hard way, even one mistake in estimating or installing wells or septic systems can end in cost overruns that eat up thousands of dollars in profits. In this volume in McGraw-Hill's excellent series of skill-building references for construction professionals, you'll find expert advice and case studies to help you prevent costly errors and become more proficient in this growing specialty.

Get the latest information on new techniques and materials that can expedite jobs and boost your bottom line. This reader-friendly guide covers virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including how to:

* Protect your company's interests during bidding
* Evaluate property for wells and septic systems
* Assess soil studies and septic designs
* Choose the best well and septic system for each property
* Solve routine well and septic system problems

Other chapters discuss drilled and shallow wells; alternative water sources; gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; code-related issues; common problems with well installation; remedies for poor septic situations; and more.

About the Author

R. Dodge Woodson (Brunswick, ME) has over 20 years' experience as a home builder, contractor, master plumber, and real estate broker. He is the author of many McGraw-Hill books, including Be A Successful Building Contractor 2/e, and National Plumbing Codes Handbook 2/e.

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070718393
• ISBN-13: 978-0070718395
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,529,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

R. Dodge Woodson (Brunswick, ME) has over 20 years' experience as a home builder, contractor, master plumber, and real estate broker. He is the author of many McGraw-Hill books, including Be A Successful Building Contractor 2/e, and National Plumbing Codes Handbook 2/e.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Intended for HOME builders not builders of wells or septics, December 2, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Lawrenceville, Pa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems (Paperback)

I am looking for a reference book to help me design a septic system and well for a new home project. I thought from the title that this book was appropriate (there was no table of contents available). It is not. Much of the book is geared towards helping general contractors avoid getting ripped off by well or septic subcontractors. If that is what you need, this is probably a reasonable choice. If you actually want to design and build your own well and septic systems, then pass on this title.

I'm still looking for a good design/reference text for septic and well systems...

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Woodson is definitely a reliable voice of experience, April 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Sun Prairie, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems (Paperback)

The author is obviously very experienced and skilled in the subjects of wells and septic systems. I found it helpful in my becoming educated about things to look for and avoid when building or contracting either system. On the other side of the coin, the flow of the material is choppy, and bounces around from subject to subject. This makes it difficult for a novice to gain any knowledge about designing and installing any of the systems. As a 3 Star rating, it is a book that alerts the reader to things to look out for. R. Dodge Woodson seems to have put a great deal of himself into this book, and he touches expertly on everything...but it could be better organized. I would hire him as my contractor in a heartbeat...but not as a writer of my How-To book; however,I still keep his book handy and refer to it when the going gets tough! I'd purchase it again.

23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not a "how to book", June 7, 2000

By 

edward r harrigan (VERMONT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems (Paperback)

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND NOT TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK IF YOUR LOOKING TO INSTALL A WELL OR SEPTIC, THERE ARE NO REAL INSTRUCTIONS ON DEPTH FOR THE SEPTIC LINES, INFORMATION ON THE DISTRUBUTION BOX ON AND ON. BUT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE GREAT FOR A ENGINEER THAT INSTALLS SYSTEMS. ED HARRIGAN VERMONT