It’s time to ensure your home’s plumbing system is prepared for the extra demand. From hosting gatherings to cooking large meals, the holiday season puts additional strain on water usage, drainage, and all aspects of your plumbing system. No one wants clogged grains, backed-up toilets, and other plumbing issues when they have holiday guests, right? Preparing your plumbing now will help avoid embarrassing issues, costly repairs, and last-minute service calls when family and friends are in town. Here’s what you need to check to keep your plumbing system holiday-ready.
What Can Happen If Your Home’s Plumbing System Is Not Holiday Ready?
The holiday season is a time for celebration, we totally agree. There is nothing better than getting together with friends and family in the merriest season. But the extra guests and festive activities can sure put your plumbing to the test. From overworked kitchen sinks to bathroom backups, the increased usage can lead to unexpected issues. Here are some common culprits of plumbing problems during the holidays:
- Clogged kitchen sinks from cooking grease, food scraps, and items like potato peels or coffee grounds being washed down the drain.
- Overloaded garbage disposals struggling to handle large quantities of holiday leftovers and hard-to-grind items like bones or fruit pits.
- Toilet backups due to excessive use or flushing of inappropriate items like wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels.
- Slow or clogged drains in guest bathrooms that haven’t been used for a while and may already have buildup.
- Increased water heater strain from multiple showers or running dishwashers and washing machines can lead to insufficient hot water or leaks.
- Frozen pipes if temperatures drop and exterior or poorly insulated pipes aren’t protected.
So, if you are asking how preparing your plumbing ahead helps, you are in the right place. Complete Plumbing and Drain can save you from costly repairs and ensure a stress-free holiday season for you and your guests. Here are the biggest problem causers, other than “late aunt” and “drunk uncle!”
Ensure Your Water Heater is Up to the Holiday Demand
Nothing dampens holiday cheer faster than running out of hot water with a house full of guests. Your water heater will be working overtime to provide hot showers, dishwashing, and laundry.
Scheduling a professional plumber to inspect before the season kicks off is the best way to ensure it’s ready for the holiday rush. Our plumber will check for sediment buildup, test temperature settings, and make sure everything is in optimal working order so you’re not left with cold water surprises.
Inspect Your Kitchen Plumbing to Handle Holiday Cooking
Holiday meals mean more cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing than usual, and all that activity can put pressure on your kitchen plumbing. Inspect your garbage disposal and kitchen drain for any clogs or buildup.
Make sure to avoid tossing grease, bones, or fibrous foods down the disposal, as these can lead to stubborn blockages. Our professional plumbers can also give your kitchen plumbing a quick check to make sure everything is flowing freely.
Check for Leaks in Bathrooms and High-Traffic Areas
Extra guests mean extra trips to the bathroom, so make sure your bathrooms are leak-free and ready for extra use.
Look for any signs of leaks around faucets, toilets, and showerheads, as even minor leaks can cause big headaches if left unchecked.
Addressing any small leaks now can prevent low water pressure issues or even water damage in the long run.
Winter-Proof Outdoor Faucets and Exposed Pipes
Although Florida doesn’t get harsh winters, a sudden cold snap can still cause problems for exposed pipes.
To prevent freezing and burst pipes, winter-proof any outdoor faucets and insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces like garages or crawl spaces.
Keep Drains Flowing Smoothly with Preventive Maintenance
Clogged drains and even slow drains are the last thing you want to deal with during holiday celebrations.
Scheduling a drain cleaning service before the season’s hustle and bustle can ensure smooth water flow in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
By removing any buildup in advance, you’ll avoid blockages that can interrupt your holiday plans.
Test Your Sump Pump if You’re Expecting Rain
If holiday weather in your area brings heavy rain, it’s a good idea to make sure your sump pump is in good working order. A sump pump can be a lifesaver, protecting your home from potential flooding and water damage.
Run a quick test to confirm it’s operational, or schedule an inspection if you’re unsure. This simple step can provide peace of mind knowing your home is protected against unexpected weather.
Trust Our Plumbers for Last-Minute Holiday Assistance
Even with all the preparation in the world, plumbing problems can still arise unexpectedly. Having the phone number for Complete Plumbing and Drain saved in your phone can make a huge difference if you’re facing a sudden issue during the holiday season.
Keep contact information handy so you can reach out quickly for any last-minute repairs or emergencies, ensuring your holiday festivities aren’t interrupted.
Call Complete Plumbing and Drain to Keep Your Plumbing System Holiday Ready
If you want to ensure your home is fully prepared for holiday gatherings, Complete Plumbing offers expert plumbing inspections, maintenance, and emergency repairs in the Tampa Bay area.
With years of experience and a commitment to exceptional service, our licensed professionals are here to help. Call today to schedule a checkup and make your holiday season worry-free!