The holidays are a time for celebration, family, friends, and - unfortunately - plumbing issues. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, your kitchen has quite some hustle and bustle. If you’re expecting guests for the holidays, not only do you have to worry about your kitchen plumbing, but you also have to take care of your bathroom plumbing. From clogged drains to overflowing toilets, holiday plumbing problems seem to happen at the worst possible time. But don't worry - we're here to help! In this blog post, Bartlett & Steadman will discuss some of the most common holiday plumbing issues and how to avoid them. We'll also provide tips on what to do if you encounter a plumbing emergency. Read on to learn more!
Clogged Drains
One of the most common holiday plumbing problems is a clogged drain. This is usually caused by grease, hair, or food scraps being flushed down the drain. To avoid a clogged drain, be sure to dispose of grease and food scraps in the trash can, not the sink. Ensure you have a drain cover in all of your showers if your guests plan on staying the night.
A few other foods and items to avoid flushing down your drain include:
- Coffee grounds
- Stringy vegetables like celery and artichokes
- Oil
- Eggshells
- Potato peels
- Meat bones
Even if you aren’t having any drain issues, scheduling a professional drain cleaning will remove any build-up of grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris that could clog your drains. Schedule your drain cleaning appointment with our team to ensure you won’t run into any issues.
Overflowing Toilet
Another common holiday plumbing issue is an overflowing toilet. This can happen for several reasons, including a clogged toilet or a faulty flapper valve. If your toilet starts to overflow, turn off the water at the shut-off valve (usually located behind the toilet). Then, give Bartlett & Steadman a call at (781) 365-5828 to schedule your repair.
Low Water Pressure
If you plan on hosting holiday dinners and your guests are staying the night, it’s best to space out the time in between showers to allow your water heater to replenish. Back-to-back showers will cause a decrease in water pressure, and even worse, lukewarm or cold water. Wait about 20 minutes in between showers so each guest can enjoy a hot shower.
Leaks
One of the biggest dangers during the holiday season is water damage from leaks. Whether it's a burst pipe or a leaky roof, water damage can ruin your holiday plans and cause a lot of stress. Leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage in the home. They can happen at any time, but they're especially common during the winter months when cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. That's why it's so important to check for leaks before the holidays! Here are a few things to look for:
- Water stains on ceilings or floors
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Cracks in the floor
- Musty smells
If you notice any of these signs during the holiday season, make sure you schedule a leak detection appointment with our team!
Dripping Faucets
One thing that many people don't think about during the holiday season is checking their faucets. A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water in a short period of time, and it can also lead to expensive water bills. A common cause of a dripping faucet is wear and tear on the seals and gaskets. Over time, these parts can break down and allow water to escape. Make sure you check your faucets before your guests arrive to schedule any repairs ahead of time.
At Bartlett & Steadman, we understand the importance of a properly functioning plumbing system during the holidays. If you need to schedule any plumbing repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us by giving us a call at (781) 365-5828.