Although it’s great to spend the holidays with family, a house full of guests puts added stress on your plumbing. More showers, runs of the dishwasher and toilet use increase the risk of clogged drains. A little prep work before family and friends arrive will help ensure a plumber free holiday.
Guard The Garbage Disposal
It’s important to dispose of waste and food scraps properly as you prepare holiday meals. There are certain foods that should never hit the garbage disposal. Be sure to throw the below foods in the trash, not down the drain:
- Bones
- Celery (or other fibrous veggies)
- Coffee grounds
- Egg shells
- Fruit pits
- Grease
- Nuts
- Onion skins
- Potato peels
The garbage disposal can grind up most of your food debris, but avoid putting these items down the drain so you’re not faced with a clog or broken disposal.
Clean Your Drains
You may be used to a slow draining tub or sink, but once guests arrive, that minor clog could become a big problem. Clean your drains now to ensure water and waste flow smoothly. If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals in your pipes, try these unexpected items to clean your drain.
Look For Leaks
A leaking faucet or pooling water around the base of the toilet may be signs of other plumbing issues. Household water leaks account for10 percentof the average home’s water bill. If you spot a leak, investigate where the water is coming from and try tightening any fixtures or pipe joints that could be causing the issue. Some of the most popular home leaks stem from:
Unsure if you have a leak? Use our guideto find out.
Check The Water Heater
More people mean a greater demand for hot water. If your unit is more than seven years old, have a plumber inspect it to ensure all the elements are working properly. It’s also a good idea to drain your tankonce a year to rid the unit of sediment. Consider increasing the water heater temperature, not exceeding 140 degrees, to increase the hot water supply. You don’t want to have a house full of guests before discovering hot water is unavailable.
Taking these steps can help prepare your plumbing for a home full of holiday guests, so you can enjoy time spent with family rather than repairing pipes.
