Welcoming guests into your Harrisburg, PA home can be one of the best parts of the holiday season. But the extra cooking, cleaning, and bathroom use can strain your plumbing system. These 12 tips will help you prevent inconvenient and costly plumbing problems during the festivities.
Residue from soap, oils, food particles, and hair gradually narrows the inside of your drainpipes. Over time, this leads to odors, slow drains, and frequent clogs. Scheduling professional drain cleaning once a year helps keep drains clear and fresh. Services like drain snaking and hydro-jetting remove buildup and restore proper flow.
Holiday cooking often involves fats and oils. These should never go down the drain because they cool, harden, and form stubborn blockages. Let grease cool and store it in a sealed container before throwing it in the trash. Large amounts of used cooking oil should go to a designated drop-off site for proper disposal.
Drain baskets and strainers are inexpensive tools that prevent hair, food scraps, and small items from entering your plumbing. A simple drain cover can help prevent many avoidable clogs.
Only toilet paper and human waste should go down the toilet. Make sure there is an easily accessible trash can for cotton swabs, flossers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. Even products labeled as flushable can snag in pipes and cause blockages. Consider offering reusable hand towels or installing a bidet attachment to reduce flushing issues.
An annual plumbing inspection helps catch issues early. Plumbers check for hidden leaks, test water pressure, assess water quality, and inspect your water heater and fixtures. Addressing minor concerns before the holidays helps prevent mid-season emergencies.
Winter weather in Pennsylvania can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Disconnect outdoor hoses, shut off the supply to exterior faucets, and install hose bib covers. Insulate exposed pipes indoors and outdoors. The American Red Cross recommends keeping your thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during cold weather to help prevent freezing.
Winter storms can cause basement flooding if your sump pump is not working. Test the pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. If it does not activate, schedule a service visit before guests arrive.
All drains empty into the main sewer line. If the line is clogged or damaged, you may experience slow drains or sewage backups. Schedule a sewer inspection and cleaning every 18 to 22 months. If you have not had one recently, it is wise to book it before the holidays.
A garbage disposal is meant for small food remnants, not full scraps. Keep these items out of the disposal to prevent jams and motor damage:
Always run cold water while using the disposal. To freshen it, grind a few ice cubes and a tablespoon of salt.
Guests mean extra demand for hot water. If you have a tank-style water heater, flushing it reduces sediment buildup and improves performance. Your plumber can also check the anode rod to prevent internal corrosion. Maintenance helps ensure consistent hot water during the holidays.
Knowing where your shut-off valves are can prevent small issues from becoming catastrophes. Each sink and toilet has a nearby valve. Your home also has a main shut-off valve, usually located where the main line enters the building. Make sure valves turn easily and are not rusted or stuck.
Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from outdoor drains and grates. This helps prevent yard flooding and protects your foundation. After clearing surface debris, flush outdoor drains to check for hidden blockages.
Do not wait until guests arrive to evaluate your plumbing system. Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and a whole-house plumbing check can prevent holiday interruptions.
Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air proudly serves Harrisburg and the surrounding areas. For expert plumbing service to prepare your home for the holidays, contact Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air today.