The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family! For homeowners, the holidays also bring a higher risk of plumbing issues. From hosting guests to preparing big meals, the added strain on household plumbing can cause unexpected headaches.

Here are some common plumbing problems you might face around the holidays and tips on how to prevent them, so you can focus on enjoying the season.

Clogged Kitchen Drains

With more cooking and food prep, kitchen drains are at high risk of clogs, especially if large quantities of food scraps, grease, or oils end up in the sink. Grease and food bits can build up over time, blocking the pipes and potentially causing backups.

Prevention tips

Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.

Use a drain strainer to catch food particles.

Run cold water for a few seconds before and after using the garbage disposal to keep it clear.

Garbage Disposal Jams

Holiday meals often include tough-to-grind items like potato peels, bones, and fibrous vegetables (like celery). Overloading the garbage disposal with these can cause jams, damage the blades, and even lead to broken disposals.

Prevention Tips

Only put small amounts of soft food scraps down the disposal at a time.

Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, and hard items in the disposal. Toss those in the trash.

Run cold water while the disposal is running, and let it run for a few seconds before and afterto clear any remaining bits.

Toilet Clogs

With additional guests, your home’s toilets get more use than usual. This can increase the chance of clogs, especially if items like wipes, paper towels, or too much toilet paper are flushed.

prevention tips

Have a wastebasket in each bathroom so guests can easily dispose of non-flushable items.

Keep a plunger nearby, just in case.

If you do have a clogged toilet, avoid repeatedly flushing, as this can cause overflow, and grab your handy plunger.

Water Heater Strain

Showers, dishwashing, and extra loads of laundry can put a heavy demand on your water heater, especially if it’s an older unit. With frequent use, it can struggle to keep up, resulting in cold showers or even a potential breakdown.

Signs:

Encourage guests to space out showers to give the heater time to recover.

Lower the temperature slightly to prevent overheating if you’re expecting a lot of guests.

Have your water heater inspected annually, and if it’s older or showing signs of wear, consider upgrading to a newer model.

Frozen Pipes

In colder climates, pipes are vulnerable to freezing during the winter. This can lead to burst pipes, which is both costly and inconvenient.

Signs:

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages.

During particularly cold nights, let a trickle of water run from faucets to keep water moving.

Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

In Case of Emergency…

If you encounter a plumbing problem, acting quickly can prevent further damage and help keep repair costs manageable. We strongly suggest you:

Know The Location Of Your Main Water Valve: In case of an emergency, knowing where your main water valve is located and how to shut it off can help prevent extensive water damage.

Know When to Call a Professional: While some plumbing issues can be prevented with simple practices, like using a plunger to unclog a toilet, others may require professional help. When in doubt, call the professionals.If you’re experiencing slow drains, continual clogging of a toilet, low water pressure, or hear strange noises from your plumbing, it’s best to call in a plumber before the problem escalates.

By taking these precautions, you’ll be better prepared to handle any plumbing issues that arise over the holidays. With a little preparation, you can avoid the stress of unexpected repairs and enjoy a smooth holiday season with friends and family.

To book your plumbing system check and breathe easy this fall, you can Schedule online or give us a call!