Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with it comes family gatherings, big meals, and plenty of time in the kitchen. But with more guests and food preparation, your plumbing can face extra strain. The last thing anyone wants during the holidays is a plumbing emergency, so take these simple steps to get your plumbing ready for Thanksgiving and avoid Thanksgiving mishaps!
1. Check for Slow Drains
- If you’ve noticed any sluggish drains in the kitchen or bathroom, now’s the time to address them. Slow drains can become clogged when handling extra use from holiday guests, so run some hot water down the drain or consider using a safe, natural drain cleaner to keep things flowing smoothly. If you’re dealing with a persistent clog, calling a professional plumber can prevent a last-minute backup.
2. Prepare Your Garbage Disposal
- Thanksgiving dinner means plenty of cooking, but not all food scraps should go down the garbage disposal. Avoid putting items like grease, bones, potato peels, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables like celery in the disposal, as they can cause clogs or damage. To keep it running well, run cold water for a few seconds before and after using the disposal, and avoid overloading it with food scraps.
3. Inspect Your Water Heater
- With guests staying over, your water heater will likely be working overtime. Make sure it’s up to the task by inspecting it beforehand. Check the temperature settings (120°F is ideal) to prevent scalding, and consider draining a few gallons to flush out any sediment that might reduce efficiency. This simple maintenance can ensure hot showers and hot water for washing dishes without interruption.
4. Test Your Toilets for Efficiency
- Extra guests mean more strain on your bathroom plumbing. Inspect your toilets to make sure they’re flushing correctly and not running continuously, which can waste water and indicate a need for repair. Check the water levels, inspect the flush handle, and make sure you have a plunger on hand, just in case! Keeping wastebaskets nearby can also encourage guests to avoid flushing items that don’t belong in the toilet.
5. Consider Scheduling a Preventative Maintenance Check
- If your home hasn’t had a recent plumbing inspection, now might be a great time to schedule one. A professional plumber can inspect drains, check for leaks, and ensure that everything is in good working order before your Thanksgiving crowd arrives. Preventative maintenance could save you from a plumbing emergency right in the middle of dinner!
Keep Your Thanksgiving Festive—and Plumbing Problem-Free
A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your Thanksgiving celebrations stress-free. By following these plumbing tips, you can protect your home’s plumbing system and make sure everything runs smoothly, even with the extra holiday traffic. Need help preparing for the big day? Contact us for a preventative plumbing checkup to keep things running smoothly all season long!