The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and creating cherished memories. But with all the excitement comes extra stress on your plumbing system. At Roto-Rooter, we’re here to help you keep the festivities on track by avoiding common plumbing problems. Follow these tips to ensure your home runs smoothly during the holidays.
1. Handle Food Waste the Right Way
Holiday meals often mean a busy kitchen, and your garbage disposal works overtime. Avoid clogs and damage by keeping these items out of your sink:
• Grease and oil: These solidify in pipes, leading to blockages. Dispose of them in a sealed container.
• Fibrous foods: Vegetable peels, celery, and similar items can wrap around disposal blades, causing jams.
• Bones and hard materials: These can damage your disposal and create clogs.
Run cold water while using the disposal and for a few seconds afterward to clear out debris.
2. Prepare for Extra Guests
If you’re hosting this season, your plumbing system will see increased usage. Here’s how to prepare:
• Toilet care: Place a trash can in the bathroom to prevent non-flushable items from being flushed.
• Hot water tips: Ensure your water heater is functioning efficiently. Consider turning it up slightly (no higher than 120°F) to accommodate additional showers or dishwashing.
• Spread out water use: Stagger showers, laundry, and dishwashing to maintain water pressure and hot water availability.
3. Prevent Cold Weather Pipe Problems
For those celebrating in colder regions, frozen pipes can be a significant issue. Protect your home with these tips:
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, or crawl spaces.
• Let faucets drip slowly during freezing temperatures to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
4. Watch for Sewer Line Issues
Holiday gatherings can put additional strain on your sewer system. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble, such as slow drains, gurgling toilets, or foul odors. If you notice any of these, contact Roto-Rooter for a professional inspection.
5. Plan Ahead with Maintenance
The best way to avoid plumbing problems is with regular maintenance. Before your guests arrive, schedule a professional drain cleaning or system checkup with Roto-Rooter to address any potential issues.
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
Despite your best efforts, plumbing emergencies can still happen. Whether it’s a clogged drain, an overflowing toilet, or a burst pipe, Roto-Rooter is here to help. Our expert plumbers are available 24/7 throughout the holiday season.
This year, let Roto-Rooter take the stress out of holiday plumbing. With these tips and our reliable service, you can focus on enjoying the season with your loved ones, worry-free.