Plumbing a House [Paperback]

Peter Hemp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1994

Master plumber Peter Hemp explains in step-by-step sequence how to create (for both new and remodeled homes) plumbing systems that function efficiently and withstand the rigors of time. For both homeowners and professionals, he shows how to design, size, and install pipes using a variety of standard materials and tools.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This is more for people building a house than those remodeling one, but its no-nonsense, in-depth explanations and marvelously clear illustrations make it a worthwhile reference for anyone facing an expedition into the crazy world of domestic plumbing. Like any really good book, it broaches some controversy: Hemp apparently doesn't go along with the idea that fluoridated water is likely to bond with elements of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and pose a health risk. But he isn't going to tell you what to do, merely how to do whatever it is you want to do. He mentions the controversy, but he describes in some detail several kinds of pipes for every application. Showing keen appreciation of where real power in the construction universe lies, he notes that local governing bodies are the ultimate arbiters of plumbing morality, so check with them before proceeding. Creating your own plumbing system is a daunting task. Those who are game will want to have Hemp, or at least his book, at their side. Mike Tribby

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942391403
• ISBN-13: 978-0942391404
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #969,218 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

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, Complete, Educational, April 24, 2003

By 

Shawn M. Nance (Azle, texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plumbing a House (For Pros By Pros) (Paperback)

After searching a few videos and visiting the local hardware store, I was frustrated at the lack of information available about the specifics of general plumbing. Plumbers must hate this book because it outlines in detail many of the tricks of the trade. I am building my own home and have obtained all of the information I need to perform the job in this book with the exception of the septic system. There are plenty of illustrations that cover everything from tool and material selection, to rough in plumbing and finish plumbing. The writer obviously knows a thing or two about plumbing, as I was able to avoid several pitfalls by following the advice in the book. This is hands down the only plumbing book you need, unless you need septic information, which this book does not cover at all.

70 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Badly needs to be updated, January 4, 2001

By 

James Anderson (Cedar Point, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Plumbing a House (Paperback)

I was very disappointed with this book because it really needs to be updated to include the latest, most common plumbing methods/materials such as the use of PEX tubing. The author does do a good job of explaining the whys and hows of working with the older stuff. But, almost noone uses old iron drain pipe any more and even the use of copper is becoming rare in residential construction. In my area of the country (Southeast), flexible PEX tubing for supply and PVC for waste is used almost exclusively. An update is needed.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars should have read it sooner, April 26, 2000

By 

curtis boyle (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plumbing a House (Paperback)

I wish I had read this book before the first remodel I attempted. I would of saved a lot of time by not learning the hard way. The book is full of practical details I haven't found in other books like how many layers of pipe tape to apply, how many threads on galvanized pipe to cut, tricks to copper sweat fitting when there is water in the line, what is the rule of thumb for the height of a sink drain. Peter being a plumber in Albany California where there is a variety of very old and new structures, I am sure he has run into all the possible problems with plumbing you can face and it shows in the book. Some experts in their field forget all the questions they had as a novice. Pete's book seems to cover all the "gotchas", the experts assume you know.