Modern Plumbing provides basic information about the tools, materials, equipment, processes, and career opportunities in the plumbing field. The text is written in simple, nontechnical language and is heavily illustrated. Modern Plumbing includes the latest information on installation and repair techniques, as well as recent developments in materials, fixtures, and appliances. The textbook covers both hand and machine tools, and it supplies the background knowledge needed for vocational competence. This edition of Modern Plumbing is organized to facilitate learning. This textbook is divided into 33 chapters that are grouped into five sections. Additionally, this textbook includes chapters on excavation, plumbing remodeling, and plumbing history. Hundreds of photographs, illustrations, and charts will make it easier for you to understand the many technical details involved in the plumbing trade. Color is used throughout this edition of Modern Plumbing to represent different components and materials. A color key is used to help identify specific materials and components. Various type styles are used throughout this text to emphasize words, identify important terms, and highlight figure references. Italic type is used to emphasize words and terms. For example, the word not is often printed in italic type when it is imperative that an operation be avoided. Important terms appear in bold-italic type. These terms are defined when introduced and are listed in the Technical Terms list at the beginning of the chapter, as well as in the running glossary. Bold type is used for the figure references in the body of the text. This makes them easy to identify. A Lab Workbook is available to complement this textbook. The Lab Workbook contains additional review questions, as well as activities to help you develop the hands-on skills needed to succeed in the field. The chapters in the Lab Workbook are correlated to those in the textbook. Apprentices, vocational students, construction trade students, and anyone interested in plumbing will find Modern Plumbing a valuable aid in learning how plumbing systems are designed, installed, and maintained. Experienced plumbers who want to review basic plumbing techniques and/or study the recent developments in the plumbing field will also find this book helpful. E. Keith Blankenbaker Introduction iii Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.