The holiday season and the start of a new year bring joy, celebrations, and often a house full of guests. But with all the extra activity, your plumbing system can face unexpected stress. No one wants a plumbing emergency to disrupt the festivities or start the year on the wrong foot. Fortunately, taking a few proactive steps can help you avoid the need for an emergency plumber in Lacey, WA. Here’s how to keep your plumbing system running smoothly through the holidays and beyond.
Schedule Routine Plumbing Maintenance
The best way to avoid a plumbing emergency is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance before the holiday rush. Our professional plumbers can inspect your system and identify potential issues that could lead to trouble.
During an inspection, we can check for leaks, test water pressure, and assess the condition of pipes, drains, and your water heater. Addressing these problems early can save you from a costly repair when you least expect it.
Routine maintenance also ensures that your plumbing system is operating efficiently. For example, flushing your water heater can remove hard water sediment buildup that could affect performance, while inspecting pipes can help prevent unexpected bursts.
Be Mindful of Holiday Kitchen Use
Holiday feasts and family gatherings often mean extra cooking and guests who might unwittingly put something down the drain that shouldn’t go there. This can overwhelm your kitchen plumbing, resulting in clogged drains and overworked garbage disposals–two of the most common issues we’re often called in to fix during the holidays.
To prevent clogs, avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain, as these substances solidify and block pipes. Instead, dispose of them in a heat-safe container and throw them in the trash once they’ve cooled. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing dishes to reduce the amount of food debris entering your sink.
If you’re using a garbage disposal, always run cold water before and after operating it to flush waste down the drain. Be cautious about what you (and your guests) put into the disposal. Items like bones, fibrous vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds should go in the trash instead.
Keep an Eye on Bathroom Plumbing
With guests in the house, your bathroom plumbing will likely see more use than usual. This can put a strain on your toilets, sinks, and showers, increasing the risk of clogs.
To prevent toilet clogs, remind everyone not to flush items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels, even if the packaging says they’re “flushable.” These items can cause significant blockages in your pipes.
For showers and sinks, make sure hair catchers are in place to prevent debris from going down the drain. If you notice water draining slowly, address the issue early by using a safe drain cleaner or calling a plumber.
The holidays and the New Year should be a time of celebration, not plumbing disasters. By scheduling routine maintenance, being mindful of your plumbing usage, and taking steps to protect your system from winter weather, you can avoid many common problems.
For a professional emergency plumber in Lacey, WA, contact Brooks Plumbing Co. today!
