5 comments about Cottage Water Systems: An Out-of-the-City Guide to Pumps, Plumbing, Water Purification, and Privies.

1. If you are going to buy one, and only one book about maintaining a cottage water and sewer system, this is it. The definitive bible on how to keep everything working. Supplemented with excellent illustrations and drawings, Cottage Water Systems is indispensable. About the only criticism we have is that there could be a few more options for pump hook-ups and that some of the addresses are out of date. But all-in-all, this is a truly outstanding book worth the money.



2. This book is a glossy generalists dream. If you don't know what a well is, buy this book. If you don't know what a septic tank is, buy this book. If you can't tell the difference between a submrsible pump or a jet pump, buy this book.

   If you want to design or install your own hideaway water system, forget it. The author makes to frequent use of "consult your owners manual", "local authorities" or "hire someone" to have any real value.

   This book would benefit the rural homeowner who has never owned a well, septic, etc. and needs to talk with a repair service. It would be unadvisable to attempt installation or repair of any system with knowledge gained from just this book.




3. An excellent book that covers in detail all the aspects of water required at a cottage or remote site. The manner of writing is excellent and manages to make what could have been a deadly boring topic, quite interesting. I can't imagine a book on this subject being more informative or presented in a better style



4. Gave me the knowledge to troubleshoot my existing system, and build a better one. One that is economical, and environmentally friendly.



5. I'm on the fence here. One reviewer thought that it was way too basic. And no, I would not attempt to install a pumped water system in my cabin based on this info solely. On the other hand, I learned TONS of things, seriously. I mean TONS. I also learned (big time) what my options are and "how these things work." There is a WONDERFUL appendix in the back containing the contact info for all kinds of suppliers, which I found very valuable. In fact, I would be pretty comfortable building a small grey water drainage system or something simple. The one thing I was dissappointed about is this - We plan to use hauled water and roof drainage in a cistern, and there is absolutely nothing about that in the book anywhere. Still, I enjoyed it.

5 comments about Plumbing 1-2-3.

1. Aptly edited by John Holms, Plumbing 1-2-3 is a detailed yet easily understandable home plumbing maintenance and repair guide ideal for the non-specialist general reader with no prior experience or expertise. If you can hold a screwdriver, you can take an active role in the upkeep of your own plumbing. Chapters cover such topics as the supply system, the drain-waste-vent system, installing tubs, showers, sinks, faucets, toilets, or appliances, and outdoor systems. In addition to the straightforward, point-by-point text that is highly accessible to lay readers, Plumbing 1-2-3 is superbly illustrated throughout with full-color photographs on every two-page spread, unambiguously depicting each step of the meticulous instructions. Plumbing 1-2-3 is a very highly recommended and "user friendly" guide, particularly for the do-it-yourself homeowner - five minutes of reading now can save hundreds of dollars in future repair or utilities bills!



2. Its a must have if you are interested in fixing your home's plumbing stuff. Step by approach with great illustrations makes it to understand very easy. Has projects for different levels of experstise.



3. This book merits a 1, maybe a 2, certainly not a 3 out of 10. I acquired two guides for do-it-yourself plumbing of my new home construction. Not one time did I reference the Home Depot "Plumbing 1-2-3." Luckily, I also had a copy of Black & Decker's "The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing" and referrenced it like a TV Preacher leans on his Bible.
   
   Unfortunately, Home Depot has a ready outlet - it's equally disorderly stores - to hock this poorly organized, code deficient reference book. For all but a few of the simplest jobs, this book is useless.
   
   If I were a betting man, I'd wager that Home Depot rather tried to immitate better books on Home Plumbing, but, as with all hacks, instead they butchered a forgery into print. If you're stuck with a copy of this book, as I am, use it for Home Heating 1-2-3 this winter.
   
   Tough luck Home Depot, not only are your stores outfitted with an army of poorly motivated workers, it appears you also stockade a cadre of lousy writers.
   
