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With all of the extra people in your home this holiday season, you're more likely to run into certain types of plumbing problems.
Clogged toilets and sinks and stinky bathrooms are potential nuisances when you're hosting many people. And some situations can be downright embarrassing (i.e., a clogged toilet.)
Fortunately, you can prevent most catastrophes by preparing your plumbing system for the increased activity. Here's how:
Put Extra Trash Cans in the Bathroom
Make sure your guests know where they can find the trash cans in your bathrooms. By keeping trash cans accessible, visitors will be less likely to throw things in the toilet that could cause a clog.
Things that shouldn't be flushed include:
Q-Tips
Cotton balls
Floss
So-called flushable wipes
Facial tissue
Feminine hygiene products
Basically, if it's not toilet paper (and, you know, that other stuff), keep it out of your toilet.
Have a Plunger Ready
The odds of a clog are stacked against you when you're hosting a lot of people. Save your guests their dignity by keeping a plunger handy in every bathroom.
Keep the Bathroom Fresh
Your guests will secretly be thanking you for providing a discreet way to freshen the bathrooms. There are a few types of fresheners that you can supply.
An automatic air freshener neutralizes odors by delivering bursts of scents, such as citrus, pine, and other fragrances.
A bamboo charcoal bag naturally absorbs odors, as well as excess moisture, helping keep mold and mildew at bay. Use this for overnight guests who'll be using the shower.
A toilet light makes nighttime trips to the bathroom easier. Some models have an attached air freshener.
All-natural air fresheners tackle tough odors with essential oils and ingredients such as peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and other fragrances. These sprays do more than mask the stench -- they help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Use the Garbage Disposal Wisely
The bathroom isn’t the only place where plumbing problems occur over the holidays. The kitchen sink is susceptible to clogs this time of year, as well.
No holiday party is complete without a big meal and food prep is one of the leading causes of clogs. That’s mainly due to the large amounts of scraps people put down their garbage disposal.
Certain foods can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. They include:
Bones
Grease
Potato peels
Corn husks
Celery
Onion skins
Coffee grounds
These foods don’t dissolve or they contain fibers that can foul up the gears of your garbage disposal. Toss them in the trash, or better yet, compost them.
Schedule a Drain Cleaning
Ultimately, the best preventative measure you can take is to get your drains professionally cleaned. Clogs disrupt pressure levels in your drains and sewer line, leading to potential pipe damage.
Periodic cleaning of your drains prevents clogs from developing, ensuring water flows freely throughout your plumbing system.
Bottom line: We hope your holiday parties go off without a hitch, but if you run into plumbing problems of any kind, count on Micheal’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Specialists to come to your rescue. We offer emergency service 24/7! To schedule an appointment, call (615) 645-2322.