The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, it’s also a period when holiday plumbing problems can quickly turn into major headaches.
With increased use of your home’s plumbing system and the added stress of hosting guests, it’s crucial to be prepared to prevent and address potential issues. In this guide, we’ll explore common holiday plumbing problems and provide practical tips to keep your festive season running smoothly.
Common Holiday Plumbing Problems
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are among the most frequent holiday plumbing problems. During the festive season, you’re likely to use your kitchen sink more than usual. From greasy leftovers to food scraps, your drains face a lot of stress. To prevent clogs:
- Avoid pouring grease down the sink. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
- Use sink strainers to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain.
- Regularly clean the strainer to avoid buildup.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid most kitchen sink clogs and ensure your plumbing system remains trouble-free.
Toilet Overflows
With guests visiting, your toilet will see more action than usual, increasing the risk of overflows. An overflowing toilet can be a messy and stressful situation. To avoid this:
- Educate guests about what should and shouldn’t be flushed. Only flush toilet paper—nothing else.
- Keep a plunger handy in the bathroom. It’s a simple tool that can quickly resolve minor blockages.
- Monitor toilet usage to ensure it’s not being overloaded.
Taking these precautions will help you prevent embarrassing and inconvenient toilet overflows during the holidays.
Water Heater Issues
The holiday season often means increased demand for hot water, which can strain your water heater. To avoid running out of hot water or facing other holiday plumbing problems related to your water heater:
- Schedule a pre-holiday inspection to ensure your water heater is functioning properly.
- Adjust the thermostat on your water heater if necessary to accommodate increased usage.
- Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can affect performance.
Maintaining your water heater will help ensure you have a steady supply of hot water for showers, washing dishes, and more.
Frozen Pipes
In cold weather, frozen pipes are a significant risk. When water in your pipes freezes, it can lead to bursts and severe damage. To prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
- Keep the heat on in all areas of your home, even if you’re not using those rooms.
- Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold temperatures to keep water flowing.
These steps can help protect your plumbing system from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures.
When To Call a Professional?
If you have holiday plumbing problems that you couldn’t fix at your home in the Greater Toronto area, call our professionals at True Service Plumbing.
Our technicians are well equipped and knowledgeable to address any plumbing issue and fix it effectively in no time. So be it a pipe repair, drain repair, toilet repair or any plumbing repair, reach out to us immediately.
