Plumbing Books

Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use--Includes How to Make Ferrocement Water Tanks

Art Ludwig

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Oasis Design Amazon Marketplace: 20 new & used starting at $12.45

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Read the book, Build the tank 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I Built a 10,000 Gal tank straight out of this book for US$ 1,500.
It looks good & it doesn't leak.
What more can you ask for ?

very excellent detailed book 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This book is well written and complete. I feel that after reading this book I can safely capture rainwater and I know all the details to think about when designing our system, specific reasons to place pipes etc in specific places ... an excellent detailed referrence book and enjoyable read; I read the entire book and enjoyed it. If you are seriously considering to have a rainwater catchment system this is a must read.

Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use--Includes How to Make Ferrocemen 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book can help you for how to planning the different water systems in rural and urban areas, the best is how to make ferrocement water tanks.

Editorial Review:

A do-it-yourself guide to designing, building, and maintaining water tanks, cisterns and ponds, and sustainably managing groundwater storage. It will help you with your independent water system, fire protection, and disaster preparedness, at low cost and using principles of ecological design. Includes building instructions for several styles of ferro cement water tanks.

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)

Bob Ramlow, Benjamin Nusz

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: New Society Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $14.83

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America.

Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author's experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover:

• Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages
• System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance
• System sizing and siting
• Choosing the appropriate system.

Since people often get turned off by the up-front cost, the book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run. Well-illustrated, the book is designed for a wide readership from the curious to the student or professional.

Bob Ramlow is the solar thermal consultant for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program. The owner of a renewable energy company, he has over 30 years experience with solar energy systems and is a founder and director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Benjamin Nusz currently works as a solar water heating consultant and site assessor in Wisconsin.

The New Create an Oasis with Greywater: Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systems - Includes Branched Drains

Art Ludwig

Amazon Price: $14.25 List Price: $20.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Oasis Design Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $13.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Comprehensive, a little overwhelming 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I found this book more for someone looking to convert their existing house and plumbing to run on a grewater system, as opposed to for someone looking to build a house around/incorporating a greywater system (which is my situation).
Still, an extremely specific and informative book for those who are interested in knowing every nuance of making a greywater system out of any situation.

A lot of gray area in this 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

After reading the numerous reviews on this site prior to purchasing this book, I thought I was getting a very thorough book that would assist with "legal" system design and reclaimation strategies. While this book does gloss over them, it refers you to a sister publication for all "legal" builing issues and concentrates on illegal or 'radical' methods as they call it. Take this in mind of you are looking to design a 'legal' system for your home.

Editorial Review:

Create an Oasis describes how to quickly and easily choose, build, and use a simple greywater system. Some can be completed in an afternoon for under $30.

It also provides complete instructions for more complex installations, how to deal with freezing, flooding, drought, failing septics, low perk soil, non-industrialized world conditions, coordinating a team of professionals to get optimum results on high-end projects, and "radical plumbing" that uses 90% less resources.

The Black & Decker Complete Guide to Home Plumbing: Newly Expanded 3rd Edition (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

Editors of creative Publishing

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Creative Publishing international Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $12.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Almost too many photos 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This book is chock full of photos; so much that it detracts from providing information. I was trying to use it to replace a leaking shower faucet, but couldn't find any useful info about my setup. All there was were pictures of valves that weren't mine. I would like to see more troubleshooting chapters, and more possible fitting/material variations outlined. For instance I would like to know how to go from plastic to copper to galvanized etc.

Still if you doing a new install and have access to the exact material they use then it is good for that.

Editorial Review:

The only plumbing book you'll ever need.

Do-it-yourself plumbing can save homeowners more money than almost any other type of home improvement. All it takes is the information and skills you can learn from this third edition of The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing. Virtually every type of plumbing repair and installation is included, from the very simple (stopping a leaky faucet) to the most complex (removing old plumbing pipes and installing a new system). Now with nearly 120 step-by-step projects, this is the only plumbing book you will ever need.

Black & Decker Complete Guide to Plumbing: Expanded 4th Edition - Modern Materials and Current Codes - All New Guide to Working with Gas Pipe (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Creative Publishing international Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $13.88

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Editorial Review:

Everything you need to know about plumbing. Everything.

Fresher and more complete than ever, this edition includes new material and revised information and is completely current with the 2006 Universal Plumbing Code. From basic repairs to advanced renovations, this is the only plumbing reference book a homeowner needs. And now, for the first time, Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Plumbing includes a comprehensive section on working with gas pipe. No other big book of plumbing for DIYers covers this important subject.

Also new to this 4th edition is expansive coverage of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), the bendable supply tubing that's taking over a major portion of the DIY market. And with the current popularity of outdoor kitchens, we've expanded our coverage of outdoor plumbing as well. Now, we'll show you every step of the process to supply and drain an outdoor sink.

2006 International Plumbing Code - Softcover Version (International Plumbing Code)

International Code Council

Amazon Price: $61.20 List Price: $68.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Delmar Cengage Learning Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $54.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

It is what it is. 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This "international plumbing code," is a poor substitute for your state or local municipality's plumbing code.

Most states have created their own version of plumbing code with many, major municipalities adding restrictions at local levels.

In a perfect world, "the" plumbing code would rigorously define a system of best practices - this "International," and most state's plumbing codes reflect insurance company interests in establishing a safe and reasonably, low level of liability.

The "code" is written by attorney's in cooperation with plumbers, builders, supplier's of materials and various, other, self interest groups.

It is vague, possesses no visual representations, poorly indexed, unreferenced and in many cases a hinderance to the adoption of new materials and design.

