Holiday Plumbing Checklist: 8 Tips

Holidays are often an especially joyful time as friends and family gather to celebrate the things they cherish most in life. As you welcome loved ones, you want your home to reflect warmth, joy, and scrumptious aromas. The last thing you want is to be confronted with smelly, backed-up drains or toilets, malfunctioning water heaters, or other plumbing issues! The top three plumbing calls our Prime Plumbing experts receive most often during the holidays are for emergency help with kitchen drains, toilets, or water heaters. If you need plumbing help in Baltimore or Carroll County, MD, call Prime Plumbing at (443) 741-1129 or contact us online.

Steps To Take Before Guests Arrive

Avoid a plumbing emergency by taking the following steps to keep your plumbing system working well during the busy holiday season:

Plan For Grease … Lots of It!

Holiday feasts often involve rich and fatty foods that can lead to grease buildup in your kitchen sink drain. There are several reasons to avoid pouring grease down the drain, mainly centering around the harm to your pipes and blockage potential. Encourage guests to scrape plates and pans into the trash before rinsing dishes. Provide a designated container for grease disposal rather than letting it go down the drain.

Install Drain Screens

Placing drain screens or strainers in sinks and showers can help catch hair, soap scum, and debris before they enter your plumbing system. These simple devices can prevent clogs and reduce the chances of water backing up in your drains.

Consider Having Your Septic System Pumped Out

The average septic tank should be pumped out every two to four years. However, some tanks require annual cleaning. Your Prime plumber can educate you on your particular system and usage to help determine the optimum pumping schedule. Having the septic tank pumped before guests arrive can prevent unpleasant odors and sewage backups from disrupting their stay.

Adjust Your Water Heater Settings

With more people taking showers and using hot water during the holidays, ensuring your water heater can meet the demand is essential. Consider adjusting the temperature settings to accommodate the increased usage. Also, check for any signs of leaks or corrosion around the water heater.

Be Mindful of What Should Never Go Down a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can become overwhelmed by unusually large quantities of food scraps. Even with everyday use, avoiding putting fibrous items like potato peels, celery, or corn husks down the disposal is best. Instead, use a compost bin for food scraps and dispose of them properly.

Protect the Flush

Avoid thick toilet paper like “ultra-soft” or “ultra-thick,” and remind your guests (and family members) not to flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilets to avoid blockages. Refer to a more detailed description of 10 things you should never flush down the toilet for some surprising items that can cause a clog.

Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection

An experienced plumber can identify and address any existing or potential issues, such as clogged pipes, leaky faucets, or a water heater on the verge of failing. Fixing these problems before they worsen can save you from unexpected disruptions.

Have Plumbing Supplies Handy

If a minor plumbing issue arises, it’s a good idea to have basic plumbing supplies on hand, such as a plunger, pipe wrench, and even a wet vac if you have the room. These tools can help you quickly address small problems and prevent them from becoming major headaches. Taking proactive measures before your holiday guests arrive can minimize the chances of plumbing disasters and ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season for everyone. Remember that investing in preventive maintenance and educating your guests can go a long way to preserving the holiday spirit and avoiding unwanted plumbing surprises. With these precautions in place, you can focus on creating beautiful memories with your loved ones during this special time of year.

Happy Holidays From Prime Plumbing!

Prime Plumbers wishes you the happiest of holidays, filled with warmth, joy, and peace. May this festive season bring you and your loved ones an abundance of happiness and memorable moments. For all your plumbing needs, save time, call Prime! Call (443) 741-1129 to schedule an appointment in Baltimore or Anne Arundel County.