Preventive Plumbing Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

'Tis the season of joy, laughter, and delightful feasts as the holiday spirit graces our homes with warmth and cheerfulness. However, amidst the festive cheer, it's important to be mindful of the potential strain plumbing systems face during this time of the year. Recall the unforgettable plumbing misadventure of Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Fear not; we're here to guide you and prevent any "Cousin Eddie moments" in your home. Follow these tips, and rest assured, your plumbing will be more reliable than Cousin Eddie's RV!

Conscious Water Usage

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season often leads to increased water usage. From extra loads of laundry to additional showers for guests, it's important to be mindful of water consumption. Being mindful of water usage during the holiday season is not only environmentally responsible but can also help prevent plumbing issues and reduce utility bills. Encourage your guests to take shorter showers, fix leaks promptly, run full dishwasher loads, and consider installing water-efficient fixtures to reduce water waste.

Hot Water Happiness

Your water heater is the unsung hero during colder months. Enjoying a hot shower, taking a warm bath, using your dishwasher, and cleaning your clothing and bedding are all daily comforts we rely on for a consistent hot water supply. Scheduling regular maintenance is important to ensure the longevity of your water heater and minimize the risk of leaks or tank damage. After all, nobody wants to face the inconvenience of emergency repairs due to a sudden lack of hot water in their home.

Watch What You Dispose of

Be careful about what you put down in your garbage disposal, as certain foods and liquids can cause unwanted clogs. Three crucial substances to avoid putting in your garbage disposal are fats, oils, and grease, which are the primary culprits for blockage. In this season of enjoying delicious leftovers, while the temptation to dispose of them down the drain may occur, it's important to refrain from doing so. Instead, certain items should be discarded in the trash to prevent potential disposal issues. View our previous post to read what you should and should not put down the garbage disposal.

The Forbidden Flushables

Flushing items down the toilet can cause clogs, which puts your toilet out of commission with guests in your home. Avoid flushing these items down the toilet.

• Flushable Wipes: Despite the name, these can cause major clogs. Make sure you and your guests dispose of them in the trash.
• Paper Towels and Tissue Paper: These belong in the waste basket, not the toilet!
• Cotton Balls, Rounds, or Swabs: Save your plumbing from a cotton invasion by tossing these in the trash.
• Dental Floss: This seemingly innocent string can turn into a plumbing nightmare.
  
  

Proactive Plumbing Maintenance

Don't let plumbing issues disrupt your holiday festivities. Schedule a pre-holiday plumbing inspection to identify and address any potential problems. Checking for leaks, ensuring proper drainage, and inspecting the water heater are essential steps to prevent unexpected issues when you have a house full of guests. Call Atlas Butler 24/7 at 1-800-FURNACE to speak with a representative, or visit atlasbutler.com to schedule your plumbing maintenance.