22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book for the do it yourselfer or to help you learn more so you can talk with a professional, December 26, 2005
This review is from: Complete Plumbing (Stanley Complete) (Paperback)
For a complete novice like me, this is a very handy book. It covers most, but not all, of the common plumbing jobs one can face around the home. It is well illustrated with hand photographs, well drawn diagrams, and provides step by step instructions for getting jobs handled in the correct order.
The book is organized by clogged pipes, faucets, toilets, working with pipe repairs, system repairs and upgrades, removing and replacing a tub, installing a new bathroom, installing kitchen plumbing, utility room & basement upgrades, and installing outdoor projects. There is also a glossary, index, and metric conversion information.
I am glad that the book begins with a page on "knowing your limits". There is a lot about plumbing that can quickly swamp the inexperienced. However, this book can also be very handy in getting some basic information in your mind when you do call a plumber so you can have some idea what is being told and quoted to you. It also provides advice on how to choose a plumber.
The first chapter is also most helpful and entitled "getting started". It orients you on the kinds of pipe, equipment and tools that are likely needed in these jobs. It is an impressive and almost bewildering array of equipment. There is also an overview of the plumbing systems in and around your home and how they do what they do. A section on plumbing diagramming is also provided. This is very useful in planning and discussing your problems with professionals and helpful people at your local supply store. Remember, measure twice and cut once.
Very helpful book even if you never want to do the work yourself, you will at least know more about the home you are paying so much for every month.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for beginners, June 30, 2007
This review is from: Complete Plumbing (Stanley Complete) (Paperback)
I'm a first time home owner and was lost when my bathroom sink began to leak. This book was/is perfect for a beginner such as myself. It gives you step by step instructions with actual photo diagrams for each step. This book is also easy to understand, which is a huge help for a novice such as myself. I was impressed at the wide range of topics covered. It covers all your basic repairs and complex installation jobs as well. This was the best book I found for the beginner (and I looked at a lot). I wouldn't recommend using this book as your only resource if your going to tackle a complex job. However, for a total novice like me this book is perfect in that it gives you the necessary information without insulting you. I couldn't give it five stars, but I wish I could have given it four and three quarters stars.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gets the job done, June 14, 2005
This review is from: Complete Plumbing (Stanley Complete) (Paperback)
While it could be a bit more comprehensive, and assume a certain basic level of skill in the handyman who would even think to attempt such projects, the book does a good job of illustrating the basic topics covered and does so in a way that will include "plumbing for dummies". Some of the more helpful information is in explaining the differences in materials, etc. I guess the question is, "If I had it to do over again would I still buy this book?" The answer is "Yes." It does a good job of covering the questions I had.
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