It makes more sense to purchase a copy of your state or local municipality's plumbing code. In most cases, the local codes are available to everyone and are inexpensive. Periodic updates are usually available for a modest fee. The sad part is that most local codes also explain very little and are poor substitutes for books oriented towards plumbing system, design or repairs.

Over the years I have witnessed countless, unworkable "do it yourself" implementations. In fact - many professionally plumbed, jobs also prove to be less than perfect. If you are planning a slab addition - do yourself a favor - and spend a few bucks on a mechanical engineer who will be more than happy to school you on the do's and don'ts. I admit that it looks simple - but don't be fooled. Plumbing is a hell of a lot more difficult than it may seem.

Because there is no popular movement to make the code "more accessible -" we are stuck with it.

It is what it is!

Editorial Review:

The 2006 International Plumbing Code®addresses the design and installation of plumbing systems through requirements that emphasize performance. Provisions are provided for fixtures, piping, fittings, and devices, as well as design and installation methods for water supply, sanitary drainage, and storm drainage. The code provides comprehensive minimum regulations for plumbing facilities using prescriptive- and performance-related provisions. The objectives of the code provide for the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials, and systems.

Remodel Plumbing (For Pros by Pros)

Rex Cauldwell

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $11.80

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great book, not necessarily just for pros 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I am not a professional plumber and am in the midst of a forced renovation. I have read other plumbing books but none addressed retrofit plumbing as this one does. The way he described procedures, such as installing new shut-off valves gave me the confidence to at least undertake such a project. I am better able to see the whole picture of how a repair fits into or affects the overall system. His coverage of Pex pipe made it possible for me to consider replacing the feed to a second storey bathtub; the current copper climbs the wall at a 5 to 10 degree angle making it impossible to correctly fit the faucets to the wall.

Editorial Review:

Remodel Plumbing focuses on the challenges of working in tight spaces like bathrooms and utility rooms, selecting the right fittings, fixtures, and materials and completing expert alterations to a home's existing water supply, drain, and vent systems. With a special section on emergency plumbing repairs, the book enables readers to stop leaks, shut down water lines, and avoid major damage associated with plumbing malfunctions. Remodel Plumbing also covers common plumbing upgrades and alterations in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, basements, and additions.

Pipefitters Handbook

Forrest Lindsey

Amazon Price: $21.20 List Price: $26.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Industrial Press, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $19.06

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

WOUNDERFUL BOOK FULL OF INFORMATION 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN AN UNLIMITED SOURCE OF INFORMATION BOTH IN THE FIELD AND THE CLASS ROOM. IT IS FULL OF VERY USEFUL FORMULAS, CHARTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE PLUMBER AND THE PIPEFITTER. I WOULD BE LOST IF I LOST THIS BOOK.

Great info 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Been plumbing med gas in hospitals for a long time and this book is a must!

Editorial Review:

• Provides answers to all sorts of problems indigenous to power and industrial pipebending, and the fabrication of welding fittings in both shop and field.
• Logically categorizes all material according to job description, supporting each working table with a clear example of how to use it.
• Includes a special reference section that gives instant data on the 24 most useful on-the-job subjects, such as spark tests for metals, sheet metal weights, valve types, weights and measures, and many more.
• Discusses all types of bends; elbows, tees, and crosses; plastic pipe; soldering and brazing; travel and run; fitting dimensions; threading pipe; relative physical properties; and more.

Audel Pipefitter's and Welder's Pocket Manual

Charles N. McConnell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

short but sweet 1 out of 5 stars.
18 of 24 people found this review helpful.

Although the information in this book is factual, I find that the contents do not match the name of the book. Most of the information should already be known to the tradesman. When looking at a pocket manuel, I am looking for quick referances, pre-figured math tables, and or drawings. A better title for this book would be, Pipefitter's and welder's pocket manuel for beginer's.

Editorial Review:

This little book is big on answers

Whether you're an apprentice in the piping trades or a seasoned tradesperson, you'll find this completely revised and updated guide has answers to the questions you'll encounter on the job.

Get current, concise facts on

• Metrics and conversions
• Tungsten inert gas welding and arc welding
• Steam heating, hot water, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems
• Grooved end/plain end piping systems
• Process piping using plastics
• Automatic fire protection systems
• Terms, BTU fuel values, abbreviations, angle calculations, and more

Code Check Plumbing Third Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Plumbing Codes (Code Check Plumbing: A Field Guide to the Plumbing Codes)

Michael Casey, Redwood Kardon, Douglas Hansen

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $9.65

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Code Check, Plumbing - 3rd Edition 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

A handy reference for all phases of residential plumbing. Welll presented for homeowner use. Reference to code paragraphs is extensive but useless without a copy of the code. Requires contacting the local plumbing inspector's office to determing whether your area goes by the International Residential Code or the Uniform Plumbing Code. Restrictions in this book are given for both codes.

If you have an older edition be wary as numerious details of the codes changed from the second edition to this third edition.

Editorial Review:

Code Check Plumbing outlines the principles behind the various accepted plumbing codes and provides information on the code requirements for all types of plumbing installations, including all supply, drain, and vent systems. It is cross-referenced to the current International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and Uniform Mechanical Code.

The Code Check Series is one of Taunton's most successful book lines. Spiral bound, with durable laminated pages, the books in this series are designed to be used on-site for quick reference, ensuring that all jobs meet the highest safety standards while drastically reducing code violation call-backs. The Code Check Series is endorsed by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).