With the holiday season coming soon, you might be having lots of friends and family over for get-togethers. If you are, make sure to keep in mind these tips from Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric to avoid any plumbing emergencies.
First, it’s important to not overuse your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals aren’t meant to handle excess amounts of food, so instead of cramming it full, scrape any leftover food scraps into your trash bin. Specifically, foods like gravy, potato peels, greasy meat, pasta, onion skins and pitted fruits can end up damaging your plumbing system.
If you have friends staying over, it’s important to make sure there’s enough hot water for everyone in the household. Before your guests arrive, you can turn up your water heater, but make sure not to exceed 120 degrees. This will increase your water capacity, but make sure to turn it back down after your guests leave.
Another tip to make holiday gatherings run smoother is to make sure only toilet paper is being flushed down your toilets. Even products labeled as “flushable” can clog your toilet and sewage system. These products don’t break down the same way that toilet paper does, causing clogs and backups of your plumbing.
Make sure to check your drains before a big party. Your sinks and drains should be working efficiently if you want to avoid any inconveniences. Check your kitchen, bathroom and shower drains to make sure everything is draining properly. You want to be sure all traps are clear of any collected debris, such as hair or waste. If you have any issues, such as slow-draining water, unpleasant odors, or gurgling sounds, it’s possible you have a clog. Applewood recommends a licensed Applewood plumber to determine what repairs might be needed.
Finally, it’s important to know where your main water shut off valve is. This is especially important in emergencies in case any plumbing issues arise, you can prevent severe water damage by rapidly shutting of the water supply to your home. This is usually located in your crawl space or basement, but a licensed Applewood plumber can help locate it for you.
