With all the Christmas parties, family time, and rushing to get gifts, the last thing you need is a plumbing emergency during the holidays. We can’t control everything in life, but when it comes to your plumbing there are some steps you can take ahead of time to avoid the extra expense of calling a plumber. End unwanted stress and get back to making memories this Christmas by following these simple preventative tips.
1.Check for Drips and Leaks
A constant leaky kitchen or bath faucet can hurt your wallet if left without repair. Try to get ahead of these before guests arrive.
2. Protect your Pipes
Your pipes get cold, too. When they get too cold, the water inside them could possibly freeze and expand leading to water damage and broken plumbing. Avoid burst pipes by insulating exposed pipes in garages or crawlspace.
3. Maintain Indoor Temperature
Another easy way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep the heat in the house at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you’ll be gone for a few hours or a few days, pipes can freeze quickly.
4. Prevent Clogs
A sink or tub that won’t drain can easily put a damper on the holiday season. To prevent these kinds of clogs, it’s important to make sure that you and your guests follow a few simple rules. If you’re cooking this holiday, it’s important to remember never to use the drain for disposal. Stringy vegetables, peels, grease, and oils are all known to cause clogs.
5. Winterize Your Home
If you’re heading out of town for Christmas for a week or two, it might be best to make sure there’s no water left in your pipes. Without water, your pipes won’t be able to freeze. Lastly, shut off the water leading to all the toilets, faucets, and the hose bibbs.
6. Septic Tank Service
If it’s been 2 to 3 years since your last septic pump-out, it’s time you get one scheduled. The last thing you want is for backups or slow draining in your home while visitors are enjoying the full swing of the holidays.
Sometimes no matter how much you prepare, disaster still strikes. Roberts Plumbing is here to help you this holiday season. Give us a call at 770-967-1119.