How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Holiday Guests

Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town this year! If you have family or friends coming to town and staying with you this holiday season, you’re likely running around trying to get everything ready for their stay. Remember to add a quick plumbing rundown to your list, since your bathrooms, kitchen, and even appliances are about to be used more than almost any other time of year. Here are a few ways to prepare your plumbing for house guests this holiday season. 

Check for leaks and clogs

A minor leak or clog could become a big (and expensive) problem with additional people showering and using the sinks. A leaking showerhead or pooling water around the base of the toilet may be signs of other plumbing issues. Household water leaks account for 10 percent of the average home’s water bill. If you spot a leak, investigate where the water is coming from and try tightening any fixtures or pipe joints that could be causing the issue.  

Check your hot water heater

More people will be taking showers or baths, washing clothes, and eating meals which means more dishes to wash. You’ll need plenty of hot water. If your unit is over seven years old, have one of our All City Plumbers plumbers inspect it to ensure all the elements are working properly. Consider safely increasing the water temperature if necessary. A nice hot shower is one of the most relaxing things, so make sure your hot water heater is able to provide that to your guests…and to you since you’ve been working so hard. 

Clean your drains

Not only does cleaning your drains help prevent a sink from overflowing, it will also ensure that your guests aren’t standing in water while trying to shower. If you already know of some problem areas- the guest bathroom shower or sink- then clean your drains now to ensure water and waste flow smoothly when your guests arrive. You can use drain products bought from the store or go with a more natural solution of vinegar and baking soda.

Once the Guests Arrive

You’ve prepared as much as possible for your guests- whether it’s just your aunt and uncle from out of town staying with you or you’re expecting 12 grandkids for a few days. There are a few plumbing related things you’ll need to stay on top of while they’re staying with you. 

• Monitor the sink before and after meals- you don’t want things in the garbage disposal that don’t belong there, so we suggest only letting a couple select people clearing plates after meals. Not that you’ll have people lining up to help with dishes anyway… Just as a reminder, egg shells, coffee grounds, potato peels, fibrous veggies, and grease don’t belong in the sink, so we recommend going over that with your guests before the cooking begins. A damaged or clogged disposal can really put a damper on your holidays. 
• Unclog toilets when necessary- toilets can get clogged for any number of reasons, but the main thing to remember is that your guests are used to their bathrooms and may accidentally clog yours not knowing what it can or can’t handle. Check out this handy wikiHow article on different methods to use for unclogging a toilet. If you don’t have time to deal with it, or would rather not mess with bathroom issues, give us a call! Your All City Plumbers plumber can tackle any toilet trouble! Especially call us if you can’t get the toilet unclogged on your own. We want to get your bathroom fully-functioning for your guests as quickly as possible. 

Taking these steps can help prepare your plumbing for a home full of holiday guests, so you can enjoy time spent with family rather than repairing pipes. If any other plumbing issues come up over the holidays, give your 24 hour plumber at All City Plumbers a call for services in the communities in and around Birmingham, AL. Happy holidays from all of us at All City Plumbers;