Seasonal Plumbing Tips
The time has come to go turkey shopping, tidy up the house, and deck the halls. The holiday season is upon us and if you’re playing host this year, you may be feeling the pressure of creating a welcoming, comfortable space for all of your guests.
While this includes setting up the guest bed and pulling out extra blankets, it’s important to remember that your plumbing may need a little extra TLC before friends and family ring the doorbell, as well as throughout their stay.
The Atlas Plumbing team is here with a list of plumbing preparations that will go a long way in making your guests feel welcome this season.
Before the Guests Arrive
As you wash the sheets and fluff the pillows, be sure to leave enough time for the following plumbing-related tasks!
Repairs
No one wants to experience a plumbing breakdown in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. If you have been putting off calling a plumber to fix that leaky faucet or shower, now is the time to buckle down and do so. The leak is not only costing you money, but it can also be a nuisance and could turn into a larger problem at any moment.
Make sure all of your toilets are flushing properly, that the showerhead pressure is good, and that the water heater temperature is set at or around 120 degrees to avoid too hot or too cold water.
You will likely rely on your water heater a lot over the holidays. Flushing your water heater is a great way to get out all the sediment build-up that could cause clogs, low water pressure, and temperature issues.
Even if you haven’t noticed any obvious issues with your plumbing, it’s a good idea to have a plumber out to do an inspection just to be safe.
Drains
Along with repairs, you will want to thoroughly clean out your drains. You can clear small blockages by pouring baking soda and vinegar into the drain and flushing with hot water. For bigger clogs and a more effective clean, schedule a drain cleaning with your plumber.
These professional drain cleanings will avoid a backed-up shower, toilet mishaps, and a smelly kitchen sink.
Guest Bathrooms
If your guests are staying for a few days, make sure they feel comfortable in the bathroom. Show them where the extra toilet paper and towels are and how your shower works. Everyone’s shower is different and figuring out a new one can be tricky!
Most importantly, you’ll want to provide them with a clean bathroom for their visit. Use this as a checklist during cleaning day:
- Wash bath mats and towels.
- Wipe down counters and cabinets.
- Clean and disinfect the entire toilet!
- Mop the floors.
- Scrub the tub and shower.
All this extra cleaning will go a long way in making your house feel like home for your guests.
During the Celebration
Now that the guests have arrived, here are a few reminders for while you’re celebrating.
The Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sees a lot of action during the holiday season. As you cook up a storm, it is important to remember what cannot go down your kitchen sink’s drain:
- Vegetable peels
- Turkey bones
- Potatoes
- Extra oil or grease
- Stringy vegetables
- Large amounts of food.
All of these can create build-up quickly and you’ll soon find yourself with a clogged drain. Throw the majority of your scraps into the garbage can and not the sink.
Showering
Give your water heater a fighting chance by being smart about your shower schedule. Try to limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less to help the hot water supply go a long way. If possible, you might consider waiting about 20 minutes between showers in order to give the water heater a chance to catch up!
Plumbing Services for the Holidays
If your guests are coming soon, no need to worry. Give Atlas Plumbing a call at (702) 819-7137 for all your plumbing repairs!