Got family coming over for the holidays? You are probably opening your home to family and friends to enjoy the holiday season with you. But the holiday festivities can quickly diminish if you’re not careful. So here are some proactive tips. In this article, we’re sharing some hints and tips to keep your home’s plumbing in tip top shape this holiday season.
Holiday plumbing tip #1.
You might want a nice clean toilet but avoid using those colored tablets that claim to clean and deodorize. They’re harmful to the seals inside your toilet, breaking them down and resulting in a leaky mess on your bathroom floor.
Holiday plumbing tip #2.
Put strainers in the bottoms of your drains to stop any clogging agents from escaping down the drain. This includes your kitchen drain to keep food particles from plugging your drains, and also your bathtub drains if family members are staying over and using your shower. Clean your strainer in your kitchen anytime you have anything in it. You should also clean your bathtub strainer any time it is slow to drain.
Holiday plumbing tip #3.
Before everyone arrives for the holidays, clear your drains so they don’t plug up while the family is visiting. Put a cup of baking soda down the drain followed with a cup of white vinegar. Insert the plug and wait a few minutes to allow the chemical reaction to occur. Then, flush with boiling water to clear hair soap scum, and other debris out of your pipes.
Holiday plumbing tip #4.
Check overflow holes regularly to prevent blockage. Sinks use overflow holes if they start to overfill, and this isn't usually a problem, but it can be. Inspect and clean the overflow holes as part of your regular household maintenance. That way, if Aunt Myrtle accidently forgets to turn the water off, you won’t end up with a mess!
Holiday plumbing tip #5.
It is important to run your faucet with cold water whenever you run your garbage disposal. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. If you use hot water, any grease in the disposal will turn into liquid, while causes pipe clogging. This is never more important than the holiday season when you tend to have a lot of food preparation being done in the kitchen!
Holiday plumbing tip #6.
When your family visits, remind them that only toilet paper can go down the toilet; nothing else! This will help prevent your toilet drain from clogging up.