Essential Holiday Plumbing Tips
With all the holiday festivities, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as your plumbing. But there’s nothing like a plumbing emergency to ruin your holiday cheer! With extra guests, heavy meal preparations, and colder temperatures, your plumbing system can face added stress. Don’t let leaks, clogs, or frozen pipes dampen your celebrations. Check out these essential holiday plumbing tips to keep things running smoothly, so you can enjoy the season worry-free.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, especially in unheated areas of your home like the attic, basement, or garage. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly water damage.
How to Protect Your Pipes:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam pipe insulation around vulnerable pipes.
- Keep cabinet doors open: If you have pipes under sinks, keep the cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate.
- Drip faucets: Allowing a small drip of water through your faucets during the coldest weather can keep water moving, reducing the risk of freezing.
Keep Your Drains Clear
With holiday cooking comes a surge of food scraps and grease down your kitchen drains. The last thing you want is a clogged drain while hosting family or friends.
Simple Drain Maintenance Tips:
- Avoid pouring grease down the drain: Instead, dispose of it in a container and toss it in the trash.
- Use drain strainers: Keep food scraps from going down the sink by using strainers in your drains.
- Clean your drains regularly: Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to keep drains fresh and clear.
Taking a few preventative steps now can save you from an embarrassing or disruptive plumbing issue later.
Maximize Your Water Heater’s Efficiency
Your water heater works overtime during the holidays—whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a long hot shower after decorating. Ensuring that your water heater is in tip-top shape will prevent any cold showers or unexpected breakdowns.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips:
- Flush the tank: Sediment can build up in your water heater over time, affecting its efficiency. Have it flushed to remove any build-up.
- Set the temperature: Keep your water heater at 120°F to ensure comfort while saving on energy bills.
- Inspect the anode rod: The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion. A quick check can save you from costly repairs down the line.
If your water heater isn’t up to the task of holiday use, a professional inspection might be in order.
Keep From Overloading Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal may seem like the perfect solution for leftover food, but overloading it can cause jams or worse—clogs that lead to costly repairs.
How to Care for Your Garbage Disposal:
- Dispose of food properly: Only put small, soft scraps down the disposal. Avoid fibrous foods like potato peels or bones that can damage the blades.
- Run cold water: Always run cold water when using the disposal to keep things flowing smoothly and prevent grease buildup.
- Give it a break: If you’re hosting a big meal, don’t overload the disposal. Consider scraping plates into the trash instead.
A little care goes a long way in keeping your disposal in working order for the entire holiday season.
Be Ready for Plumbing Emergencies
Emergencies happen, and knowing what to do in a plumbing crisis can prevent further damage. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a toilet that won’t stop running, being prepared can make all the difference.
Plumbing Emergency Tips:
- Shut off the water supply: Know where your main water shut-off valve is. In the event of a leak, turning it off immediately can minimize damage.
- Keep emergency numbers handy: Have a trusted plumber on speed dial to handle any urgent plumbing issues that may arise.
- Don’t ignore small issues: A small leak or running toilet can escalate quickly. Addressing issues early can prevent more costly repairs later.
Being proactive can save you both time and money during the busy holiday season.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday with Bell Cow Services
At Bell Cow, we know that the holidays can be stressful—and there’s no need to add plumbing problems. If you have plumbing concerns or need help winterizing your home, our team is ready to help you keep everything flowing smoothly. So you can focus on what matters during the holiday season–your loved ones.
For all your plumbing needs and emergencies, call Bell Cow at 844-234-2355.