The holidays are a beautiful time to make memories, enjoy family, and celebrate together. The last thing you want during what can be an eventful and busy time getting ready for the holidays is to run into expensive plumbing issues that can turn your dream dinner or family get-together into a nightmare. While we are always available for our customers in Greenville and upstate South Carolina, the last thing you want to be doing is searching for an affordable emergency plumber to deal with a last-minute issue. Here are some tips for keeping your plumbing system in good health and your guests happy this holiday season.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection
One of the best ways to ensure your plumbing system is ready for the holiday season is by scheduling a routine plumbing inspection. During this maintenance appointment, your plumber can identify any repair or replacement needs early, helping you keep your holiday season stress-free.
Be Mindful with the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are convenient for quickly eliminating food waste, but over-relying on them, especially during the holidays, can lead to serious clogs. Disposals are designed to handle small scraps, not the aftermath of a large holiday meal. Avoid stuffing it with too much food, which can overburden the unit and cause blockages. Consider using composting as a sustainable alternative to reduce the load on your disposal.
Time Your Dishwasher Use
After a big holiday meal, it’s tempting to run the dishwasher while you continue to clean up. However, this can cause more issues if you’re not careful. The dishwasher and garbage disposal usually share the same drain, so running the disposal or pouring waste down the sink while the dishwasher is running can push debris back into the dishwasher. Even worse, if your drains are clogged, running the dishwasher could cause water to back up and flood your kitchen.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Pouring fats, oils, and grease down your drains can cause major issues. These substances solidify as they cool, leading to clogs in your sewer pipes. Instead, dispose of them in a separate container and throw them in the trash to keep your drains clear.
Space Out Showers
Hosting overnight guests means more showers and the potential for hot water shortages or drain clogs. Spacing out showers by about 10-15 minutes allows your hot water heater to replenish and gives your drains a chance to clear. Using a shower strainer can also help prevent hair and other debris from causing blockages.
Pump the Septic Tank
If it’s been more than three years since your last septic tank pumping, schedule it before your guests arrive. Regular pumping is essential for preventing overflows and backups. A full septic tank can lead to unpleasant and inconvenient problems, such as sludge bubbling up in your bathtub when you flush the toilet – a surefire way to spoil your holiday cheer.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your holiday season is filled with joy and not plumbing woes. If you need any assistance or want to schedule a pre-holiday inspection, don’t hesitate to contact JB Plumbing Services. We’re here to help keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly throughout the holidays and beyond.
