Top 3 DIY Plumbing Tips [And a Little Extra]

There's nothing like that satisfaction of knowing that you fixed something without the need of a professional! We understand, and all of us at Covert Plumbing would like to do all that we can to make sure that you are educated in all things DIY when it comes to plumbing.

Not only do we want you to be able to tackle DIY plumbing tasks, we also want you to be able to take preventive measures, as well. 

Here are just a few tips we have for you to check on your pipes and drains yourself, before picking up the phone and giving us a call.

​Do Not Mistake Your Sink For a Garbage Can

Many people think that their sink (and garbage disposal) are there for your disposing pleasure, but there are some items to be sure you stay away from tossing in the 'ole shredder. Here are some don'ts when it comes to your garbage disposal.

• Bones - No matter the size, you don't want to risk breaking any of the blades in your disposal.
• Paste - You would think that soft bits of pasta would be ok, but the pasta will continue to expand and could eventually clog your pipes.
• Rice - Just like pasta, rice will expand and clog.
• Grease - One of the hardest things to NOT put down the drain is cooking grease. Grease will eventually end up clogging your pipes. The best thing to do is wait for it to cool and harden, then toss it in the garbage can.
• Starchy Peels, Skins, & Husks - Although people recommend putting lemon and orange peels down your disposal, don't mistake them for potato peels, corn husks, or onion skins. They can clog and damage your disposal.

In the event you think you may have put items down your disposal, or your disposal simply stopped running, go ahead and try these quick little DIY tricks.

1. Make sure your garbage disposal is plugged in. If not, plug it in and try and run it.
2. Locate the reset button on your garbage disposal and press it (normally on the bottom, underneath). See if this helps. If not, onto #3.
3. Insert a 1/4" hex wrench into the hole underneath the garbage disposal, cranking back and forth to clear the blades.

If none of these work, you may be in need of a professional.


Locate Your Shut-Off Valve & Keep It Maintained

We can see it already... some of you may be scratching your heads wondering why you've never located your shut-off valve before - and it's okay! That's why we are here.

The shut-off valve controls the flow of water throughout your entire house. Knowing where this is can keep your house from potential disaster when functioning properly and used correctly. 

The shut-off valve is typically located in the basement, or outside your home in a utility area (please note that apartment complexes may not have this accessible to you).

• It's important to turn your valve off and on one to two times per year. Please note that throughout this process of maintenance if your valve seems to be frozen, do not force it closed. You may want to call a professional.
• If you have closed your shut-off valve, and then opened it again and it begins to leak, you may need to tighten the nut around the stem (for gate-style valves only). Do not overtighten.
• When turning off the water, if you allow all pipes to drain, you should unscrew the screens in the faucets before you turn the water back on so that you don't block any loosened particles that may need to come out.

Routinely Check For Leaky Pipes

We are not sure if you have noticed, but most (if not ALL) pipes in your home are hidden. Yes! Within your walls, under your floors, and in your cupboards. It's important to check for leaks around the house (at least a few times a year) to be sure you're not missing anything.

Here are a few tips to check for leaks, and when a leak is found, how to trace where it's coming from when it's not painfully obvious.

• Simply go around your house and check under all sinks, around appliances, in showers, bathtubs, and behind toilets. If you do notice some leaks, we will give you some DIY tips down below.
• Examine all floors, walls, and ceilings. Look for areas that look moist, like bubbles within wallpaper or peeling paint. 
• Check basements and crawl spaces for corrosion and moisture. Mold and wood rot are good indicators that there may be a leak.
• Turn off all sources of water in your home (this may be best to do at night, while everyone is asleep). Go and take a look at your water meter, and record the number the water meter needle is resting at. In about 8 hours, go back and check if the number has changed. If all sources of water have been turned off, it indicated there may be a leak in your plumbing system.

If you do find a leak, and you are unable to fix it on your own, please call us immediately.


A Few Extra Tips From All Of Us At Covert Plumbing

Our top 3 tips above just scratch the surface of all the plumbing maintenance and DIY tricks you can utilize in your home. Here are a few more when you're in need of a quick DIY.

• Plumbers Tape For The Win - When fitting pipes and joints back together, always use plumbers tape (aka Teflon), by wrapping the thread 3 times. This will help prevent future leaks when sealing.
• Watch Your Strength - When tightening fittings, always be sure that you are not over-tightening them. This may cause bolts to break, or stripped screws. Always remember that hand tight is just right!
• ​Watch What You Flush - OK, this may not come across the right way. What we mean is, just because something says it's flushable does not necessarily mean it won't harm your sewer line. Always be mindful of what you flush and how much of it you do flush.  In the event your child drops something 'non-flushable' in the toilet, be sure you have a wet-dry vacuum handy and you can suck it right up.

We hope these simple tips and tricks have helped you get one step closer to being a plumbing DIY expert! If you have any more questions or feel that you are in need of our services - we are always happy to serve you. Give us a call at (615)887-4427.