Ultimate Guide: Plumbing

Ultimate Guide: Plumbing is an updated and expanded edition of Creative Homeowner's comprehensive, best-selling plumbing how-to book. The most up-to-date products and techniques are covered. For the how-to information, strong emphasis is placed on doing things correctly, so all the projects use only code-compliant techniques. Author Merle Henkenius prepares the do-it-yourselfer to handle any plumbing task in the home, from replacing a washer in a leaky faucet to cutting and joining cast-iron vent pipes. The book also gives readers an overview of a house's plumbing system, including supply, waste, and vent piping, and explains the basic physics that keep everything working well. So in addition to learning how to plan and complete each project, readers learn how to spot and improve outdated or dangerous techniques and materials in their home's plumbing system.

A comprehensive guide to the plumbing system, with code-compliant, step-by-step projects. Over 800 full-color photos and illustrations.

Ultimate Guide: Plumbing

Table of Contents

Introduction

WORKING WITH WATER PIPING

Cutting Water Pipes

Copper Water Piping

Using a Tubing Cutter

Cutting with a Hacksaw

Solder

Soldering Copper

Soldering Copper Tubing

Other Methods of Joining Copper

Compression Fittings

Flare Fittings

Push-Fit Fittings

Steel Piping

Cutting, Threading, and Fitting Steel Piping

Lead Water Piping

Plastic Water Piping

Cutting and Fitting CPVC Pipe

In-Line Water-Control Valves

Gate Valves

Ball Valves

Globe Valves

Stop-and-Waste Valves

Fixture Stops

Utility Faucet Valves

Hose Bibcocks

Freeze-Proof Sillcocks

Freeze-Proof Yard Hydrants

Regulators & Safety Valves

Vacuum Breakers

Check Valves

Pressure-Reduction Valves

Temperature-and-Pressure-Relief Valves

 

 

INSTALLING SINKS & RELATED EQUIPMENT

Water- and Waste-Connections Basics

Sink Drains

Dishwashers

How To Replace a Bathroom Faucet & Drain

Removing Old Bathroom Faucets

Removing the Drain

Installing a New Bathroom Faucet

Installing a New Drain

How To Replace a Wall-Hung Bathroom Sink with a Vanity & Molded Top

Removing the Wall-Hung Bathroom Sink

Installing the Cabinet and Top

Installing a Bathroom Sink in a Plywood Top

How To Replace a Kitchen Sink

Removing the Old Kitchen Sink

Attaching Drain Fittings to the New Sink

Attaching the Faucet

Installing a Metal-Rim Sink

Installing a Self-Rimming Cast-Iron Sink

Connecting the Traps

Connecting the Water

How To Install a Laundry Sink

Installing a Freestanding Laundry Sink

Waste-Disposal Units

General Repairs and Maintenance

Removing a Waste-Disposal Unit

Installing a Waste-Disposal Unit

Built-In Dishwashers

Removing an Old Dishwasher

Installing a New

Dishwasher Hot-Water Dispensers

Installing an Instant Hot-Water Dispenser

FAUCET REPAIRS

Faucet Overview

Water-Equipped Compression Faucets

Washerless Faucets

Repairing Compression Faucets

Replacing a Seat Washer To Fix a Leak

Replacing Faucet Seats

Grinding Faucet Seats

Repairing Worn Stem Packing

Fixing O-Ring Stem Leaks

Fixing Ball-Type Faucets

How to Repair a Leaky Ball Faucet

Repairing Cartridge Faucets

Repairing a Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet

Repairing a Single-Handle Bath Cartridge Faucet

Repairing Two-Handle Cartridge Faucets

Repairing Ceramic-Disk Faucets

Fixing a Leak in a Ceramic-Disk Faucet

Repairing Two-Handle Ceramic-Disk Faucets

Faucet-Related Repairs

Dealing with Leaky Spray Attachments

Correcting Aerator Problems

Fixing Faucet Spout Leaks

Repairing Tub & Shower Faucets

Reaching Recessed Faucets

Fixing Single-Handle Tub and Shower Faucets

Working with Scald-Control Faucets

Repairing Freeze-Proof Sillcocks & Hydrants

Repairing a Yard Hydrant

Fixing a Freeze-Proof Sillcock

TOILET REPAIRS & INSTALLATION

Toilet Fundamentals

How Gravity-Flow Toilets Work

Water-Saving Toilets

Trouble-Shooting Gravity-Flow Toilets

Problem 1: Slow Toilet

Problem 2: Bacteria- or Mineral-Clogged Toilet

Problem 3: Slow-Filling Toilet

Problem 4: Running Toilet

Problem 5: Rippling Water

Problem 6: Hissing Toilet

Problem 7: Sticking Flush Handle

Problem 8: Stuck Seat

Problem 9: Leaking Base

Repairing Toilets

Replacing a Flush Valve

Replacing a Fill Valve

Trouble-Shooting Pressure-Assisted Toilets

Problem 1: Running Toilet

Problem 2: Inefficient Flushes

Toilet Flanges

Leaky Flange Gaskets

Broken Flanges

Resetting a Toilet

Installing a New Toilet

Setting Toilets on Concrete

CLEARING DRAINPIPES

Drain Cleaners

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Mechanical Drain Cleaners

Access to Sink Lines

Access to Cleanout Fittings

Clearing Techniques

Getting the Most from a Plunger

Effective Auger Techniques

Clearing Bathtub Drains

Clearing a Stopper Mechanism

Clearing a Pop-Up Mechanism

Clearing Other Traps

Clearing Bathroom Drum Traps

Clearing Shower Drains

Clearing Floor Drains

Clearing Toilet Drains

 

