The holidays are usually the busiest time of the year. For this reason, you probably won’t be giving your plumbing system a second thought. It is easy to take your plumbing for granted, but it will probably be working overtime during the holiday season. If you are interested in keeping your plumbing operational and avoiding potential plumbing problems this year, keep the following tips in mind.
Check Your Toilets
Your toilets work hard, and this will be especially true if you invite others over for the holidays. Having a properly functioning toilet is a must during any time of the year but especially during seasonal festivities. Before you invite guests, flush each toilet to make sure the water pressure is normal and the water doesn’t back up. You may also need to check the valves and flappers to ensure they are functioning properly. If you hear any strange noises coming from your toilet, you may have a problem on your hands. If this happens, a professional plumbing company can find out what is wrong with your equipment.
You will also want to avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper down your toilet. Flushing larger objects or wipes can cause clogs. You should also avoid flushing too much toilet paper at once.
Keep an Eye on Your Drains
Monitoring water drainage throughout your home is always a good idea. This is especially true if you will have guests arriving. Organic materials, cleaning products, hair, and soap residue can accumulate and clog your drains. This can be both frustrating and inconvenient. While many clogs can be easily removed, you may need professional help for more stubborn or major ones. If a plunger cannot remove a clog, you may need to reach out for help. This is even more true if you notice multiple clogged drains in your home.
Take Care of Your Garbage Disposal
Most people tend to cook and entertain more during the holiday season. This often involves inviting others over, which can place a strain on your garbage disposal. Do not pour grease and other viscous liquids down the sink. This can cause clogs, and it’s bad for the environment. Excessive waste can also cause problems. When placing food into the garbage disposal, it is always a good idea to run water. This can help minimize debris and flush waste without the possibility of a clog. Meat, large chunks of vegetables, and other large bulky foods should be thrown in the trash.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
Taking preventative measures is always a good idea. This rings true for your plumbing system as well. Before the holiday season arrives, be sure to schedule a maintenance appointment. A plumber can inspect your system and identify potential problems before they get out of hand. Inspections can also save you money by preventing additional problems from occurring in the future. During a routine inspection, a plumber will use specialized tools and equipment to examine your plumbing system. They will look at your pipes and other plumbing fixtures to be sure they are in good condition.
Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valves Are Located
No one wants to have a plumbing emergency during the holidays. Nevertheless, you should still take steps to ensure your home is ready for such an event. One easy thing to do is to make sure you know where the water shut-off valves are in your home. These valves quickly turn off water, and they are usually located outside, in the basement, or near plumbing fixtures. Often, they are located near the major water lines coming into your home.
There are two different types of valves: fixture-specific valves and main shut-off valves. Fixture-specific valves are usually located near fixtures such as toilets or sinks. When shut off, they prevent water from flowing to these fixtures. Main shut-off valves turn the water off throughout the entire house. Periodically check to make sure your valves are functional. Being able to turn them on and off can prevent water damage in the event of a plumbing emergency.
Check and Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating the pipes in your home is extremely important throughout the colder months. During winter, pipes can freeze and burst, so you will want to insulate and check them. Be on the lookout for any signs of leaks or damage before the holidays. If you catch any problems early, they will be far easier to repair. If you are visiting someone else for the holidays, a burst pipe can cause extensive water damage while you are gone. For this reason, look for drips, cracks, or leaks. You should also take note if your pipes are starting to rust. If you notice any of these problems, you will want to contact a plumbing professional before the problem escalates. Be sure to pay close attention to the pipes outside and in unheated areas of your home.
Flush Your Water Heater
Most people don’t give a second thought to their water heater during the holidays. After all, they have other things on their mind. Your water heater, however, is immensely important since it supplies you with hot water when you need it. Over the years, hard water can cause sediment to build up in your water heater. This sediment can transform into rust, which can permeate the water you drink, bathe in, and cook with. To stop this, you should have your water heater flushed occasionally to remove any remaining sediment. If you notice rust in the water coming out of your faucets, it is probably time to purchase a new water heater before temperatures drop. You never want to run out of hot water when you are entertaining during the holidays.
Keep Your Faucets Dripping
Since the holidays occur in late fall and winter, most areas experience noticeably colder temperatures during them. There may even be days when temperatures drop below freezing. When this happens, you and your guests will want to make sure to leave your faucets dripping. Before falling asleep, turn on your faucets. This is especially true for faucets near pipes on the exterior of your home. Those are the most likely to freeze. The dripping will prevent pressure from accumulating in the pipes and causing them to burst.
Stay on the Lookout for Leaks
Minor leaks can be a headache. They make noise and leave the area around your fixtures damp and mouldy. What most people don’t know, however, is that a small leak can cause major problems. Leaks can release hundreds of gallons of water over time. This loss of water is not only bad for your utility bill, but it is bad for the environment as well. To stay on top of things, check for any leaks near your sinks, water heater, and toilets. If you notice a sudden and dramatic change in water pressure, you may have a leak on your hands. A plumber can use specialized equipment to detect leaks behind your walls.
Schedule Service Today
Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas offers a variety of plumbing services to Nanaimo and the surrounding areas. We not only offer a full range of traditional plumbing services but also 24/7 emergency repairs. Our team takes great pride in providing professional and comprehensive plumbing to homeowners of all backgrounds. Count on us for all your HVAC and indoor air quality concerns as well. Contact Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas to schedule plumbing service today.
