The holiday season is upon us and for many, it’s a time to gather with loved ones from near and far. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when plumbing problems can make the festivities come to a screeching halt. With extra guests, cooking, cleaning, and general hustle and bustle, your plumbing system faces a lot more stress than usual this time of year. From clogged drains and toilets to broken pipes and failing water heaters, these and other plumbing emergencies can quickly derail your holiday plans.
Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can prevent most common plumbing problems and keep your holidays stress-free. Here’s how you can avoid a plumbing disaster during the holiday season.
1. Clear Out Clogged Drains
With the influx of guests, your drains are bound to see more action than usual. From washing dishes to taking extra showers, all that extra usage can lead to clogs, particularly in your kitchen and bathrooms. Prevent clogs by cleaning your drains ahead of time. Use a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to clear out any gunk in the pipes. To catch hair and food particles before they enter your pipes, use drain screens or strainers in your sinks and bathtubs.
2. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal may seem like the perfect place to throw food scraps, but it can’t handle everything. Grease, fibrous vegetables (like celery), and bones can cause serious issues in the disposal and the pipes. Avoid putting grease, oil, large bones, or fibrous vegetables down the garbage disposal. Run cold water when using the disposal to help move waste through the pipes.
3. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Even if you live in a mild climate, it’s always a good idea to check your plumbing before the temperature drops. Pipes in attics, basements, or crawl spaces are especially vulnerable to freezing. Check areas where pipes are exposed to the elements and insulate them pipes to prevent freezing. If you’re going out of town, leave the thermostat set to a minimum temperature (around 55°F). This helps prevent pipes from freezing in colder weather.
4. Use the Toilet Wisely
The more guests you have, the more use your toilets will get. If a toilet replacement is in your future, make sure it’s equipped with a high-efficiency flush system to reduce water usage. And most importantly, avoid flushing non-flushable items such as wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, cigarettes, and feminine products which can all easily clog your plumbing.
5. Know the Location of the Main Water Shutoff Valve
In the unfortunate event of a plumbing emergency, it’s crucial to know how to quickly turn off the water to prevent further damage. Before the holidays begin, familiarize yourself with the location of your home’s main water shutoff valve. This valve is typically located in the basement, crawl space, or near the water meter outside. Make sure the valve is working properly and easy to turn. If the valve is difficult to operate, consider having it replaced by a professional plumber.
Holiday plumbing emergencies are never convenient, but with some proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of plumbing issues disrupting your celebrations. Yet should a problem arise, you can count on Messmer Mechanical. Contact us today or anytime for all your plumbing needs.