Hosting for the Holidays? 5 Plumbing Problems to Prevent Before Guests Arrive

Key Takeaways

You have half the family around for the holidays, and suddenly, the toilet in the downstairs bathroom clogs. The last thing you want for your holiday celebration is bathroom lines or, worse, being unable to cook.

Any time you’re entertaining, it’s particularly important to prevent common holiday plumbing problems before they cause embarrassment or a ruined party. So, here are five plumbing issues you can, and should, easily prevent:

1. Clogged Toilets

We’re going to lead with this because even if you have three bathrooms, that’s not a lot if you have ten guests, and having one of them out of action or having to leave to get a plunger is a problem.

The best way to prevent clogs is to only flush human waste and toilet paper. No baby wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products. And no, those “flushable” wipes really aren’t. We deal with many problems caused by “flushable” wipes. If you have pets or young children (especially cats), close the lid when you are done. Also, check that your toilet tank is filling properly, as too little water can also cause a clog.

2. Garbage Disposal Issues

You definitely don’t want to deal with holiday plumbing problems like a broken garbage disposal when you’re preparing a meal or snacks for a bunch of people. Protect your garbage disposal by not feeding it bones, corn husks, potato peels, or celery stalks. Never pour grease or oil down the sink (don’t do this if you don’t have a garbage disposal, either); grease and oil make sticky buildup in your pipes. Run the disposal with cold water to solidify any grease that gets into the system.

Cut food waste into small pieces and don’t force things into the disposal. And before your party, clean the disposal with a handful of ice cubes and some salt.

3. Frozen Pipes

Let’s not have a flood-iday. The holidays are prime weather for frozen pipes, and if you’ve had problems in the past, you’re likely to have them again. Consider talking to a plumber about better insulation for your pipes. In the meantime, open your faucets slightly to let the water drip on any cold nights, and be extra careful to do so the night before your gathering.

4. Clogged Faucet Aerators

Faucet aerators introduce air into the water stream to reduce splashing in your sink. If they become clogged, then the water flow or pressure from that faucet can drop. They can also make weird noises or cause splashing.

Cleaning your faucet aerators regularly, especially if you have hard water, helps prevent this from happening and avoids somebody asking why the bathroom sink is producing only a dribble of water.

5. Other Drain Clogs

A clogged shower right when you are getting ready can put a dampener on proceedings. These types of holiday plumbing problems can also lead to flooding and a canceled celebration. Protect your shower and tub drains by using drain screens to catch hair and other debris. Clean the screen regularly (wear gloves to remove hair, then rinse it with warm water and mild soap), and if you have to throw a hairy dog in the tub, you’ll probably want to clean it right away.

Also, don’t overuse chemical drain cleaners to remove clogs that do happen. The harsh chemicals can shorten the life of your pipes.

Prevent Holiday Plumbing Problems This Season

A professional inspection can help catch other, more serious problems before they ruin your party. Getting an inspection early in the winter is often a good idea anyway, and scheduling it before Thanksgiving will make sure that you are ready to welcome guests without any plumbing embarrassments. Contact Smith & Keene to schedule your fall plumbing inspection today.