Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Plumbing Updated 7th Edition

Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Plumbing Updated 7th Edition by Editors of Cool Spring Press – 4 Stars
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Spring Press
ISBN: 9780760362815

If one can’t use the Internet, then a hard copy book is essential, particularly for emergencies or minor repairs. Several DIY books are on the market with some like this one dedicated specifically for Plumbing, while some others cover topics more completely and add troubleshooting and repair for key appliances in the plumbing system. My father was a plumber and I did pipe fitting during the summers while attending school. Therefore, I know the basics and more. Yet, I am challenged by the many weird things that occur in a plumbing system, such as pipes hammering only after a toilet flushing, popping noises from the hot water heater, hard water destroying shut off valves, water filtering solutions, cleaning vents, and periodic toilet stoppage in cold months to name a few. So, I’m looking for something that UP FRONT alerts me to any potentially misbehaving components of my plumbing system; then gives me the remedies and repair procedures.

I like that Black & Decker did nicely cover plumbing materials, fittings, repair materials, and tools. I found the information on the use of more skilled tools needed in some cases complete enough for the layman to begin to tackle. The book is reasonably well organized and provides clear step-by-step pictures to aid the user in performing the job. Yet, unlike the Internet a book does not provide videos of a repair being done and is limited to repairs in general.

I’m here to evaluate the book though, not how to best get all the information I need for a plumbing job. Thus, I would rate it better than average. If at all possible, and maybe I missed it, a reference to repair videos and websites would be a nice touch, as would actual videos on the Black & Decker Website that could be downloaded.


Reviewer: Rich

I downloaded this book after receiving this ebook copy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book explaines the best way to lay your plumbing in a new “unfinished” house. From water heaters to toilets and sinks to what type of piping to use.

Very informative.