Preventative Plumbing Tips to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays

The holiday season brings more guests, more cooking, and more wear on your home’s plumbing system. The last thing anyone wants is an unexpected plumbing issue during a family gathering! To help keep things running smoothly, here are some simple preventative tips to ensure your home is ready for the holidays.

1. Inspect Your Drains and Garbage Disposal

With all the extra cooking, your kitchen drain and garbage disposal will likely see more use. Here’s how to prevent clogs and keep things flowing:

• Avoid pouring grease down the drain:
  
  Grease and cooking oils can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages.
  
  
• Run cold water when using the disposal:
  
  Cold water helps solidify any fats, making them easier to chop up and flush away.

• Be mindful of what you throw in:
  
  Avoid tossing fibrous or starchy foods like potato peels and celery, which can jam your disposal.
  
  

2. Check for Leaks Around the House

Even small leaks can cause big problems when your plumbing is in heavy use. Make a habit of checking key areas for leaks:

• Faucets and sinks:
  
  Look for drips or moisture around your kitchen and bathroom faucets.
  
  
• Toilets: 
  
  Listen for running water or check for leaks at the base of the toilet.

• Outdoor faucets:

        Make sure outdoor spigots are turned off and properly insulated to avoid freezing.

3. Water Heater Maintenance

If you’re hosting overnight guests, hot water is a necessity. To avoid running out of hot water, perform some simple maintenance on your water heater:

• Flush the tank: 

Sediment can accumulate over time, reducing efficiency. Flushing the tank once a year helps keep it running smoothly.

• Set the temperature:
  

Keep your water heater set at 120°F for energy efficiency and to prevent scalding.

If your water heater is making strange noises or having trouble keeping up, it’s a good idea to get it checked before the holidays.

4. Clear Gutters and Outdoor Drains

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home if your gutters and drains aren’t clear. To prevent water damage, take time to:

• Remove debris:
  
  Clean out leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters to ensure proper water flow.

• Check outdoor drains: 
  
  Make sure any drains around your home’s foundation are free from clogs to avoid flooding.
  
  

5. Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

Freezing temperatures can be harsh on outdoor plumbing, so take steps to protect it:

• Disconnect hoses:
  
  Leaving hoses connected to outdoor spigots can cause freezing and pipe bursts.

• Insulate exposed pipes:
  
  Use pipe insulation for any pipes in unheated areas, like garages or basements, to prevent freezing.
  
  
• Shut off the water supply:
  
  If you have a separate shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off and drain the lines.

6. Prepare for Extra Guests

When hosting guests, your plumbing will be put to the test. Here are some tips to help avoid any bathroom mishaps:

• Provide waste bins:
  
  Place small trash bins in every bathroom to discourage guests from flushing anything that could cause a clog.

• Space out showers:
  
  To avoid overloading your water heater, encourage guests to space out shower times or limit duration.

7. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Even with the best preparation, plumbing emergencies can still happen. Having the contact information for a reliable plumber on hand ensures that any issue can be addressed quickly, even during the busy holiday season.

Conclusion

By following these preventative tips, you can avoid plumbing headaches and keep your holiday celebrations running smoothly. If you need professional help with maintenance or repairs, be sure to reach out for assistance, so you can focus on what really matters—spending time with family and friends.