   Sincerely, Steve Perreira



4. Excellent manual for anyone. Covers about every possible situation most homeowners encounter. Super value. Highly recommend



5. I recently hauled this book out of my bookcase to replace some faucets in the bathroom sink. Granted, the Moen kit was exemplary in its instructions and simplicity, but you still might find yourself without the necessary tools or tips to get the job done, much less done in time for dinner.
   
   The book really saved me some time and effort. On its advice, I picked up a basin wrench, and this alone saved the job. I would never have gotten the old hardware off, much less gotten the new hardware on, without it. It also outlined the need for flexible feed hoses, wrapping the new faucet feeds before installing (which I forgot to do, but the book did its part and told me about it), and outlining the basics step by step.
   
   Coupled with a most excellent purely-pictorial instruction manual in the Moen kit, I was able to remove the old leaky faucets, install the new ones, and not have to hire a plumber.
   
   The book could be even bigger and include a little more depth, but this is a highly-recommended resource and every non-contractor or non-handy individual should own it.
   
   
   -Fred

1 comments about Illustrated Guide to the 2006 International Plumbing and Sewage Codes (Illustrated Guide to the International Plumbing & Sewage Code).

1. This book is very hard to follow. The Illustrated manual that is published by the ICC is much more coherent and informative. I regret having spent so much money on this book becaust it has nothing to offer beyond what is in the ICC publication. The font that was utized by the author in his ilustrations are murder on the eyes. Buy the ICC version as it has the actual code verbatim and then the articulate and practical commentary. Plus the illustrations are superb especially when compared to Patterson's offering.
   
   And, as always, Amazon rules. Their Customer Service is second to none.

5 comments about How a house works (Family Handyman).

1. I've looked at a lot of "home" type books and this is the best one that I have seen. It takes a home and explains in the simplest terms, how it works ('wonder where they got the name of the book?). The illustrations are absolutely top notch. Buy this book!



2. This book is a rare blend of the fundamentals of residential construction, expressed in the most friendly language. Duane has an unusual two-fold gift to understand all the technical aspects of our homes and the ability to communicate that expertise in the most approachable manner. It's like having the 60-year wisdom of a construction foreman and a dutch uncle in your back pocket. I have given copies of this fine book to all my nephews and several friends.



3. This books explains how a US single family house evolved to its current standard, including structure, plumbing, electrics, etc. The author is both knowledgeable on how things in our houses work and very good at communicating his knowledge to a lay person. Although there are a few "fix it yourself" or "complete guide" books that are good at providing quick solutions, this book will help you understand how some of the solutions work. The book is less than 200 pages and takes only a few nights to read. You will benefit from it for your whole life.



4. This is the book to buy before you read the how-to books.

   It presents a concise evolution of the American home, explaining the rudiments of its construction and systems from the timber frame to the postwar eras.

   The illustrations are excellent.

   Beware, you may be tempted to subscribe to The Family Handyman.




5. Overall this is a great book for anyone that owns, rents or is thinking of buying a house. It has excellent illustrations with easy to read and understand explanations. It filled in many gaps in my knowledge about my home.
   
   I was a little surprised that in section/chapter 4: Heating and Cooling that he never even mentioned evaporative coolers/Swamp Coolers. Granted, one has to live in a fairly dry climate to get the best use out of them, but surprise........ lots of people do.
   
   I'm guessing he grew up on the east or west coast and never had much exposure to them, but they at least warrant mention.
   
   Otherwise an excellent, well written book for those of us that are curious about "How it Works"

3 comments about Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Construction and Architecture (4th Edition).

1. This book was written by my old professor at wentworth institute of technology. Although he only gave me a B in the class i have to say the book was written very well ;). It is designed to give the reader important information of construction management in a very basic way. If you are a beginner in the construction business you can not go wrong with this book.



2. Great book to learn Enviroment Systems. Gave me an A in the course. Easy to read, and follow. Filled with much needed charts, tables, and pictures. I recommend for this subject



3. This book uniquely covered the traditional construction management subjects of estimating, scheduling, control, then added preconstruction activities and project delivery methods, followed by construction law and safety. These subject, which are integrated together in the work world, are usally found in 3-4 different books.
   
