How to Avoid Plumbing Disasters During the Holiday

Although the holiday season brings togetherness, it can also put a stress on your home’s plumbing system. Whether you experience plumbing issues due to a house full of guests, increased cooking, overuse of plumbing fixtures, or heavy drain usage, you need to safeguard your system to ensure it can withstand the strain. The team at Martel Plumbing & Heating is standing by to help with all your plumbing needs and keep them in top working order.  We’re also sharing our pro tips to avoid unthinkable plumbing disasters so you can focus on a fun and stress-free holiday season.

1. Be Mindful About What Goes Down the Drain

It’s normal to whip up holiday meals and treats with rich, hearty ingredients. But when it slides down your drains, it can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Everything from solidified grease to oil, coffee grinds, egg shells and food scraps can easily clog your drains and lead to backups, damaged pipes, and unpleasant odors. 

Instead of pouring grease down the sink, pour it into a disposable container and throw it into the trash. An inexpensive drain strainer is an easy solution to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain and causing issues. It’s also wise to tell your guests with kids not to flush any inappropriate items, from wipes to paper towels, down the toilet. 

If your kitchen drain is already acting sluggish, the time to act is now. Schedule a drain cleaning with the team at Martel Plumbing before the holidays hit to make sure it’s ready for heavy use. 

2. Don’t Overwork Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a handy tool for meal prep, but it comes with its share of limits. Don’t treat it like a trash compactor—avoid throwing in bones, celery, peels, pasta, or anything hard and fibrous down the disposal. You could end up damaging the blades and clogging your pipes. 

In addition to keeping out the food scraps, run cold water while using the disposal to help it break down food and flush it through the system. Unusual noises or an underperforming garbage disposal won’t just resolve on their own. If you notice an issue, call the team at Martel Plumbing for repairs before your guests arrive.

3. Prepare Your Bathroom for Extra Guests

There’s perhaps no greater nightmare for a homeowner than their toilets backing up when entertaining guests. With more people using your bathroom during the holidays, the chances of a plumbing mishap will automatically increase. Keep your toilets, sinks, and showers functioning properly before the festivities get underway. Give the team at Martel Plumbing a call to fix any slow drains, leaky faucets, or weak toilet flushes ahead of time.

It’s also proactive to stock up your bathroom with everything your guests need, including toilet paper, a plunger, and a wastebasket to discourage flushing inappropriate items. Consider leaving a small sign to remind people not to flush anything other than toilet paper to prevent issues.

Don’t forget about your water heater this season. If it struggles to keep up with the demand of an influx of guests, consider lowering the temperature slightly. You can also stagger showers to avoid running out of hot water.

4. Watch for the Warning Signs of Plumbing Problems

Most plumbing problems come with early warning signs, from slow drains to foul odors or unusual noises. You could be developing a clog, leak, or sewer line problem that needs immediate attention.

When you get on top of the minor issues as soon as possible, you’ll avoid plumbing emergencies during your holiday gatherings. Our Lincoln, RI, plumbers are here with the service, inspections, and repairs to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Even if you don’t have plumbing problems, you can still schedule a professional check-up before the holidays for peace of mind.

5. Create an Emergency Plumbing Plan

Even with the best preparation, plumbing emergencies can happen to any household. It’s important to know what to do in an emergency to minimize the damage and stress. First, make sure everyone knows where your home’s main water shut-off valve is so you can quickly stop the flow of water in case of a major leak or burst pipe.

It’s also wise to think ahead to the type of emergencies winter and guests can bring. If you’re expecting freezing temperatures, insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from bursting and creating floods in your home. You can also drip your faucets slightly to help relieve pressure and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

Keep the team at Martel Plumbing’s contact information handy for emergency services you can rely on. If a disaster strikes, our team is prepared to step in and assist in restoring your home’s comfort and functionality for your holiday guests.

Call Martel Plumbing & Heating for a Hassle-Free Holiday

Make your holidays about family meals and gatherings—not stress over plumbing problems. Staying proactive against disasters and scheduling maintenance, repairs, or emergency service will keep your home safe for guests. Call our plumbers in Lincoln, RI, for all of the plumbing services you need for peace of mind and optimal functionality. Schedule your appointment today!