Holiday Plumbing Tips

November 15, 2013

Here it comes: The two months of the year that are the hardest on your plumbing.  From holiday houseguests to holiday cooking, be sure you are taking every precaution to keep things problem-free.

Be proactive about ensuring everything is in proper working order, including your water heater and pipes. 

If you haven’t flushed your water heater for a while, the time to do so is now before your guests arrive.  Doing so ensures that any necessary repairs are made and hot water isn’t in short supply when you most need it.

Ensure all of your faucets and showerheads are flowing freely by using a trick your mom probably used.  Soak them in vinegar until all the hard water deposits wash away easily.  It should not take long and will ensure a strong water flow for guests.

All of your pipes should be ready as well. If any of them are clogged or even draining slowly, don’t wait any longer to have them cleared.  The last thing you want is for a slow drain to become a major clog while you have guests.

In the kitchen, keep your plumbing happy by making sure that nothing goes down the drain that shouldn’t. This includes:

• Anything stringy, such as celery, even if it’s cooked

• Peels, including apple, potato, and carrot

• Grease of any kind whether it’s in liquid or solid form

• Coffee grounds and egg shells

• Cheese

• Bread and pasta

• Bones

Any one of these items can either cause an immediate clog or buildup along the sides of your pipes that leads to clogs down the road.  It’s a great idea to keep a garbage bowl or can near the food preparation areas as a reminder to you and your guests that not everything goes down a drain even with a disposal.

There is still time to ensure that your plumbing is in the best possible shape before your guests arrive.