Some of the best plumbing books are invaluable resources for everyone, from new technicians to master plumbers and experienced contractors. Having technical resources at hand, with illustrations and explanations, provides accurate, up-to-date knowledge about:
Safety protocols
Plumbing codes
Troubleshooting guides
How-to instructions
Books written by industry experts are trustworthy and show best practices for working in the plumbing trade. An office stocked with these titles allows plumbers to provide expert customer service while maintaining full compliance and continuously building their skills.
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This article contains 10 of the most useful books for plumbers.
1. Plumbing Trainee Guide, Level 4
Plumbing Trainee Guide, Level 4 is an advanced-level training manual and workbook including illustrations, techniques, and tricks from industry experts for subjects including gas systems and hydronic heating.
Author: NCCER
Language: English
Publisher: Pearson
Publication date: December 2014
Series: NCCER Contren Learning Series
Pages: 480
Best for: Advanced training and leveling up skills for journeymen plumbers.
This guide helps experienced plumbing contractors to advance within the industry.
2. Plumbing Complete: Expert Advice From Start to Finish
Plumbing Complete: Experts Advice From Start to Finish is a comprehensive guide covering everything from simple plumbing projects like connecting a new kitchen faucet to more complex installations—like repiping a home with PEX water supply lines.
Author: Rex Cauldwell
Language: English
Publisher: Taunton Press
Publication date: August 2009
Series: Expert Advice From Start to Finish
Pages: 256
Best for: DIY-ers, creative homeowners, and novice plumbers looking for overviews of residential plumbing projects.
This book is a versatile resource that provides detailed information about installing and troubleshooting a variety of plumbing projects.
3. Residential Construction Academy: Plumbing
Residential Construction Academy: Plumbing is a foundational text for those beginning a career in plumbing, covering tools, materials, residential systems, and more.
Author: Michael A. Joyce, Ray Holder
Language: English
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Publication date: March 2011
Series: Residential Construction Academy
Pages: 640
Best for: Plumbing students and new technicians focusing on improving their skill level in residential plumbing.
This foundational textbook is an essential training component to lay the groundwork for a successful career, helping technicians become confident with all plumbing tasks, from installing tankless water heaters to moving gas lines for new kitchen appliances while adhering to the residential fuel gas code.
4. International Plumbing Code (International Code Council Series)
International Plumbing Code is the requisite guide for building know-how regarding international plumbing codes and regulations.
Author: International Code Council
Language: English
Publisher: ICC distributed by Cengage Learning
Publication date: March 2020
Series: International Code Council Series
Pages: 560
Best for: Professional journeyman plumbers who must be well-versed in international codes.
This book is a must-have for any business that needs to stay compliant and knowledgeable about international standards.
5. 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code
Uniform Plumbing Code is widely used in North America as the official UPC guide, providing comprehensive guidelines and regulations for current approaches to plumbing installations.
Author: IAPMO
Language: English
Publisher: International APMO
Publication date: January 2023
Series: N/A
Pages: 400
Best for: Professional plumbing companies to stay current on changes and new provisions added to the residential code.
This book contains up-to-date and official UPC plumbing regulations, and having it close at hand ensures work meets the highest safety and sanitary standards.
6. PHCC Educational Foundation’s Plumbing Series
PHCC Educational Foundation’s Plumbing series is a collection of textbooks designed to provide a comprehensive plumbing education with core and advanced skills.
Author: PHCC Educational Foundation
Language: English
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Publication date: April 2012
Series: PHCC Educational Foundation Series
Pages: 320
Best for: Students and professionals looking for a comprehensive education from basic plumbing to advanced projects.
This multi-volume set offers straightforward explanations for real-world plumbing scenarios, providing valuable tips and tricks for novices and experts.
7. Plumbing 1-2-3
Plumbing 1-2-3 is a clear, accessible guide for residential plumbing with step-by-step instructions for at-home installation, maintenance, and repairs of indoor and outdoor plumbing.
Author: The Home Depot
Language: English
Publisher: The Home Depot
Publication date: September 2005
Series: 1-2-3
Pages: 224
Best for: Homeowners and do-it-yourself beginners who want to better understand their home’s plumbing system.
The 1-2-3 series breaks down every aspect of common DIY projects for the home, including carpentry, tiling, wiring, and more. Even though this book was written with home improvement in mind, its step-by-step photo instructions can provide excellent basic knowledge for new techs.
8. Plumbing a House
Plumbing a House is an illustrated guide through the end-to-end process of designing, sizing, and installing piping in residential buildings.
Author: Peter Hemp
Language: English
Publisher: Taunton Press
Publication date: October 1994
Series: For Pros by Pros
Pages: 205
Best for: Intermediate to advanced plumbers who want to build skills for residential maintenance and repairs.
