The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. However, for many homeowners, it can also bring plumbing nightmares. With more people in the house, increased usage of kitchen and bathroom facilities, and colder weather, plumbing systems can quickly become overworked. To avoid turning your holidays into a disaster, here are our top 5 holiday plumbing tips to prevent issues homeowners face during the holiday season.
1.Clogged Kitchen Sink Drains
Holiday feasts often mean cooking large meals, which increases food waste. From potato peels to grease and fat from roasted meats, the kitchen sink can quickly become a dumping ground. Unfortunately, pouring grease down the drain or forcing food scraps through the garbage disposal can lead to severe clogs.
To prevent these from happening, you should:
- Avoid putting grease down the drain. When grease cools, it solidifies, causing blockages that can lead to expensive repairs.
- Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps before they enter the pipes.
- Run cold water through the garbage disposal before and after use to help wash away small particles.
- Limit what you dispose of. Hard items like bones, fibrous vegetables (such as celery), and starchy foods like potatoes can clog your disposal.
If you notice your sink draining slowly or hear strange noises from your garbage disposal, contact a professional plumber. North Peachtree Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency services to ensure your holiday preparations go smoothly.
2.Overworked Water Heaters
During the holiday season, the demand for hot water skyrockets, especially with extra guests in the house. Hot water is essential for showering, washing dishes, and cleaning. However, an overworked water heater may struggle to keep up, causing either a shortage of hot water or, worse, a complete breakdown. If your water heater struggles to provide consistent hot water or shows signs of wear (such as rumbling noises or rusty water), consider looking for professional plumbing services.
Applying these easy tips can help you prevent overworking your water heaters:
- Perform a maintenance check on your water heater before the holidays to ensure it’s in top condition. If it’s more than 10 years old, consider replacing it. At North Peachtree Plumbing, we can inspect and replace or repair your water heater.
- Adjust the water heater temperature to 120°F. This helps prevent scalding and extends the unit’s lifespan.
- Insulate your water heater tank and pipes to retain heat and reduce the energy demand on the system.
3.Clogged Toilets and Sewer Lines
With more people using the bathroom during holiday gatherings, toilets, and sewer lines can experience higher usage. This can lead to clogging, slow drainage, and, in extreme cases, sewage backups. Clogged toilets are inconvenient and can cause significant damage if they overflow.
Here are some preventive tips:
- Remind guests to flush only toilet paper. Wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should be disposed of in the trash.
- Keep a plunger nearby to quickly address minor clogs before they escalate into a bigger issue.
- Have your sewer lines inspected if you’ve experienced recurring clogs or slow drains throughout the year. Tree roots or other obstructions may be causing long-term issues that need professional attention.
Don’t wait until it is too late! If you experience repeated toilet clogs or slow drains, it might be time to call in the experts. North Peachtree Plumbing can thoroughly inspect your sewer lines and clear any blockages before they become a holiday disaster.
4.Frozen Pipes
One of our most critical holiday plumbing tips in Suwanee GA is how to avoid frozen or burst pipes. Cold weather is synonymous with the holiday season, but freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, causing pipes to burst. This can result in flooding and extensive water damage.
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, do not attempt to thaw it using open flames. Instead, focus on prevention with these simple tips to keep your pipes from freezing:
- Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages.
- Let faucets drip during freezing temperatures to keep water moving and prevent freezing.
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, or where pipes enter your home to prevent cold air from reaching the plumbing.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain the water from exterior faucets to avoid ice formation.
At North Peachtree Plumbing, we can help you assess your pipes, and if a burst were to happen, our emergency repair services are just a call away.
5.Leaky Faucets and Fixtures
Leaky faucets and fixtures might seem like minor annoyances, but they can lead to higher water bills, wasted water, and bigger plumbing problems over time. During the holidays, even small leaks can quickly spiral out of control when your home is working overtime. Make sure you:
- Inspect your faucets, showerheads, and outdoor spigots for any signs of dripping or leaks.
- Check under sinks for moisture or pooling water that could indicate hidden leaks.
- Tighten loose connections or replace worn-out washers and seals to stop minor leaks before they worsen.
Stay Stress-Free This Holiday Season with Expert Plumbing from North Peachtree
The holidays should be a time for celebration, not plumbing disasters. While many of these issues can be prevented with proper maintenance and care, emergencies can still happen. If you experience any plumbing problems this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call North Peachtree Plumbing. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to tackle any issue, from clogged drains and leaky faucets to water heater breakdowns and frozen pipes.
Contact us today to schedule a preventive maintenance check or for immediate assistance. Let North Peachtree Plumbing keep your holidays merry, bright, and free of plumbing headaches!
