Is Your Plumbing Ready for the Holidays?

Is Your Plumbing Ready for the Holidays? If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, you may be inviting guests over to your house. If you’re worried about clogs, frozen pipes, and other plumbing problems popping up when you least expect it, we can help.

One of the most exciting things about the holiday season is spending it with your loved ones. Bonding and eating together with friends and family is fun, but it can cause extra strain on your plumbing system. Clogged toilets, drains, and garbage disposal malfunctions may occur because of that added stress. In other words, problems that might require plumbing services.

Although holiday festivities can be harsh on your home’s plumbing, there are many ways to prevent problems from happening to your system. Below are a few tips to protect your home from a plumbing catastrophe this holiday season.

1. Never drain oils and greases down your kitchen sink.

Fatty substances in your pipes can build up and clog your kitchen drain. Instead of pouring hot cooking oil and grease down the drain, allow it to cool and wipe it using a paper towel. Dispose of the towel in the trash after the cleanup. It also helps to use sink drain strainers to catch larger items that might slip down the drain and create blockages.

2. Take steps to avoid frozen pipes.

The holiday weather can be tough on pipes. In case temperatures drop significantly or remain below freezing for a long time, your system is at risk of freezing and incurring severe damage.

Avoid this by allowing your faucets to drip with warm water. You can also open cabinets that lead to your pipes so warm indoor air can reach them. Cover above-ground pipes outside and disconnect water hoses to keep them safe from the extreme cold.

3. Clean your drains.

Most homes with hard water have calcium buildup around faucets. This may affect water flow and result in blockage. Several products can be used to get rid of the residue but there are household items that work just as well (i.e. vinegar and lemon).

Smells can also linger in drains, which might leave a bad impression on your guests. To keep your home smelling clean, simply boil water and pour it down the drain. Follow it with baking soda or vinegar solution.

4. Inspect your water heater.

Ahead of your guests’ arrival, ensure that your water heater is prepared to handle the additional workload in the coming days or weeks. Examine your unit for strange noises or leaks. If it has been a long time since it was purchased, consider calling plumbing services so a licensed plumber can conduct a proper inspection.

5. Check for issues.

Spend some time looking over all the pipes in your home. Find out if there are any small leaks or cracks that might have gone unnoticed. Make an effort to catch potential issues before they get worse, and plan ahead so they can be taken care of. This will give you the peace of mind knowing your plumbing system won’t break down when you need it the most.

Schedule Plumbing Services to Prepare for the Holidays

Maintaining healthy pipe habits will make it easier for you to prepare for the holidays. Aside from avoiding the stress of having a plumbing emergency in the presence of guests, you can make your house more inviting and comfortable for everyone.

For a hassle-free holiday celebration, always remember the tips mentioned above. We suggest signing up for maintenance plumbing services to ensure a problem-free system all-year-round.