The holiday season is right around the corner, and this is a time of year when plumbing systems are under additional strain. More people in the home equals more water used, more showers and more wastewater to remove from the home. All of this extra work can take a real toll on your home plumbing system, and the last thing you need at this time of year is a drain clog or some other problem to spoil your holiday. In this article, we will take a look at three preventative measures that you can take to get your plumbing ready for the holiday season.
- Prevent Clogged Toilets
If you live in a modern home built in the last couple of decades, it’s likely that your drain system is up to date. Many people live in older homes that have been remodeled and renovated to a modern standard while retaining the original charm. But, in these older homes, the older pipes may still be in places, and old pipework is less effective at removing waste. The most common cause of toilet clogs is people flushing items, such as kitchen paper towels, sanitary products, and of course, children sometimes flush their toys! The only items that should ever be flushed are toilet paper and human waste; everything else needs to go in the trash. Add a small covered waste basket and post a sign in the bathroom, telling guests to avoid flushing their trash.
- Prevent Garbage Disposal Clogs
Having extra company means consuming more food and getting rid of the associated extra waste. During the holidays, the garbage disposal is often on double duty, and this can clog and back-up the system. Make sure your guests avoid placing materials, such as vegetable fibers, scraps of bone, eggshells, fruit peel, and coffee grinds, in the garbage disposal. It’s also a great idea to prepare your garbage disposal for the holidays by turning on the faucet and running the unit to clear any buildup. Then you can toss in some ice cubes to give the blades a workout, and this will help to remove any grease deposits. Most food waste should go into a composter or recycling program if possible, and any other materials need to go in the trash.
- Sink, Shower and Tub Clogs
Extra company means more demands on your sinks, showers, and tubs. These all have drains that can be clogged by soap scum, hair, and other materials. The best way to prevent this is to install drain filters at each drain to catch this debris before it can settle in your drains. Prevention is always better than the cure, but it’s a good idea to have a cup plunger on hand if you need to remove a clog. Avoid using chemical cleaners to clear a clog because they are caustic, and they can damage your plumbing system.
If you need extra help getting your plumbing ready for the holiday season, contact your
local certified plumber.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
