Plumbing Do-It-Yourself For Dummies [Paperback]

If you've hung around my blog very much, you're well aware of the fact that me and home repair projects don't normally mix. I don't know what it is, but you put hardware in my hands, and I become a bumbling idiot. Plumbing Do-It-Yourself For Dummies by Donald R. Prestly is the *perfect* approach to plumbing fix-it jobs for someone like me. It's short, concise, has plenty of pictures, and explains just enough to make me think that it's possible to pull off the unlikely/impossible... a plumbing repair that doesn't stretch into a multi-hour marathon of frustration and humiliation.

Contents:
Part 1 - Getting to Know Your Plumbing System: Understanding Plumbing; Fetch Me My Pipe and Fittings!; Getting the 411 on Codes and Requirements; Filling Your Plumbing Toolbox
Part 2 - Faucets and Sinks: Cleaning a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer; Repairing a Leaky Rotary Ball Faucet; Repairing a Leaky Cartridge Filter Faucet; Repairing a Leaky Ceramic Disk Faucet; Repairing a Leaky Compression Faucet; Repairing a Leaky Two-Handle Faucet Spout; Caulking around a Sink Bowl; Replacing a Leaky Sink Basket; Replacing a Sink Trap; Replacing a Double-Bowl Kitchen Sink Drain; Replacing a Bathroom Sink Drain; Adjusting a Pop-Up Drain; Unclogging Sink Drains; Soldering Copper Pipes
Part 3 - Tubs and Showers: Caulking the Tub, Tile, and Fixtures; Replacing a Tub Spout; Replacing a Showerhead; Repairing a Tub and Shower Compression Faucet; Repairing a Cartridge Shower Faucet; Repairing a Disk Shower Faucet; Repairing a Cartridge/Seat-Spring Faucet; Adjusting a Tub Drain; Unclogging Tub and Shower Drains
Part 4 - Toilets: Checking a Toilet for Leaks; Replacing a Fill Valve; Replacing a Flush Valve; Replacing A Flapper; Adjusting the Tank's Water Level; Repairing a Leaky Tank; Repairing a Leaky Bowl; Stopping a Tank from Sweating; Replacing a Toilet Seat; Unclogging a Toilet with a Plunger; Clearing a Clog with a Closet Auger
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Tips for Plumbing Success; Ten Tips for Dealing with Problematic Pipes; Ten Safety Considerations
Index

The first part of the book starts out with the general layout of a household plumbing system, and why things like drain, waste, and vent systems are necessary. He also goes into what tools are essential when it comes to plumbing repairs. That's probably the first really helpful thing for me, as my tool collection is... "lacking", and going to a store doesn't necessarily tell you why you'd need something like a spud wrench. The following sections get into the details of specific repair jobs, complete with photos (not generalized line drawings), a list of tools you'll need, materials you'll have to use, and how long it *should* take. Knowing me, I'd double that last figure, and then double it again. And if I beat that time, I'd be feeling real "manly". :) I really wish I'd have had this book when we replaced our toilet. My wife and I would have resumed talking to each other much sooner...

The Part of Tens section is also useful for those little gems that you don't think of when you start a project... like trying to start and finish your project during store hours so you don't end up stuck overnight with no toilet or water pressure in the house. Also there's the advice to buy the *right* tools for the job at hand, and add to the collection as you do new projects. I won't tell you what I've ended up using pipe wrenches for when certain other tools are not available to me.

I'm sure all the home repair experts are probably thinking I'm a major wuss when it comes to fixing stuff. They'd be right. But with a book like this, I'm inspired to at least give the repair a try before springing for the cost of a professional. Although the whole propane blow-torch thing? I don't think so...

This books is a lifesaver for all of us who want to do minor plumbing repairs with little or no knowledge of how to go about the fix. Great book that details the steps, tools and procedures with pictures that guide you through the ordeal.

I have bought this book to learn how to fix a leak in my bathroom faucet. It clearly explains step-by-step on how to fix it. All different kinds of faucets are convered in detail with clear pictures. Great value for the money.

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