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How to Prevent Holiday Plumbing Problems
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, plumbing problems. From clogged toilets to overflowing sinks, there's no shortage of ways your plumbing can ruin your holiday cheer. But don't worry! With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can avoid the most common Christmas plumbing problems. Read on to find out how.
- Clogged Toilets
You and your family may be feasting during the holiday, which often means more bathroom trips than usual. To avoid a clogged toilet, be sure only to flush biodegradable waste and paper products down the drain. Things like diapers, sanitary napkins, and paper towels should be disposed of in the trash.
And no matter how tempting it may be, resist the urge to flush your holiday dinner down the toilet! Fat from gravy and grease from cooking oil can solidify in your pipes and cause major clogs.
- Overflowing Sinks
Between cooking big meals and washing dishes for large gatherings, your kitchen sink will see a lot of use over the holidays. To avoid an overflowing sink, make sure you have a stopper to catch food scraps and other debris. If you end up with a clog, don't pour chemicals down the drain! Not only are they bad for the environment, but they can also damage your pipes. Instead, try using a plunger or a plumber's snake to clear the blockage.
- Slow Drains
Nothing puts a damper on holiday festivities quite like a slow drain. If your drains are moving slower than usual, it's probably because they're full of hair and soap scum build-up. To clear them out, pour a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar down the drain, then follow it up with boiling water. This natural cleaning solution will break up any gunk clogging your pipes without damaging them.
- Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems during winter when the cold weather can cause them to freeze and burst. To prevent this from happening, insulate any exposed pipes in your home and keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also know where your home's main water shut-off valve is located so you can turn it off quickly in an emergency and be ready to dial your local plumber.
Holiday Plumbing Repair
Following these simple tips, you can avoid common holiday plumbing problems and enjoy a stress-free season. If your plumbing can’t withstand the busy holiday season, or for any other instance when your plumbing needs repair, our team at Lloyds Plumbing is here to help! Contact us at (805) 495-8766 for your plumbing repair needs.