   Some additional depth, such as adding order of magnitude estimating, and estimating by assemblies, was a welcome addition.
   
   A little more "this is how it is really done in the real world" would have been helpful.Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals

1 comments about Plumbing Do-It-Yourself For Dummies (Do-It-Yourself for Dummies).

1. 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...

1 comments about Basics of Energy Efficient Living: A Beginner's Guide to Alternative Energy and Home Energy Savings.

1. These days it seems that energy advice is available on every street corner--"turn down your thermostat", "caulk your house" or "buy a solar panel". Unfortunately, most of this "common sense" is either massively expensive or based on "cut back" and save. It's hardly inspiring or practical for real people.
   
   This book restores my confidence in practical energy solutions. It's not "preachy" or "environmentalist"---it simply lays out how energy works and options to cut energy waste. It's easy to read, yet packed with information. I haven't seen technical writing this good in years.
   
   The content is fairly evenly divided between discussions on preventing energy loss, recapturing lost energy, and obtaining "free" energy. The explanations are lucid, logical and cover the major energy options. The book also includes worksheets for calculating energy use in your own home.
   
   Overall, what I appreciate most is this book doesn't preach/promote a specific energy solution. Instead it simply explains the options and lets you decide what will give you the most gain for your specific house/lifestyle. Once you read this book I guarantee you won't think about energy the same way again.

5 comments about Plumbing (For Pros By Pros).

1. title says it all. detailed and informative. Rex did a great job.



2. It's not that this plumbing book by Rex Cauldwell is bad, it's just not as good as his other title, "Remodel Plumbing."
   
   If you are going to buy just one plumbing book, buy "Remodel Plumbing" by the same author.



3. This book has strengths and weaknesses. Lots of good info and photos on building a plumbing system in a house. Apparently the house is half in the country and half in the city. Paradoxically, the author spends over forty pages on wells, pumps, pressure tanks and well-water supply system piping, but not one page on septic systems, cesspools, leach lines, or graywater systems. Go figure. The other void I found was zero information on cleanouts. The sub-title is a puzzle: For Pros By Pros. "For Pros" implies that the book is designed for professional plumbers. Do they really need help in learning how to sweat copper and glue plastic pipe? Apparently so, but apparently they need no help on cleanouts or waste systems beyond the house.



4. This book gives a brief overview of plumbing, it won't solve many of your problems as it doesn't go into anything in too much depth. Good if you need a general knowledge but there are better guides online from the manufacturer's for less or free. It does talk about some codes but that varies so much across the country as to be useless.



5. I thought this book was for pro's. Instead it reads like a book for a beginner. It was all basic I thought and the author talks to you like you are not a pro.

4 comments about The Ultimate Guide to Spas and Hot Tubs : Troubleshooting and Tricks of the Trade.

1. If you are looking for info on Spas and Hot Tubs, don't buy this book.
   Most of the info and photos are for Pools and the info on pools is outdated. The only time you see spas explained is when they are part of a pool!
   This looks like a 1970's book on Pools reprinted with a new cover showing spas. I was looking for info on Portable spa heaters and pumps. The book goes into great detail on gas!!! fired water heaters, and concrete???? spas!!!!
   For all of you Portable spa owners.......beware!!!!!!



2. I own all of Tamminen's excellent pool and spa books. While I'm not a pool professional, I am a do-it-yourself person. Any question I have about installation, maintenance, and upkeep, I find the answers in Tamminen's books. I recommend this book to anyone with a spa or a hot tub. You'll find what you're looking for every time.



3. This is helpful to understand the operations and "guts" of a hottub/spa, but not helpful in making decisions on which brand or type to buy initially. Once you have one, it is helpful in doing repairs yourself, and optimally maintaining it.



4. Software appears to work, but I was unable to update it because of a malfunction. Do Not expect help form the vendor, as a matter of fact you will be fortunate to recieve an answer from them. In short buy at your own risk!!!

No comments about 2006 International Plumbing Codes Handbook.