Plumbing emergencies are always a big hassle, no matter when they happen. But during the holiday season when you might have guests over or be trying to prepare a big meal, they’re even worse.
Since dealing with a plumbing emergency once it occurs is so much trouble, we’d like to help you take some steps to avoid these emergencies altogether.
Be Careful with Fat, Oil, and Grease
With all those extra holiday dishes, there’s sure to be fat, oil, and grease, known to plumbers as FOG. When you wash it down your sink, it seems like a liquid. But these substances can solidify when they cool down! Imagine a blockage in your sink drain as solid as a stick of butter. Avoid this by wiping your dishes down with a paper towel before you wash them in the sink.
Be Kind to Your Garbage Disposal
A disposal in your kitchen sink can really streamline the process of washing a lot of dishes. But don’t neglect to consider what should go in the disposal and what should not. Use the trash can or compost instead for hard items (bones, popcorn kernels) and fibrous food waste (celery stalks, corn husks) as well as starches (pasta, rice) that can bloat and swell in the water.
Keep an Eye on the Toilet
So-called flushable wipes should really not be flushed because they don’t break down as well as toilet paper does. Aside from toilet paper and human waste, nothing should go down the toilet. No paper towels, hygiene products, dental floss, rubber ducks… You can post a gentle reminder sign for guests about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance
You definitely don’t want a water heater failure when you have a house full of guests! Water heaters should receive annual maintenance to ensure their proper performance. This includes draining and flushing the system to wash away silty sediment and mineral scaling.
Catch Problems Early
Noticing problems while they’re still small can make it so that you’re able to schedule a regular plumbing appointment rather than try to cope with an emergency. What subtle concerns should be cause for a call to the plumber?
- Slow Drains
- Clogged Drains
- Drain Odors
- Water Stains
- Mysterious Dripping Sounds
- Low Water Pressure
- Water Heater Noises
- Rattling or Banging Pipes
- Foundation Cracks
- Rising Water Bills
Be Ready for Emergencies
Ideally, you would avoid emergencies altogether. But if the worst should happen, there’s one thing you need to know: how to shut off the water to your home. The main water shut-off valve is located on the side of your home where the water line enters, either facing the street or facing your well, most likely on your basement wall.
Being able to get to this quickly and shut off your water entirely can mean the difference between some soggy towels and major home renovations. Water damage can happen quickly and compromise not just drywall and flooring but structural elements like subfloor and studs. Once you’ve got the water turned off, get emergency plumbing service in Boston, MA.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to speak with qualified plumbing experts.
