How to Avoid Holiday Plumbing Woes
Cooking for multiple people and washing more dishes than usual can overwhelm the kitchen plumbing.
As soon as the holidays arrive, homeowners are busy hosting out-of-town family members, preparing delicious meals, and cleaning the living areas. Thus, it's unsurprising that the plumbing system receives less attention than it deserves. However, the hustle and bustle of the holidays put a lot of pressure on the pipework and can lead to long-term problems and costly repairs.
Please read on to learn how to keep the plumbing system healthy during the holiday season.
Problems in the kitchen
Food is the main attraction during holiday dinners. But cooking for multiple people and washing more dishes than usual can overwhelm the kitchen plumbing. So homeowners should watch out for these signs to ensure they can focus on tasty meals without worrying about broken pipes.
Blocked drains
More food usually leads to clogged drains. Never let grease, fat, or oil travel down the drain. Instead, gather the grease or fat in a container and throw it directly into the garbage disposal to avoid complications. Another helpful tip is to flush the drain with hot water after doing the dishes in the kitchen sink. The water helps break down fat residue and prevents clogs.
As a general rule, food items should never go down the drain. The simplest way to avoid blocked drains is to put excess leftover food bits in the trash. A few stray breadcrumbs won't disrupt the pipework but keep seeds, bones, gravy, cooking oil, mayonnaise, and coffee grounds out of the kitchen sink.
Damaged garbage disposal
While fat-rich meals can strain the kitchen drain, they can also be too much for the garbage disposal to handle.
If the disposal is struggling to work correctly, it may have encountered food items like nuts, pasta, animal bones, rice, or fibrous vegetables. The food isn't always the culprit, though. Intense use can leave its mark on the garbage disposal. Contact a reputable plumbing contractor who can resolve the issue in no time.
Problems in the bathroom
In addition to kitchen plumbing, bathroom pipes work harder during the holidays. Let's look at a few common problems:
Backed-up sewer line
A backed-up sewer line during a holiday get-together is quite unpleasant. Those who notice odd gurgling sounds or a clogged toilet should act quickly and seek professional assistance to prevent a backup.
It's good practice to place a small trash can next to the toilet, so guests don't flush items like hygiene products, Q-tips, and baby wipes. Only toilet paper should go down the toilet.
Damaged water heater
Guests who are spending the night might want a relaxing bath to unwind. If the heater can't keep up with the household's increased demand, schedule an inspection to repair corrosion, sediment accumulation, or drainage issues.
Give the plumbing a happy holiday!
Homeowners should contact a trustworthy professional before the holiday season to ensure the pipework is in good health. An expert will fix and bolster the plumbing, allowing the household to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.
