As the holidays are upon us, we’re planning meals, gifts, and how to accommodate family and friends during their visit. Plumbing is not something most people think about this time of year. But as a leading Houston plumbing company, Village Plumbing knows that a plumbing emergency can happen at any time.
Here are a few tips to avoid a plumbing emergency before, during, or after Thanksgiving dinner:
Keep Leftovers Out of the Drain
This is one of the best ways to prevent a stressful plumbing repair. Leftovers should never be washed down the drain or put into the garbage disposal, especially if they’re greasy or fibrous (grease can harden in pipes and clog them, so should never be poured down). The disposal isn’t built to handle the load of a Thanksgiving meal. It’s best to have trash bags handy so you can throw away scraps as needed. Advise your guests to do so as well.
Use Sink Strainers
Strainers are effective at keeping food leftovers out of kitchen sink drains and pipes. They can also catch hair before it clogs bathroom drains. Make sure you have sink strainers installed before you have a house full of people. It’s just a small price to pay compared to fixing a serious clog.
Don’t Run the Dishwasher So Soon
Your dishwasher can quickly fill up with plates and glasses during a holiday gathering. However, it’s usually better to wait to run it, in case anyone chooses to use the garbage disposal (both share the same drain, so there could be problems). Inform everyone who wants to help clean up that you’ll run a dishwashing cycle later.
Protect Your Bathroom
When you have guests over, it’s easy to forget about the room most vulnerable to plumbing emergencies—the bathroom. Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet. Remind guests not to flush paper towels, feminine products, or baby wipes; posting a sign is a good idea. And, if people are going to shower in your home, ask them to wait 15 minutes between showers to ensure there’s hot water and to avoid straining your water heater.
Clean Your Drains Before the Big Day
If your drains are showing signs of slowing up, it’s best to address any potential issues before Thanksgiving Day. Contact a professional plumber if you have a dripping kitchen faucet or a slow sink or shower drain. It may be a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection if your system hasn’t been serviced in a while.
Contact Your Local Plumber
For any Houston plumbing company, the day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest day of the year. That can mean a delay even if you call during an emergency. But scheduling plumbing repairs or maintenance before the holiday season can avoid trouble. To schedule an appointment or learn about our plumbing specials, coupons, or financing, request service online or call 713-526-1491.