Modern Plumbing [Hardcover]

E. Keith Blankenbaker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2004 | ISBN-10: 1590703502 | ISBN-13: 978-1590703502

Modern Plumbing has been thoroughly revised and expanded to prepare students for today's more complex and sophisticated plumbing systems. The text provides basic information about safety, tools, materials, equipment, procedures, and career opportunities in the plumbing field. To enhance learning, the text is written in simple language and is heavily illustrated.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox Co (August 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590703502
• ISBN-13: 978-1590703502
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #777,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably good for classroom use, August 2, 2006

By 

Thomas L. McQueary (N. Richland Hills, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Plumbing (Hardcover)

I bought this book to teach myself plumbing skills, not for use in a classroom, but just for DIY information to maintain my home and rental property. I find that hiring plumbers is very expensive. It has a good overview of the plumbing field and introduces many topics such as connecting a home to the public sewer and water supply, a good discussion of fittings, and information on installing fixtures.

I believe the book could have been much longer (compare this book's 600 pages to Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - about 1200 pages)which would have allowed for more in depth coverage. I found myself wanting more detail in most of the 30 rather short chapters.

The book probably works OK in a classroom with an instructor nearby to fill in the gaps and show actual examples of the pipe, fittings, fixtures, etc. In some cases terms are used before being defined and terms are used inconsistently which makes it hard for the self learner. Some of the explanations seem confusing.

The book also probably works OK for an apprentice plumber who is working in the field. However it is probably not the best book for the self learner due to its lack of complete detail of the topics covered.

The book is professionally presented with many color pictures, diagrams, etc. There are some typos but most are minor and do not affect the book's readability. Questions at the end of each chapter are good for assessing your understanding.

I feel this book and many trips to Home Depot will help save me money on future plumbing jobs.

4.0 out of 5 stars informative for a newcomer, October 6, 2009

By 

M. Carter "Just starting out" (Los angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Modern Plumbing (Hardcover)

the book was more clear and direct then what my teacher was trying to explain to me. It helped me through class. I would reccommend this if you are just starting out.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Full of errors and misinformation!, March 1, 2009

By 

Russell Dixon (Simpsonville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Plumbing (Hardcover)

I bought this book only because it was suggested reading for the master license exam in SC. I was amazed to find all the bad technical information. Within 30 pages I found a dozen or so errors, and that was just an example. I e-mailed the publisher with specific examples, and have yet to hear a response.
If you are trying to learn plumbing this is not the book for you, and if you have a couple of years of experience under your belt this book is below your level of experience. In other words, do not waste your money on this book.
RED