Trouble-Free Holiday Plumbing - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to get your home ready for the festivities. With more friends and family gathering in your home, your plumbing system is bound to get extra use.

The last thing you want during your holiday celebrations is to deal with plumbing problems like clogged drains, leaks, or a broken garbage disposal. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to ensure your plumbing stays trouble-free during this joyous season.

Why Do Plumbing Problems Happen During the Holidays?

Plumbing problems can happen any time of the year, but the holidays can be particularly challenging for your home’s plumbing in Myrtle Beach. Here’s why:

1. Mind Your Sink Drains:

During the holidays, your kitchen sink can become a bustling hub of activity as you prepare delicious meals and entertain guests. To keep your sink drain trouble-free:

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): It’s crucial to resist the temptation to pour fats, oils, and grease down the sink. These substances may flow easily when hot but can congeal as they cool down, forming stubborn blockages in your drainpipes. Instead, pour FOG into a dedicated container and dispose of it in the trash when it solidifies.

Potato Peels and Starchy Foods: Potatoes, rice, and other starchy foods can be a sneaky culprit in clogging your drains. As they break down, they can turn into a glue-like substance, sticking to the inside of your pipes. Dispose of potato peels and similar items in the trash.

Garbage Disposal Considerations: If you have a garbage disposal, be cautious about what you put down it. Items like vegetable peels, bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, and pasta are challenging for garbage disposal blades to handle. Over time, these items can cause your disposal to jam and even damage the motor. It’s best to toss them in the trash instead.

2. Care for Your Toilets:

With more guests in your home, your toilets will see increased use. To prevent toilet troubles:

Flush Only the Right Stuff: Educate your guests about what should and should not be flushed down the toilet. Encourage them to flush only toilet paper and human waste. Items like feminine hygiene products, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, paper towels, wrappers, cotton balls, and other non-dissolvable materials should go in the trash, not down the toilet.

Friendly Reminder Signs: Consider placing friendly reminder signs in your bathroom to help guests remember what’s flushable and what’s not. A simple sign can prevent accidental clogs and backups.

3. Check for Leaks:

Before the holiday season kicks into high gear, take some time to inspect your plumbing system for any existing leaks. Here’s why this is important:

Water Conservation: Fixing dripping faucets and running toilets not only prevents water wastage but also lowers your water bill.

Preventing Damage: Leaks, if left unattended, can lead to more extensive and costly damage over time. Addressing them promptly can save you from more significant plumbing issues down the road.

4. Adjust the Water Heater:

If you’re expecting a house full of guests, it’s a good idea to adjust your water heater’s temperature to ensure everyone has access to comfortable and consistent hot water. However, be cautious not to set it too high, as this can be a safety hazard.

5. Be Prepared:

Lastly, being prepared can make a world of difference in handling unexpected plumbing emergencies during the holidays:

Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact information of a trusted local plumber handy. In the event of a plumbing emergency in Myrtle Beach, you’ll be able to reach out for quick assistance.

Basic Plumbing Tools: Have some basic plumbing tools and supplies readily available in your home. A plunger can come to the rescue for minor clogs, and a pipe wrench can be useful for tightening loose fittings.

By following these tips and taking a proactive approach, you can ensure that your plumbing system remains in top shape throughout the holiday season, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with your loved ones. Enjoy a worry-free holiday season!