As the holidays approach, your home will likely become a hub of activity. From hosting family gatherings to entertaining guests and cozying up by the fire, all the extra time at home and added people in your household can strain your plumbing system. To avoid the headache of unexpected plumbing problems, it’s important to prepare your plumbing system before the holiday rush.
In this blog post, the plumbing experts at Universe Home Services provide some helpful tips on how to keep your pipes and drains in top shape before the winter festivities begin.
Common Plumbing Issues Seen During the Holidays
With increased use, colder weather, and more people in the house, the holidays can strain your home’s plumbing system. Here are the top five plumbing problems homeowners often face during the holiday season in New York:
Clogged Drains
With large meals being prepared and an influx of guests using your kitchen and bathroom sinks, it’s no surprise that clogged drains are a common issue during the holidays. Grease, food scraps, and soap scum can quickly accumulate in your drains, leading to slow or completely blocked pipes.
Disposal Jams
The kitchen becomes the heart of the home during the holidays, but improper use of the garbage disposal can lead to frustrating jams. Bones, potato peels, and other hard or fibrous food items are often mistakenly sent down the disposal, causing it to jam or break.
Burst Pipes
As temperatures drop, your home’s pipes become more vulnerable to freezing. If water inside the pipes freezes, it can expand and cause the pipes to burst, leading to significant water damage and expensive repairs.
Running Toilets
With more people in the house, your toilets will see increased use. Constant flushing or a faulty component can lead to a running toilet, which not only wastes water but can also increase your utility bill during the holidays.
Water Heaters
Increased demand for hot water during the holidays can stress your water heater. If your water heater is older or hasn’t been properly maintained, you may encounter issues like inconsistent water temperature or a complete lack of hot water.
Prep Your Plumbing System for the Holiday Season
Taking a few preventative steps can help you avoid holiday plumbing disasters. Here’s a simple checklist to ensure your plumbing system is ready to handle the upcoming season:
- Check for leaks: Inspect your faucets, pipes, and toilets for any leaks that need to be addressed before the holiday rush.
- Clear your drains: Use a drain cleaner or snake to remove any potential clogs in your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Insulate your pipes: Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by insulating any exposed pipes in basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
- Water heater maintenance: Have your water heater serviced to ensure it functions properly and meets the increased holiday demand.
- Schedule plumbing maintenance: A professional inspection can help identify potential problems before they get worse.
Contact Universe Home Services for Emergency Plumbing Repair This Winter
Despite your best efforts, plumbing emergencies can still develop. When they do, Universe Home Services is here to help set the problem right in no time. If you encounter any plumbing issues this winter, don’t hesitate to contact our team for the fast repair response you deserve. We can assist with any plumbing repairs, ensuring your holiday season stays stress-free.
Schedule plumbing repair services in New York by contacting our team today.