Preparing your plumbing for holiday guests just requires a few simple steps and considerations.
With the holiday season just around the corner, many people are preparing their homes for visiting family and friends. The festivities bring joy, but the extra foot traffic also puts a strain on household plumbing. To avoid any unwanted surprises, preparing your plumbing before guests arrive can save time, money, and a lot of hassle. Here are essential tips to keep your plumbing running smoothly throughout the holidays.
Check for Leaks and Drips
Before the holiday season, inspect faucets, showerheads, and toilets for any signs of leaks or drips. Even minor leaks can add up to gallons of wasted water, increasing your water bill and causing potential issues if left unchecked. Replacing old washers or tightening loose fixtures can quickly resolve most minor leaks. For persistent leaks, calling a plumber early ensures you avoid bigger problems once the house fills up with guests.
Clear Your Drains
Clogged drains can cause unpleasant smells and slow drainage, both of which are less than ideal when hosting guests. To keep your sinks and showers flowing smoothly, clear drains of any buildup in advance. One simple DIY method is to pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water after a few minutes. This natural solution can often clear out light blockages. For more serious clogs, consider using a drain snake or calling a professional to ensure your pipes are ready for higher-than-usual usage.
Test Your Water Heater
A reliable water heater is essential when hosting, especially if multiple guests will be using hot water for showers, cooking, and washing dishes. Start by checking the temperature setting on your water heater—ideally, it should be set at about 120°F (49°C) to avoid scalding while providing enough warmth for everyone. Additionally, if your water heater is due for maintenance, it’s worth having it inspected by a plumber before the holidays. Flushing your water heater’s tank to remove sediment buildup can also improve efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
Take Precautions with Your Garbage Disposal
Holiday cooking can be hard on garbage disposals, with more food waste finding its way down the drain. Encourage guests to avoid putting certain items down the disposal, such as bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, pasta, rice, grease, and fibrous vegetables like celery. These items can cause clogs or damage the disposal. Running cold water before, during, and after using the disposal helps keep everything moving smoothly. If you don’t already have a disposal guard, consider adding one to help catch larger items that could cause clogs.
Be Prepared for Toilet Troubles
Toilets often face extra usage when you have guests, which can lead to clogs if not properly managed. Keep a plunger in each bathroom and ensure it’s easily accessible. Consider placing a sign reminding guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Small wastebaskets in the bathrooms also help by giving guests a place to dispose of items that shouldn’t go down the toilet, like wipes, feminine products, or tissues.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance if Needed
If your plumbing system hasn’t had a professional inspection in a while, scheduling preventive maintenance can be invaluable. Plumbers can identify potential issues you might not notice, like hidden leaks or rusted pipes, and address them before they turn into major problems. An inspection can include drain cleaning, water heater flushing, and other services that ensure your plumbing is ready for high demand.
Stock Up on Essential Supplies
Prepare for any minor mishaps by keeping essential plumbing supplies on hand. Having a plunger, drain cleaner, or even a small plumbing snake ready can help you manage minor issues without a plumber. A few preventive supplies, like faucet washers and extra trash bags for bathroom waste bins, are easy to store and come in handy.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.