Customer Reviews
Grab Your Tools and Dive right In! 
2001-09-20
As with the other DIY books in the 1-2-3 series, the editors have done a wonderful job of formatting and organizing the material in this book. Many times plumbing jobs are emergencies-- water leaks, overflowing toilets, and so forth. The layout of this reference book provides quick and easy solutions to your immediate needs, as well as long-term plans for other home improvement projects.
As an organizing coach, I use color-coding on a regular basis, and encourage my clients to do the same. So I was thrilled to see that the sections are organized by color-coded tabs for easy access. From general plumbing information to creating a plumber's tool kit, you can plan your project and gather your tools before getting started, which is the perfect way to organize any task. The WORK SMARTER sections are a must read, especially the 12 Tips For Getting The Job Done Right The First Time (great time management tips, guys!) . And being the visual learner that I am, I especially like the detailed photos of assembly and repair throughout the book.
Whether you are experienced in household projects, or a member of the DIY-impaired, Plumbing 1-2-3 will give you the confidence you need to tackle those plumbing projects, and help you know when to call in an expert.
An excellent resource for non-plumbers 2007-10-06
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
Plumbing 1 2 3 2007-02-17
Excellent manual for anyone. Covers about every possible situation most homeowners encounter. Super value. Highly recommend
Instead get Black & Decker's "The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing" 
2005-11-10
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
A must for Fome owners 2005-03-01
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.
Highly accessible to lay readers 2001-12-13
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!
