Silent Night, Leak-Free Pipes: How to Keep Your Plumbing in Check This Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to host holiday parties, have friends and family over, and decorate the house! With all this extra cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, your plumbing system may feel a little overburdened; the last thing you want on Christmas Eve is a surprise leak or clogged drain that ruins the holiday magic. At Dickens Plumbing, we want your Christmas to be filled with joy, not stress over plumbing issues. To give you some peace of mind, we put together some simple but effective tips that will keep your plumbing in check this Christmas season so you can focus on what really matters.

Don’t Overload Your Garbage Disposal

With all the great holiday food being cooked this season, your garbage disposal will likely be put to work more than unusual. But remember, your garbage disposal is not a second trash can.

How to protect your disposal:

● Scrape off plates: Avoid putting large food scraps, grease, or fruits and vegetables with lots of fiber down the drain. These can clog up your system.

● Run cold water: Always run cold water while using the disposal to help solidify grease, making it easier to chop and flush away.

● Grind small amounts: If you’re dealing with a lot of leftovers, feed them in small batches to avoid overloading the disposal.

Check Your Water Heater Before Guests Arrive

With all the family and friends visiting and staying as guests, this means the constant use of hot water for showers, dishes, and washing hands. To avoid cold showers or sudden water temperature fluctuations, make sure your water heater is in good condition before the big day.

How to ensure your water heater is ready:

● Check the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is set to 120°F for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

● Flush the tank: Sediment can build up in your water heater over time, reducing efficiency and possibly causing damage. Flushing the tank can help prevent this. If you’re unsure how to do this, give us a call and we’ll handle it for you!

● Inspect for leaks: Check around the base of the water heater for signs of leaks, rust, or moisture. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to have it checked out before the holidays.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Toilet

Toilets get a lot of action during the holidays, especially with extra guests in the house. The last thing you want is a clogged toilet disrupting your Christmas fun.

How to avoid a toilet disaster:

● Limit what goes down: Only toilet paper should go down the toilet, so no paper towels, wipes, or other materials.

● Consider a plunger: If you notice a slow drain or a clog about to form, don’t wait for it to get worse. Grab the plunger early to avoid a bigger issue later.

● Check for leaks: A toilet that constantly runs wastes both water and money. Check for signs of a leaky flapper or handle, and replace them if needed.

Know When to Call the Experts

The holidays are stressful enough without adding plumbing disasters to the mix. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call us at Dickens Plumbing:

● Unexplained leaks: If you see water damage, mold, or an unexplained wet spot on your ceiling or walls, it’s likely a leak that needs attention.

● Sewage backup: A strong sewage smell or gurgling drains are signs of a serious plumbing issue that should be dealt with immediately.

● Slow or clogged drains: Persistent clogging in sinks, tubs, or toilets can suggest a blockage that requires professional attention.

From all of us at Dickens Plumbing, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If you have any plumbing concerns leading up to the holiday, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We want you to have a wonderful Christmas with no plumbing issues whatsoever!