The holiday season is a time for celebration, not a time for plumbing headaches. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be a time when plumbing problems rear their ugly heads. With more guests in your home, your plumbing system is put under extra strain, leading to a range of potential issues. To help you navigate these challenges, we’ve compiled a list of common holiday plumbing problems and how to prevent them from ruining your festivities.
1. Toilet Trouble
One of the most frequent plumbing problems during the holidays is a clogged toilet. With additional guests in your home, the toilets are used more frequently, and not everyone may follow the same rules about what can and can’t be flushed. Items like baby wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products are notorious for causing blockages.
To prevent this, consider placing a small sign in the bathroom reminding guests to flush only toilet paper. Providing a wastebasket for non-flushable items can also help keep things running smoothly. If a particular toilet in your home is prone to clogs, now is the time to address it. Simple fixes like adjusting the flapper valve may help, but more persistent issues might require professional attention. Having a plunger handy in the bathroom is always a good backup plan.
2. Hot Water Shortages
When the whole family is together, hot water can become a scarce commodity. Your water heater is working overtime to keep up with increased demand from showers, dishwashing, and laundry. This can lead to lukewarm showers and frustrated guests.
To avoid running out of hot water, consider spacing out showers and being mindful of when you run appliances that use hot water. Asking guests to wait a bit between showers gives your water heater a chance to recover. If your water heater hasn’t been serviced recently, having it checked by a plumbing professional is a good idea. If your unit is approaching the end of its lifespan, consider upgrading to a more efficient model that can better handle the extra demand.
3. Kitchen Sink Clogs
Holiday meals often result in a lot of kitchen cleanup, and the garbage disposal can become overworked. Not all food waste is suitable for the disposal—things like potato peels, coffee grounds, and grease can cause clogs and damage the unit.
To keep your garbage disposal in good working order, scrape food scraps into the trash before rinsing dishes. Grease should be allowed to cool and harden before being disposed of in the trash. If you’re hosting guests who might not be familiar with these rules, a gentle reminder can go a long way in preventing problems. Running the disposal regularly with warm, soapy water can help keep it clean and odor-free.
4. Bathroom Drain Backups
If you have a bathroom that sees little use during the year, it might not be ready for the influx of holiday guests. Hair and soap scum can cause sink and shower drains to back up, which can be both inconvenient and unsanitary.
Before guests arrive, check all the drains in your home to ensure they’re clear. Removing debris from sink stoppers and snaking any slow-moving drains can prevent backups. If a shower drain is prone to clogging, installing a drain cover to catch hair and other debris is a smart move. Your guests will appreciate a shower that drains quickly, without standing water at their feet.
5. Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign of wasted water and potential plumbing issues. During the holidays, a leak in a seldom-used bathroom can go unnoticed, leading to higher water bills and potential damage.
If you notice a drip, address it before your guests arrive. Sometimes, a leaky faucet can be fixed with a simple DIY repair, such as replacing a washer or tightening a connection. If you’re unsure about the cause, calling a professional plumber to take a look can save you from bigger headaches down the line.
Enjoy the holidays!
The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed, not spent dealing with plumbing disasters. By taking preventative measures and being mindful of your plumbing system’s increased workload, you can avoid common problems and ensure your celebrations go off without a hitch. If you do encounter an issue, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber to handle it quickly and efficiently.
