Hosting Thanksgiving can put a strain on your home’s plumbing, and with extra guests and holiday meals, plumbing problems often arise. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers—fun fact, Black Friday is the peak day for plumbing calls in America! Extra company, extra food, and more bathroom use can lead to unexpected issues. Here’s how to keep things flowing smoothly this season.
How Thanksgiving Affects Your Home’s Plumbing System
While you may be planning your holiday feast, be aware that plumbing issues can pop up and put a damper on your festivities. Here are some tips to prevent problems before they arise.
7 Tips to Avoid A Plumbing Disaster
Kitchen Plumbing Tips
Certain foods should never go down your garbage disposal, as they can damage it or clog your pipes. Avoid putting these items in the drain:
Bathroom Plumbing Tips
With more guests, especially kids, using your bathrooms, there’s a chance for some plumbing mishaps. Here’s what you can do to prevent them:
A Plumber’s Best Advice Before Thanksgiving Day
Before the holiday rush begins, test your bathrooms and showers. If you notice any plumbing issues, call Eco Heating and Air today. The sooner you address the problem, the less chance of a plumbing disaster during the holidays. For extra peace of mind, consider scheduling a pre-Thanksgiving plumbing inspection.
Thanksgiving Day Plumbing Emergency
At Eco Heating and Air, we understand that plumbing emergencies don’t take holidays. If you find yourself in a pinch this Thanksgiving or Black Friday, don’t hesitate to call us for 24/7 emergency service.
Get All-Year Home Comfort with Eco Heating and Air
With our VIP Maintenance Program, you’ll receive seasonal maintenance for your plumbing and heating systems. Plus, you’ll enjoy priority scheduling and no extra fees for emergency or weekend service.
Conclusion
Keep your plumbing in tip-top shape this holiday season with simple preventive steps and professional help. If you need plumbing services, Eco Heating and Air, the fastest in town since 1982, is here to make sure your Thanksgiving is smooth and worry-free. Contact us today!
Look out for slow drains, discolored water, and low water pressure. Also, watch for hidden water leaks, high water bills, noisy pipes, smelly drains, and a wobbly toilet.
Clogged toilets often happen because of too much toilet paper, flushing toys or feminine products, or hair buildup.
Winterizing your home's plumbing means getting it ready for cold weather. It helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This saves you from the damage and costs of leaks and pipe bursts.
Slow drains might just mean a clog. But if many drains are slow, it could be a big issue. This could lead to water damage or sewage backup if not fixed.
Ignoring a clogged toilet can cause sewage backup, water damage, and health risks from dirty conditions.
Freezing water expands and can burst your pipes. This can cut off your water supply. A burst pipe can also flood your home with hundreds of gallons of water, causing big damage.
Discolored water, like yellow, green, or brown, means your pipes might be rusting. This can cause leaks and burst pipes if not fixed.
To unclog a toilet with a plunger, first soak the plunger head in hot water. Then, press it tightly over the drain. Push and pull the plunger quickly to clear the blockage.
Start by turning off the main water valve. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and add antifreeze to drains. Set your water heater to the lowest setting or 'vacation mode' to prevent freezing.
Keep your thermostat at least 55°F. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air in. This helps protect your pipes from freezing.
Low water pressure can come from many things. This includes faulty fixtures, clogged pipes, closed valves, or corrosion. A professional should check it out.
Call a plumber if the plunger doesn't work, the toilet overflows with sewage, or if many fixtures are clogged.
First, shut off the valves to the outside water supply. Then, open all outdoor faucets to drain the water. Disconnect and store garden hoses to prevent freezing.
Clean out gutters and downspouts to stop ice buildup. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior to keep drafts out.
Hidden leaks can show as bubbling or peeling paint. You might also see wet stains on walls and ceilings. This means the leak is getting worse and harming your home's structure.
If a plunger doesn't clear the clog, it means the blockage is serious. Try using a toilet auger or snake. If that fails, call a plumber.
Use foam pipe insulation sleeves to cover your pipes. This keeps heat in and cold out. Wrap pipes in insulation, especially in areas without insulation, to prevent freezing.
A high water bill without a clear reason means there might be a leak. Fixing it quickly can prevent a lot of water damage.
An overflowing toilet or sewage backup is an emergency. Call a professional plumber right away. Don't try to fix it yourself.
Close any openings in your home to keep cold air out. Seal crawl space vents and doors, and plug other gaps. Use caulking or spray foam to fill cracks around pipes and foundations.
Weatherstrip doors and windows, and seal around chimneys and vents. This improves energy efficiency and keeps your pipes safe.
Noisy pipes, like crackling or gurgling, suggest a problem. This could be trapped air, high pressure, clogged drains, or worn-out parts. A pro should take a look.
If something like toys or jewelry has been flushed, use a plumber's snake or auger to get it out. Trying to remove it yourself can cause more damage. Call a plumber for help.
First, turn off your home's main water supply. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and run appliances to empty the system. This prevents water from freezing and damaging your plumbing.
If you have a hot water tank, follow the manufacturer's instructions to drain it safely. This helps prevent any issues during the winter.
Bad smells from drains mean there's likely a blockage or a broken sewer pipe. A pro needs to check it out to find and fix the issue.
If many fixtures are clogged, it might be a sewer line or plumbing system problem. Call a professional plumber to find and fix the issue.
Keep your thermostat at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes. This helps protect them from freezing temperatures.
A wobbly toilet might just need loose bolts. But if it's still unstable after tightening, it could mean a broken seal around the drain. This lets water leak into the floor and cause damage.
Bad smells from a clogged toilet mean there's a serious sewer line blockage. These gases can be harmful to your health. Call a plumber to fix it.
Mobile homes need special care to prevent frozen pipes. Insulate all accessible pipes and seal any gaps. Consider using heat tape or cable for extra protection.
Keeping up with plumbing maintenance can catch problems early. This saves you money and prevents water damage later on.
Repeated clogs suggest a bigger plumbing issue. It could be old pipes, a faulty toilet, or drainage problems. Have a professional plumber check and fix your plumbing system.
If you're not sure how to winterize your plumbing, hire a professional. A skilled plumber can check your home and make sure everything is ready for winter.