This book is a visual guide to simplify everything from basic fittings to complex system installation.
9. Flushed: How the Plumber Saved Civilization
Flushed: How the Plumber Saved Civilization is a witty, entertaining book looking at the history and societal impact of plumbing.
Author: W. Hodding Carter
Language: English
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: May 2007
Series: N/A
Pages: 256
Best for: A fun read about the history of plumbing.
While not a technical resource, the book provides an interesting and entertaining context for the role of plumbers in communities.
10. The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing
The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing is a DIY guide for top-to-bottom home plumbing, including repairs, upgrades, and installations.
Author: Andrew Karre and Editors of Cool Springs Press
Language: English
Publisher: Creative Pub International
Publication date: January 2005
Series: Black & Decker Complete Guide
Pages: 298
Best for: DIY-inclined homeowners tackling plumbing projects.
Even though it’s written for homeowners, this book offers easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for some common projects plumbing contractors will encounter on the job.
Where Can I Buy Plumbing Books?
Once you know the plumbing books you want to buy, you need to find the best place to purchase them.
Amazon
Amazon is still the internet’s largest bookseller because it offers one of the most comprehensive lists of best-seller titles and easy shipping options. However, watch for inflated shipping costs from private sellers, particularly on tough-to-find technical books.
Brick-and-mortar bookstores
One of the best advantages of shopping in local bookstores is the ability to flip through comparable titles and compare the content and illustrations. The downside is that the selection can be limited, and often prices are higher than when you shop online—but your money stays in your community by buying local.
If a store doesn’t have a particular title in stock, they may be able to order either for pick-up in-store or with shipping to your business.
Online bookstores
Specialty websites for the trades, like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors’ Association, often have plumbing books at lower costs than traditional retailers because of industry partnerships with publishers.
There may be a smaller selection than a site like Amazon, but better support materials, such as training videos or online communities.
The retailer you use matters less than the books on your shelves, so shop around to find the latest edition, reasonable prices, and shipping. Don’t limit resources to books; consider YouTube channels, plumbing blogs, trade groups, and professional events.
Beyond Books: Tips For Every Plumbing Contractor
Your business’s library provides technicians with expert-backed knowledge and teaches crucial on-the-job skills with the industry’s best practices in mind. However, running a profitable plumbing business requires more than just the tips and tricks learned in field service management books.
Implementing the right technology and software can help you optimize operations, improve customer experience, and empower your technicians in the field.
ServiceTitan is comprehensive business management software for the trades, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Professionals can set themselves apart while driving new revenue and profitability.
Offering a superb experience is key: Customers may not know the ins and outs of the maintenance and repairs they need, but they will pay attention to their experience with your brand during a plumbing job.
With advanced technology in every aspect of their lives, customers have come to expect real-time communication and proactive updates leading up to and during their service calls.
ServiceTitan provides the features that set plumbing contractors apart, such as:
Automated SMS reminders
Live mapping of technician locations
In-platform text messaging
Web scheduling and chat widgets
ServiceTitan helps plumbers deliver five-star customer experiences.
Good dispatch management takes you a step ahead: Dispatch management may not come to mind as the make-or-break feature for setting yourself apart in your market, but good management makes the difference in multiple areas of your operations.
Faster service delivery: Customers have come to expect everything on demand. ServiceTitan’s dispatch management feature can help get technicians there faster.
Intelligent scheduling optimization: Reduced windshield time and keeping technicians profitable during their entire route can make the difference in staying competitive in your market.
In-app messaging: Keep the field and office connected and stay responsive to surprises on the road, like traffic, truck trouble, and issues with plumbing tasks at appointments.
Confirmation texts: Eliminate no-shows and last-minute cancellations by letting clients confirm appointments via text message.
ServiceTitan closes the distance between your dispatchers and technicians, bringing new visibility, accountability, and clarity to every route.
Empowered technicians can make a difference: When you equip your plumbers with better tools, they can deliver better results. Digital sales tools from ServiceTitan help technicians in the field communicate value and drive new revenue.
Pricebook Pro from ServiceTitan shows clients in the field:
Localized pricing
Compelling graphics
Resources that close more sales
Elevate the capabilities of your technicians and dominate your market with ServiceTitan.
Essential tools for your plumbing business go beyond books—find out why with a ServiceTitan demo.
Once your technicians have the skills and knowledge in the best plumbing books, give them the technology to optimize operations and deliver better customer experiences.
ServiceTitan is an industry-leading business management platform helping plumbing companies streamline end-to-end workflows, increase productivity, and drive new revenue potential. Achieve new levels of efficiency and profitability by improving your dispatch management, customer communication, and in-field sales to grow your business.
Learn how ServiceTitan can transform your plumbing business by requesting a demo today.
