With the holiday season approaching, many Tacoma and SeaTac homeowners will experience an increase in household activity. This can place extra stress on plumbing systems, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms. Knowing how to prepare your plumbing for this increase in usage will help ensure a smooth, hassle-free holiday season.
Here are some essential tips from Tacoma plumbers on keeping your home’s plumbing in top shape during the busiest time of the year.
The Impact of Holiday Activities on Plumbing
The holiday season can be hard on plumbing systems for several reasons. Kitchens often see heavy use, with an increase in cooking, washing dishes, and disposing of food waste. Bathrooms also face extra traffic, with more frequent showers, flushes, and faucet use, which can lead to clogged drains or overloaded septic systems. Preparing ahead and being mindful of plumbing habits can go a long way toward avoiding plumbing mishaps that could disrupt holiday celebrations.
Tips for Managing Kitchen Plumbing
The kitchen is one of the busiest areas during the holidays, and it’s also one of the most prone to plumbing issues. Taking steps to prevent common problems can keep things running smoothly.
1. Avoiding Grease Buildup
Cooking for a crowd often involves more oil and grease, which can cause severe blockages if poured down the drain. Grease solidifies as it cools, creating buildup in pipes that can eventually lead to clogs. To protect your pipes, allow grease to cool in a throwaway container before putting it in the garbage. Other food particles, like potato peels and coffee grounds, can also cause blockages and should be disposed of properly.
2. Using the Garbage Disposal Correctly
During holiday cooking, it’s easy to overload the garbage disposal, which can lead to clogs or even damage. To keep it functioning properly, avoid putting fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, or large chunks of meat down the disposal. Run cold water while using the disposal, as this helps solidify grease and flush it away. Tacoma plumbers recommend feeding food scraps in small batches to avoid overloading the system.
Bathroom Plumbing During the Holidays
Bathrooms are used more during the holiday season, especially when hosting guests. Being mindful of bathroom plumbing can prevent clogs and other issues.
1. Managing Increased Traffic
The extra use of toilets, showers, and sinks can strain bathroom plumbing. To help prevent issues, remind guests to be cautious about what they flush down the toilet. Only toilet paper should go down the toilet; items like wipes, tissues, and paper towels should be disposed of in the trash. It’s also helpful to keep a small waste bin in the bathroom for guests to use, reducing the chance of inappropriate items being flushed.
2. Preventing Clogs
Hair, soap, and other materials can create blockages in your drains. Using a drain catcher can help prevent larger particles from entering and clogging the drains. Tacoma plumbers recommend periodically pouring hot water down bathroom drains to help dissolve any built-up grease or residue, especially during heavy use periods.
Importance of Routine Maintenance Before the Holidays
Routine maintenance can help prevent plumbing emergencies, allowing you to focus on enjoying the holidays. Scheduling a professional plumbing inspection before the holiday season can help identify potential issues early, ensuring everything is functioning optimally.
In & Out Plumbing, a trusted provider of residential plumbing services in the Tacoma area, offers comprehensive inspections that can spot minor issues before they become major problems. Their experienced technicians are trained to check for leaks, clogs, and signs of wear in pipes and fixtures, ensuring your plumbing system is ready for the holidays. Routine maintenance also extends the life of plumbing fixtures, reducing the chances of an unexpected breakdown during your gatherings.
When to Call for Help
While preventive measures help, the increased holiday usage can still lead to plumbing problems. Call a professional promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches.
1. Signs of a Plumbing Issue
If you notice slow drainage, strange noises from pipes, or a sudden decrease in water pressure, it’s best to call a professional. These are often early signs of a blockage or leak that requires immediate attention.
2. Sewer Backups or Unpleasant Odors
Sewer backups are a serious issue that requires immediate professional intervention. If you experience a sewer backup, foul odors, or multiple drains clogging at once, reach out to plumbers in SeaTac and surrounding areas as soon as possible.
3. Benefits of Having a Local Plumber
Having a reliable local plumber, like In & Out Plumbing, ensures prompt, dependable service when you need it most. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain or a more complex issue, our skilled technicians provide responsive, high-quality residential plumbing services that you can rely on in times of need.
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Conclusion
The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, not one interrupted by plumbing emergencies. By following these holiday plumbing tips, you can help ensure your kitchen and bathrooms are ready to handle increased usage, reducing the likelihood of issues.
When issues do arise, just call In & Out Plumbing! Our SeaTac and Tacoma plumbers are always ready to provide quality service and help you keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly during the holidays.