A newly released book developed by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau and Roger Peugeot shows consumers the value of hiring professional contractors to do service work.

According to the PHCIB, "The Home Ranger Helps You Figure It Out" is a comprehensive reference manual that frequently recommends the use of a professional contractor. The book contains a question-and-answer section that is co-authored by Peugeot and syndicated newspaper columnist Tim Carter. Peugeot is a PHC contractor from Overland Park, Kan.

"The Home Ranger Helps You Figure It Out" also contains a troubleshooting guide from the service manuals of multiple plumbing product companies, including Kohler, Rheem and Fluidmaster; Web addresses and telephone numbers for 500 product manufacturers and tips on how to save water and energy.

The book is available on amazon.com, barnesandnobles.com or borders.com for $14.95 or is available through the PHCIB to plumbing contractors for $9 a copy. Call 312/372-7331 for more information on discounted books.