The holiday season is fast approaching, and with Christmas gatherings on the calendar, it’s crucial to ensure your plumbing is ready for the extra demand. From avoiding blocked drains to preventing unexpected plumbing emergencies, here are the top plumbing tips to prepare your home for Christmas celebrations.
1. Check for Slow Drains and Clear Blockages
Slow drains are a warning sign that your pipes may be partially blocked. With guests coming over, you don’t want a clogged kitchen sink or bathroom drain to ruin the festivities. Now’s the time to check for any drainage issues. If you notice slow draining or strange sounds, it’s best to call in a professional or use solutions like Vaporooter to stop tree roots from clogging pipes—especially if you’ve had root issues in the past.
2. Inspect the Hot Water System
Hot water demand skyrockets during the holidays. Whether it’s for showers, cooking, or washing dishes, ensure your hot water system is running efficiently. Check for any leaks, unusual noises, or signs of rust around the tank. If it’s been a while since the last service, consider a professional inspection to avoid any hot water shortages on the big day.
3. Prepare Your Toilet for Extra Use
With increased guest traffic, toilets can see much more use. Make sure each bathroom is stocked with a plunger, and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper. If you have any slow-flushing toilets, address the issue now before it becomes a bigger problem.
4. Check Outdoor Drains and Gutters
Many forget to check outdoor drains, but these can lead to indoor problems if they’re blocked. Leaves, dirt, and even small tree roots can build up in outdoor drains, leading to overflow or backflow issues. Clear out gutters and check for proper drainage to ensure that any holiday rains don’t interfere with your plumbing.
5. Avoid Kitchen Sink Blockages
Holiday cooking can be a recipe for disaster if fats, oils, or fibrous food waste go down the kitchen sink. Encourage family and guests to scrape plates into the bin before rinsing and avoid pouring grease down the drain. If you’re worried about blockages, an enzymatic drain cleaner can help keep things flowing smoothly during the holiday rush.
6. Look Out for Tree Root Blockages
Tree roots love to invade sewer lines, especially if there are small cracks or leaks in the pipes. With a simple Vaporooter treatment, you can stop tree roots in drains and pipes before they cause serious blockages. It’s a great preventive measure, especially if you’re in an area prone to root growth in plumbing systems.
7. Inspect All Plumbing Fixtures
Check taps, shower heads, and other fixtures for leaks or drips. Even minor leaks can add up, and they might worsen with increased usage. Tighten any loose fixtures, replace washers if needed, and ensure everything is watertight to prevent unexpected issues during the holiday season.
8. Prepare for the Unexpected: Emergency Plumbing Kit
Create a basic emergency plumbing kit for any surprises over the holidays. Include a plunger, adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, and basic drain cleaner. This way, you’ll be prepared to tackle small issues quickly and minimize any disruption to your Christmas celebrations.
Getting your plumbing ready for Christmas is essential to avoid holiday headaches. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your drains, pipes, and fixtures running smoothly. For expert assistance or if you’re dealing with tree roots in pipes, contact us—we’ll help ensure your plumbing is holiday-ready.