REPAIRING & INSTALLING TUBS & SHOWERS

Waste & Overflow Repair & Replacement

Replacing a Tub Drain Assembly

Tub & Shower Faucets

Replacing a Tub-Shower Faucet

Bathtubs 231

Whirlpool Tubs

Installing a Cast-Iron Bathtub

Showers 238

Installing a Shower Stall

MAINTAINING & INSTALLING WATER HEATERS 

Electric & Gas Water Heaters

Electric Water Heaters

Gas-Fired Water Heaters

Common Water-Heater Problems

Faulty T&P Relief Valves

Sediment Accumulation

Anode Rods

Servicing Gas-Fired Water Heaters

Combustion-Air Problems

Vent-Pipe Problems

Maintaining the Thermocouple and Burner

Servicing Electric Water Heaters

Troubleshooting the Wiring and Thermostat

Replacing a Heating Element

Replacing a Gas-Fired Water Heater

Installing an Electric Water Heater

 

SUMP PUMPS, FILTERS & SOFTENERS

Sump Pumps

Sump Pumps for Groundwater and Runoff

Installing a Submersible Sump Pump

Installing an Above-Floor Sump Box

Filters

Filter Types

Installing In-Line Filters

Installing Reverse-Osmosis Units

Ion-Exchange Equipment

Installing Water Softeners

SEPTIC SYSTEMS, WELLS & SPRINKLERS

Septic Systems

Private Water Wells

How to Replace a Leaking Pressure Tank

How to Install an Underground Sprinkler System

An Overview

Bringing the Water Outdoors

Connecting Sprinkler Pipes

Connecting the Sprinkler Heads

Finishing the Plumbing

The Control Panel

 

Appendix 1

PLUMBING BASICS

Water Supply System

Municipal Supply Lines

Water Meters

Types of Service Line

Interior Water Supply Systems

Fixture and Appliance Connections

Drainage & Vent Systems

Sizes and Materials

The Drainpipe System

Tools

Shopping for Tools

Plumbing Tools

Appendix 2

PLANNING PLUMBING CHANGES & ADDITIONS

Building Codes

Permits and Inspections

Layout & Feasibility

Standard Rough-In Measurements

Designing Efficient Plumbing Installations

Planning for Access

Appendix 3

DRAINS, VENTS & TRAPS

Drains

Basic Drainage Considerations

Installing In-Ground Piping

Vents

Vent Types and Terms

Basic Drain and Vent Considerations

Sizing Fixture Drains and Vents

Installing Vents and Vent Fittings

Roof Vent Considerations

Traps

Trap Variations

Broken Trap Seals

Appendix 4

WORKING WITH WASTE & VENT PIPES

Cast-Iron Drainage Piping

Cast-Iron Fittings

How to Cut Cast Iron

Installing New Cast Iron

Working with Existing Cast Iron

Splicing T- and Y-fittings

New Piping into Old Hubs

Tearing Out a Cast-Iron System

Plastic Drainage Piping

Working with Plastic Drainpipe

Resource Guide

Glossary

Index

"provides a wealth of information for both the novice and avid DIYer.... The first thing I noticed when thumbing through this book is the quantity and quality of photos and illustrations. They're superb quality, and go a long way to amplifying the text......... If you've even thought you might want to undertake a few plumbing projects around the home or cottage, this is the go-to book."

 

 

Carl Duguay

www.toolreviews.ca.

August 2010

 

 

http://www.toolreviews.ca/books/CH3/ch3.html

 

 

Author Merle Henkenius, a freelance writer based in Lincoln, Nebraska, has held a Master Plumber license for over 25 years. His home-improvement writing and photography have been featured extensively in Popular Mechanics magazine.

Ultimate Guide: Plumbing is an updated and expanded edition of Creative Homeowner's comprehensive, best-selling plumbing how-to book. The most up-to-date products and techniques are covered. For the how-to information, strong emphasis is placed on doing things correctly, so all the projects use only code-compliant techniques. The book also gives readers an overview of a house's plumbing system, including supply, waste, and vent piping, and explains the basic physics that keep everything working well. So in addition to learning how to plan and complete each project, readers learn how to spot and improve outdated or dangerous techniques and materials in their home's plumbing system.

 

- Over 700 full-color photographs; more than 100 full-color illustrations
- The newest products, techniques, and technologies on the market
- Beginning and advanced projects, and advice about when to hire a professional
- Choosing and using specialized tools
- Installation, maintenance, and repair of all major components, including water filters, dishwashers, and water heaters
- Fully cross-referenced index and glossary of important terms

Save money by making minor and major plumbing repairs and improvements with help from this complete home plumbing guide.

• Unclog drains and fix leaky faucets
• "Green Solutions" for saving resources
• Install sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, water softeners, lawn sprinklers, and much more
• Learn how your home's plumbing system works so that you can take action in an emergency
• Make plumbing fixture improvements that add value to your home

Publisher: Creative Homeowner
Distributor: Creative Homeowner Press
Publication Date: 02-01-2010
Pages: 304
Measurements: 10.88in X 8.50in X 0.92in X 3.03lb