Tips for Taking Care of Your Plumbing System During the Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, our homes are filled with the delicious smells of Thanksgiving cooking and the joyous laughter of family and friends. However, amidst all the fun and festivities, there's one aspect of holiday preparation that often goes overlooked - your home's plumbing system.
The surge in kitchen activity and increased bathroom use can strain your plumbing, leading to inconvenient and often expensive issues. One of the biggest culprits is the improper disposal of grease and other substances down the drain. These can harden and clog your pipes, disrupt your septic system, and turn your holiday season from joyful to stressful in no time.
This blog post aims to help you navigate these potential pitfalls with some essential do's and don'ts for your plumbing system during the holiday season.
Being Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
One of the most effective ways to safeguard your plumbing system is to be acutely mindful of what goes down your drain. This is particularly crucial during festive seasons like Thanksgiving when our kitchens are busier than ever.
Do: Exercise caution when disposing of fats, oils, and grease. These substances can easily solidify once they cool down, creating stubborn blockages in your pipes that are difficult to remove. Instead of pouring them down the drain, consider storing them in a sealed container and disposing of them in the trash once they've solidified.
Don't: Overload your garbage disposal. While tossing all food scraps down the drain may seem convenient, excessive use can lead to clogs and damage. Instead, dispose of larger food scraps in the trash or, if appropriate, consider composting them. This approach can protect your plumbing and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Educating Guests and Being Proactive about Toilet Usage
Just as important as managing what goes down your kitchen drain is ensuring that guests know what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. The bathroom sees a significant increase in use during large gatherings, so it's crucial to remind everyone of any particular rules for your plumbing system.
Do: Be cautious with your toilet usage. Remind your guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. This includes even those products labeled as 'flushable,' like certain types of wipes or feminine hygiene products. They can lead to clogs and other serious plumbing issues. To facilitate this, keep a small wastebasket in the bathroom for the disposal of these items.
Do: Inform your guests about the problems associated with disposing of grease, oils, or oily/greasy beauty products down the drains and sinks. Provide them with guidance regarding where and how you’d like them to dispose of them.
Have a Plumber You Trust on Speed Dial
When it comes to holiday entertaining, the last thing you want is to be stuck with a load of guests and a plumbing problem. However, even with the most well-maintained system, problems may arise unexpectedly. When this happens, you need to know what to do and who to call.
Don't: Ignore signs of potential plumbing issues. If you notice slow drains, hear gurgling sounds, or smell unpleasant odors coming from your plumbing system, don't wait for the problem to escalate. Call out a reliable plumber, like ours at Wind River Environmental, to prevent further damage.
Do: Consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection before the holiday season. This proactive approach can help you identify and fix any potential problems early on, ensuring that your plumbing and/or septic system is in optimal condition to handle the increased demands of the holiday season.
Are you having trouble with your plumbing system? Reach out to our team for help. We even offer emergency plumbing services.