The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and friends, but the increased activity in your home can put extra stress on your plumbing system. The last thing you want is a plumbing mishap to interrupt your holiday cheer. Here’s how to prepare your home’s plumbing for the festivities, with a focus on preventing common issues and fixing existing problems before they escalate.

1. Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs

The kitchen is the heart of holiday gatherings, and it’s also where plumbing issues are most likely to arise. Clogged sinks are one of the most common holiday plumbing problems, but they’re easy to prevent with a little care.

• Scrape plates thoroughly: Before rinsing dishes, remove leftover food into the trash or compost bin. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are notorious for solidifying in pipes, creating stubborn clogs. Even small amounts can build up over time.
• Know your garbage disposal’s limits: While garbage disposals are handy, they’re not designed for all food waste. Avoid fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, and potato peels, which can tangle or clog the disposal. Hard materials like bones or fruit pits should also stay out.
• Flush the disposal properly: When using the garbage disposal, run cold water for at least 15 seconds before and after grinding to ensure waste is fully cleared from the pipes. Cold water helps solidify any grease, so it’s chopped up and flushed away instead of sticking to your pipes.

Taking these steps can save you from dealing with a clogged sink in the middle of cooking your holiday meal.

2. Prepare Your Bathroom for Guests

When hosting guests, your bathroom will see increased use, making it a potential hotspot for plumbing problems. A few preventative measures can ensure everything runs smoothly.

• Inspect your toilet: If your toilet has a weak flush, slow drainage, or leaks, address these issues before guests arrive. A plumber can fix or replace parts like the flapper, flush valve, or fill valve to restore proper functionality.
• Provide a clear disposal option: Non-flushable items like wipes, hygiene products, and even thick toilet paper can lead to clogs. Place a small, visible trash can next to the toilet with a liner to encourage proper disposal.
• Stock up on essentials: Ensure your bathroom is fully stocked with plenty of toilet paper and hand soap. Running out of supplies can lead guests to use inappropriate alternatives, which might clog your pipes.

Preparing your bathroom for extra usage ensures a positive experience for your guests and spares you from mid-event plumbing issues.

3. Inspect and Fix Existing Plumbing Issues

One of the most important steps in preparing your home for the holidays is addressing any plumbing issues you’re already experiencing. Small problems that seem manageable now can quickly become major headaches when your plumbing is under extra strain.

• Fix leaks: A dripping faucet or leaking pipe might not seem like a big deal, but they can waste water, increase your bills, and worsen over time. Leaks can also lead to hidden water damage, which might result in mold or structural problems.
• Address slow drains: If water is draining slowly in your sinks, showers, or tubs, don’t wait until they clog completely. Use a safe drain cleaner or have a plumber inspect and clear the pipes.
• Check for water pressure issues: Low water pressure can be a sign of a larger problem, such as a hidden leak, sediment buildup in pipes, or an issue with your water supply line. Addressing this now ensures smooth operation during peak usage.
• Replace outdated fixtures: If you’ve been dealing with temperamental faucets, unreliable toilets, or an aging water heater, now is the perfect time to replace them. New fixtures can improve efficiency and performance while giving your home a polished look for your guests.

Getting these issues fixed ahead of time not only helps prevent emergencies but also gives you peace of mind as you focus on hosting.

4. Protect Your Drains

Cooking and cleaning during the holidays can lead to unexpected drain blockages. Use drain covers in sinks and showers to catch hair, food particles, and debris before they go down the drain. This simple step can save you from dealing with clogs during the busiest time of the season.

5. Enjoy Stress-Free Holiday Hosting

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, not frustration over plumbing issues. By taking these preventative steps, you can prepare your plumbing to handle the extra activity and ensure everything runs smoothly. A little preparation can go a long way in avoiding disruptions and costly repairs.

If you need help inspecting, fixing, or upgrading your plumbing before the holidays, Bates Plumbing is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service and host with confidence!