Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Projects [Paperback]

Mr. Merle Henkenius (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2002

Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate, & Advanced Projects is a comprehensive how-to book that explains the plumbing system from start to finish. It prepares the reader to handle any plumbing task in the home. Readers find detailed background information from an expert in the field plus scores of how-to projects, including replacing a faucet washer, installing a water softener, and everything in-between. Readers learn not only how to plan and complete each project, but also how to spot and improve outdated or dangerous techniques and materials in their home's plumbing system. The author emphasizes doing things correctly, and all the projects use only code-compliant techniques.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A home's plumbing system is generally "out of sight, out of mind" because it works reliably with little input or effort from the homeowner. When things finally do go wrong, however, the result is often an expensive, messy, and disruptive job. Henkenius, a master plumber and frequent contributor to Popular Mechanics magazine, has written a colorful title that is probably the best do-it-yourself guide to plumbing projects big and small. Nearly every plumbing scenario is addressed, from cleaning drains and replacing faucets to installing a bathtub and replacing pipes; the clear instructions are supplemented with excellent color illustrations and photos. A wealth of general plumbing information and definitions provides beginners with the background needed so they can evaluate their plumbing problem and not get in over their heads. The only thing better than owning this book would be to have Henkenius there to hold one's hand. An essential public library purchase.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"There are a lot of plumbing books out there but not all of them are good. This one is not only good, it's the best we've seen. Written and photographed by Merle Henkenius, a master plumber and longtime contributor to Popular Mechanics, this 270-page text covers everything from soup to nuts. The introductory sections on residential plumbing design, material specifications and tool use demystify much that's left to the imagination in other books. And the individual project chapters that cover the installation and repair of faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and much more are presented in exhaustive detail. The text is thorough and exceptionally literate, filled with unexpected insights at nearly every turn. The book has 700 photos and illustrations so you never have to wonder what an important part looks like or where it's located. If you want to do at least some of the plumbing work in your home yourself, we can't think of a better place to start.
-Steve Wilson, Popular Mechanics
September 2002

"...comprehensive..."

--Jennings Daily News

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Creative Homeowner (January 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580110851
• ISBN-13: 978-1580110853
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,078,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illustrations are very helpful, March 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Projects (Paperback)

The book fulfilled all my requirements for fixing plumbing at
home. The pictures are wonderful for the average person and
tips are great. For once I have a book that is so very help-
fyl in every way.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful book, March 28, 2006

By 

gopher fan (minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Projects (Paperback)

I converted my 1950 home to copper pipe from iron with the help of this book. At the same time I added 2 new 3/4 bathrooms and switched drain pupe from cast iron to PVC. Big Project.

I was able to learn enough to run all the copper through the rooms and hire a more experienced plumber to help with the actual "cut-over", which the two of us did in one afternoon.

If you are a hands-on type and want to save some money on your next plumbing project, this book is a great reference. There are a lot of rules to follow for plumbing and this book explains them fairly well. Only reason not a 5* was I though the section on drains, traps and vents was still confusing.

I passed all of my inspections and love my new mega water pressure!!!!

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my bible., August 6, 2007

By 

Nicholas Fuller (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Projects (Paperback)

i have done quite a few of basic projects in this book.
the processes are extremely well illustrated and leave me confident in what I have learned to tackle a given project.