As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners are preoccupied with festive decorations, family gatherings, and delicious meals. However, amidst the holiday cheer, there lies a potential Grinch ready to steal your joy – Christmas plumbing disasters. From clogged drains to overflowing toilets, plumbing issues can turn your celebration into a stressful ordeal. In this guide, we’ll explore common pitfalls and offer practical tips on how to avoid Christmas plumbing disasters and keep the festivities flowing smoothly.
Throw Food Scraps In The Trash
Resist the urge to scrape food matter off your dishes and into your sink. Many foods can wreak havoc on your kitchen plumbing, especially if you don’t have a disposal. To prevent debris from ending up in the drain, use a simple sink strainer. Once you’re done washing dishes, discard the contents in the garbage or compost. This small investment can save you from major plumbing issues down the line.
Know What To Throw In The Garbage Disposal
Homeowners often treat their disposal like a catch-all for waste, but not everything is suitable. Fibrous or stringy foods, rice, pasta, bread-based products, animal bones, fat, eggshells, cooking oils, grease, and non-food materials like paper, metal, or plastic can damage the unit and clog drains. Be mindful of what goes down the disposal to keep your plumbing in top condition.
Space Out Your Showers
If you’re hosting guests during the holidays, be intentional about spacing out showers. Waiting 10 to 15 minutes between showers not only ensures a consistent supply of hot water but also gives drains time to clear out. Consider installing a tankless water heater if you frequently host overnight guests to accommodate multiple showers and avoid the unpleasant surprise of cold water mid-shower.
Know What To Throw In Your Toilet
Increased traffic in your home during the holidays means toilets are working overtime. Educate your guests on what not to flush, including sanitary napkins, feminine hygiene products, cleansing wipes, facial pads, cotton balls, swabs, paper towels, and cigarette butts. This awareness can prevent clogs and plumbing distractions during festive gatherings.
Properly Dispose of Grease
Grease is a notorious culprit for plumbing disasters. Instead of pouring it down the drain, where it can congeal and cause clogs, dispose of grease outside or in a can or plastic bag for the garbage bin. This simple step can prevent major issues and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.
Hold Off On Using The Dishwasher
Running a dishwasher cycle while manually washing dishes can be tempting, but it’s not advisable. The dishwasher and garbage disposal typically share the same drain, meaning waste can be reintroduced into the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle. In the event of a clog, running the dishwasher may lead to water backing up and flooding the kitchen.
Prepare Your Drains
If you anticipate increased activity over the holidays, prime your kitchen drain by pouring a brine solution (very strong saltwater) into the sink. This eliminates odors, prevents grease buildup, and ensures foul smells won’t overpower your Christmas dinner. It’s a simple yet effective hack to keep your drains in optimal condition.
Invest In A Drain Snake
With sinks, showers, and toilets working overtime during gatherings, having a plumber’s snake on hand is a wise precaution. This tool helps clear out clogs in smaller drains, such as those in bathroom or kitchen sinks. Being prepared with a drain snake can save you from the headache of unexpected plumbing issues during the festive season.
Check Your Pipes
Cold weather and pipes don’t mix well. In colder regions, ensure that outside spigots and hoses are properly disconnected, stored, and turned off to prevent freezing temperatures from bursting your spigots. This is especially crucial if you plan to be away from home for an extended period. Before your trip, turn off the main water valve to prevent plumbing disasters while you’re away.
Why Contact Five Star Plumbing for Residential Plumbing Services in Harford County
As you gear up for the holiday season, consider the importance of reliable plumbing. Contact Five Star Plumbing for comprehensive commercial and residential plumbing services in the Baltimore metro and surrounding areas. We offer the longest warranty in the plumbing industry and a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee, ensuring you receive top-notch service. Trust us with your plumbing needs, and let us make your holidays stress-free and enjoyable. Call Five Star Plumbing today – your trusted partner in plumbing excellence.
