The holiday season is fast approaching, and homeowners are gearing up! They will host many friends and family joining them for the merriment. But, when you expect a lot of guests in your home, you need to prepare. Fully service your plumbing system so that it can manage the extra load and function smoothly during the festive season.
The home plumbing system has a tough time during the holidays as it has to work harder than usual due to the extra cooking and additional members using water. The last thing homeowners want is clogged drains, overflowing toilets, leaking garbage disposals, and hot water system failure jeopardizing the festivities.
Here are a few valuable tips to avert plumbing catastrophes and enjoy a stress-free holiday season:
Never pour grease down the drain
The kitchen sees maximum use during the holidays with all the extra cooking. Grease, fat, and oil pose one of the biggest threats to the plumbing system. The grease and oil go in the drain as a liquid but harden and solidify when they cool down, causing clogs. To prevent these hard-to-dislodge clogs, pour the leftover oil into a can or plastic bag and toss it into the garbage can.
Care for the toilet
Toilet clogs are nasty. As more people are there in the house, the toilets work overtime due to increased use. Ensure that the guests do not flush items like cotton swabs, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, cigarette butts, and sanitary napkins that commonly clog toilets. Even the objects marked as flushable do not dissolve properly and can create severe blockage quickly. Place a garbage can or wastebasket near the toilet in every bathroom for the guests to toss their trash.
Watch what goes into the garbage disposal
Several holiday foods can damage the garbage disposal unit and clog the drains. Homeowners should stay mindful about putting leftovers in the garbage disposal. Never throw fibrous foods, eggshells, pasta, coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and other hard items into the garbage disposal. Dispose of all the leftovers in the trash can instead of the kitchen sink or the garbage disposal unit.
Check hot water usage
You will need a lot of hot water for showers and washing dishes and clothes. It is essential to space out the hot water usage to avoid inconvenience. Do not run multiple hot-water appliances simultaneously, and ensure to wait 10 to 15 minutes between showers. It allows the water heater to work correctly and gives drains enough time to clear out. Do not forget to place a strainer over the drains to keep them free of clogs.
Call a plumber for a pre-holiday inspection
The best way to ensure that the home plumbing system is ready for the extra pressure is to call a licensed plumber for pre-holiday inspection and maintenance. Expert technicians will check the drains, sewer system, fixtures, and appliances to ensure that everything is functional and does not cause stressful emergency plumbing problems during the holidays.
When are plumbers at their busiest? During the holidays! Also, the costs are high, and it is tough to find an expert technician to deal with emergencies. Stay proactive and get in touch with a local plumber to avoid encountering plumbing problems. Make the necessary preparations to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.