The holidays are a prized time of year. However, the holidays can wreak havoc on your wallet, your sanity and your schedule. If you like to host overnight guests or holiday parties at your house, you may also find that the holidays take a toll on your plumbing system as well. Here are some things to consider in terms of your plumbing before you enter into the season of giving and hosting:
- Garbage Disposal
- It is no surprise that there will be an additional amount of food being consumed and disposed of during the holidays. During this time, it is important to remember the rules of your garbage disposal. Be wary of FOG (fats, oils and grease) – these are not your garbage disposal’s friends. They cling to the walls of the drain pipe once they cool and can clog up your system. In addition, be careful about putting beans, rice and pasta down the drain. When mixed with water, these foods expand and compromise adequate flow within the plumbing system. Bones and fibrous foods should be kept away from your drains altogether. No one wants an embarrassing back up in the middle of a dinner party or while hosting family overnight.
- Bathroom Fixtures
- Another area of plumbing that gets overworked during the holidays is your bathroom toilets and sinks. Make sure you are keeping up with your annual maintenance to ensure your fixtures can handle the extra traffic. If you have a septic tank, it is critical that it has been pumped within the last 3 to 5 years before you invite additional guests into your home that will inevitably produce extra wastewater.
- Water Heater
- The holidays typically come with cooler weather. In this season, your water heater is a highly valued appliance in your home. However, if you have an older model or one that is not operating at an optimal level, it could raise concerns during the extra holiday use. The cold air will cause the water heater to expand and contract. If the unit isn’t up to the task, it may fracture and fail altogether. Check your water heater function if you want to avoid cold showers and unhappy guests!
At Metro Septic and Plumbing, we welcome the opportunity to help you prepare your plumbing system for the holidays. The added stress of this season shouldn’t have to include disruptive plumbing problems or septic repairs.
