Plumbing Basics (Basics Series) [Paperback]

Rick Peters (Author)

Book Description

Series: Basics Series | Publication Date: June 30, 2000

What will you do if your faucet springs a leak, if your sink stops up, if your toilet valve breaks? You know it's going to happen at some point--so be prepared, by knowing how home plumbing systems operate, from top to bottom, and how to handle repairs on everything from tubs to dishwashers. Written by an expert with a knack for breaking down complex tasks into bite-sized, digestible nuggets, this manual wades through the different components and shows how they interact; lays out the dizzying array of required tools and materials; jumps into the logistics of working with pipes; helps you confront those emergency leaks and clogs; groups faucets into five common types and explains how to fix each one; unravels the mysteries of sinks and toilets, and provides a handy guide to replacing common fixtures. You'll feel supremely confident when you have to do it yourself.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080693669X
• ISBN-13: 978-0806936697
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,451,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good coverage, well illustrated, July 28, 2001

By 

J. Grey (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Plumbing Basics (Basics Series) (Paperback)

I bought this book in hopes of becoming somewhat competent with the plumbing problems I regularly encounter at home. This book helped me tremendously. It began with a simple explanation of how plumbing systems work, and then moved to a discussion of pipe types and tools. Then it got to business explaining how to join pipe and perform typical repair and maintenance tasks. The book does a good job of telling you what to do second if the first attempt to fix a problem doesn't work -- such as what to do when plunging the sink doesn't clear a clog. This is particularly valuable.

The author writes clearly and simply, without talking down to his novice audience. I felt like I was getting solid, expert advice from a friend.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners, July 3, 2006

By 

Lonicera - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plumbing Basics (Paperback)

I first purchased Mr Peter's book on windows and doors. His step-by-step method is so easy for a beginner, and Plumbing Basics is equally instructive. I think even if one had a fear of repairs, that would soon evaporate with a single glimpse at Mr Peter's books.

What I most appreciate is the illustrations of the tools one needs. Reading in a text that I need a strap wrench or closet auger, does not bring a picture to mind, but Mr Peter's book shows you what they look like.

Honestly, these are great for any beginner.

5.0 out of 5 stars for BEGINNERS, not for professionals., September 12, 2009

By 

Victor L. Nazaire "book learning passion" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Plumbing Basics (Basics Series) (Paperback)

If you are a Beginner in Plumbing like me, this well illustrated book is for you !

No more than 128 pages, with a Glossary on only 2 pages , an index on one page and the rest of the book is well illustrated ( color photos or drawings or tables on each and every page ).

Eight chapters : 1 Home Plumbing Systems, 2 Plumbing Tools & Materials, 3 Working with Pipe, 4 Emergency Repairs, 5 Repairing Faucets, 6 Repairing Sinks, 7 Repairing Toilets, 8 Replacing Fixtures.

The language is easy to understand for a non-techie or a Do It Yourself BEGINNER; here is an example . What is a Ballcock ? " a valve inside the toilet tank that automatically fills the tank to a preset level when the toilet is flushed; there are three common types of ballcocks: ...."

Here is another . What is a valve ? " a device that controls the flow of water through a pipe "

Most of the projects are for projects allowed by the local or national codes .

The steps to go through are clearly indicated and the fonts for the text are 12 or 14 , not tiring for your eyes.

Even the photos for the tools and materials are shown.

you can't go wrong. BUY the slim but effective text.