How to Avoid Common Holiday Plumbing Emergencies

Today, Rooter Man Plumbing looks into the common holiday plumbing emergencies and how to avoid them.

Clogged Drains

Increased food preparation and waste disposal during holidays can lead to overloaded drains. This is especially common in the kitchen, where large amounts of food waste are generated. In addition, the increased use of garbage disposals can contribute to clogs. A clogged drain can ruin your holiday plans. If you’re unable to clear your drains using a plunger or drain snake, call a trusted drain cleaning service.

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

• Use a drain screen to catch food particles, hair, and other debris before they enter the drain.
• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
• Run cold water when using your garbage disposal.
• Rinse kitchen drains with hot water on a regular basis.

Blocked Toilets

With more people using the bathroom during holidays, the risk of toilet clogs increases. This can be caused by flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, paper towels, or cotton balls. Your toilet is more likely to become clogged if it’s over 15 years old. Thankfully, emergency plumbers in Mound House are one phone call away when you need quick clogged toilet repair.

How to Avoid Blocked Toilets

• Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet.
• Avoid using chemical drain cleaners to unclog toilets—instead, call a trusted plumbing repair service.
• Clean your toilet regularly.
• Take quick action once you notice slow flushing or gurgling sounds.

Frozen Troubles

In colder climates, freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. This is a particular concern during holidays when homes may be unoccupied for extended periods. Unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, are especially vulnerable to frozen pipes. Remember, thawing frozen pipes improperly can cause costly damage. If you need help, reach out to a professional plumbing repair service.

How to Avoid Frozen Pipes

• Insulate exposed pipes.
• Let faucets drip a little during extremely cold weather.
• Open the cabinets underneath the pipes to allow warm air to circulate.
• Ensure that there are no cracks or gaps in the insulation around pipes.
• If your garage has plumbing pipes, keep the garage door closed during cold weather to prevent cold air from entering.

Water Heater Problems

Increased hot water demand during holidays can strain your water heater, leading to breakdowns or decreased efficiency. This is particularly common during cold weather when people are taking longer showers or baths. The increased use of hot water for cooking and cleaning can put a strain on your water heater.

How to Avoid Water Heater Problems During the Holiday Season

• Flush your water heater regularly to remove sediment buildup.
• Schedule annual inspections and maintenance with a professional plumbing service.
• Insulate the tank to minimize heat loss and improve efficiency.
• Set your water heater to a temperature between 120°F and 140°F to avoid scalding and conserve energy.

Need Plumbing Help? Call Rooter Man Plumbing

If you encounter a plumbing emergency this holiday season, just call Rooter Man Plumbing for help. We have a team of professional emergency plumbers, and we’ll respond swiftly when you call us for assistance. Whether you’re facing an overflowing toilet, a blocked kitchen sink, or frozen water pipes, we are ready to restore your plumbing to good working order.