The holiday season often means hosting guests, preparing festive meals, and creating cherished memories. However, increased activity in your home can put extra stress on your plumbing system. Follow these practical holiday plumbing tips to keep everything running smoothly and avoid unwanted issues.
1. Conserve Hot Water During Showers
If you’re hosting overnight guests, your shower might be in high demand. Encourage everyone to limit showers to five minutes. This not only ensures there’s enough hot water for everyone but also keeps your water heater from overworking.
Tip: Consider staggering shower times throughout the day to avoid depleting your hot water supply all at once.
2. Save Water While Brushing Teeth
Remind your guests to turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth. Leaving the water running is a common habit but can waste several gallons of water daily. A simple reminder can save water and lower your utility bill.
3. Stock Bathrooms with Essentials
High-traffic bathrooms are bound to experience heavy use during the holidays. Prepare by stocking extra toilet paper and ensuring a plunger is readily available in each bathroom. This prevents awkward situations and ensures guests can address minor clogs without disruption.
4. Be Mindful of Kitchen Plumbing
The kitchen sink and garbage disposal will likely see more action as you prepare holiday feasts. To prevent clogs:
- Avoid pouring grease, oils, or fats down the drain as they can solidify and cause blockages.
- Dispose of food scraps like coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables in the trash or compost bin instead of the garbage disposal.
- Run cold water for a few seconds before and after using the disposal to flush debris.
5. Prepare for Unexpected Plumbing Issues
Even with the best preparation, unexpected plumbing issues can arise. Be proactive by familiarizing yourself with the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve. This allows you to quickly stop water flow in case of an emergency, such as a burst pipe.
Need Expert Plumbing Services This Holiday Season?
When plumbing problems strike, turn to the trusted professionals at ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric. With decades of experience serving Chicagoland and the surrounding areas, we provide reliable, fast, and effective solutions to keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape.
From clearing stubborn clogs to ensuring your water heater can handle the holiday rush, our team is here to help. Let us take the stress out of plumbing so you can focus on enjoying the season with your loved ones.
Find Your Nearest Location and Contact Us Today!
Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your holiday celebrations. Scroll down to find the ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric location closest to you and call us today. Our expert plumbers are ready to ensure your home stays festive and functional this season!