The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, it’s also a time when your home’s plumbing system can face unexpected challenges. At Northside Plumbing, we understand the importance of a stress-free holiday season for our community. This blog aims to provide essential tips on avoiding holiday plumbing mishaps to ensure a safe and easy holiday for everyone.
Watch What You Put Down the Drain
When preparing festive meals, it’s easy to get carried away with cooking and cleaning. However, be mindful of what you put down your kitchen sink and garbage disposal. Grease, fats, and oils from holiday cooking can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs. Dispose of cooking grease in a separate container and toss it in the trash instead. Also, avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods like potato peels, celery, or rice down the disposal, as they can clog the blades and pipes.
Be Cautious with Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is a handy appliance, but it’s not invincible. To keep it running smoothly during the holidays, run cold water while using it and avoid overloading it with large quantities of food scraps. Also, remember that bones, coffee grounds, and eggshells should be discarded in the trash, as they can damage the disposal’s blades.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Winter holidays often coincide with freezing temperatures, which can lead to the nightmare of frozen pipes. To avoid this, insulate your pipes, especially in unheated areas of your home, like the basement or attic. Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Lastly, let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold nights to keep the water flowing and prevent freezing.
Be Mindful of Guests
If you’re hosting guests during the holiday season, make sure they are aware of any plumbing quirks or restrictions in your home. For instance, inform them not to flush excessive toilet paper or sanitary products down the toilet. Consider placing a small trash can with a lid in the bathroom for disposal of these items. Also, ask your guests not to overload the washing machine drum, which can lead to drain issues.
Regularly Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime during the holidays, as it provides hot water for showers, dishwashing, and other activities. Inspect your water heater for signs of corrosion, leaks, or unusual noises to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Contact our plumbing experts for a professional evaluation if you notice any issues.
Prepare for a Plumbing Emergency
While you hope for a smooth holiday season, preparing for plumbing emergencies is crucial. Keep our contact information handy and a basic plumbing toolkit that includes a plunger, pipe wrench, and pipe tape. Being ready to handle minor issues can prevent them from escalating into costly disasters.
Maintain Your Septic System
If your home has a septic system, ensuring it functions correctly during the holidays is essential. Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Be cautious with how much water you use to prevent septic tank overload. Regular septic system maintenance is also advisable to avoid any unexpected holiday mishaps.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection
To give yourself peace of mind, consider scheduling a pre-holiday plumbing inspection with our expert team. We can check for hidden issues, leaks, or potential problems that could disrupt your holiday plans. Early detection can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
A little preparation and awareness can go a long way in preventing holiday plumbing mishaps and ensuring a safe and easy holiday for everyone. At Northside Plumbing, we’re dedicated to serving our community and helping you have a worry-free holiday season. If you encounter any plumbing issues or require professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
We wish you and your family a joyful, stress-free holiday season filled with warmth and happiness!
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