5 Plumbing Maintenance Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are a joyful time filled with gatherings, delicious meals, and celebrations. However, this season can also bring challenges for your plumbing system due to increased usage. To ensure your home runs smoothly throughout the festivities, here are some essential holiday plumbing maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Protect Your Garbage Disposal
During the holidays, food scraps and leftovers can overwhelm your garbage disposal. To keep it operating well, remember to run cold water when in use to help flush waste through the system. Additionally, avoid disposing of items that could cause a clog, such as:

• Grease
• Fats and oils
• Fibrous vegetables, like celery and potato peels
• Coffee grounds
• Large bones

2. Insulate Pipes
As temperatures drop, exposed pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, which can lead to significant damage. Insulating your piping is crucial to prevent this, especially for those located in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages. Use insulation foam or heat tape to wrap vulnerable pipes, providing a protective layer against the cold.

3. Prepare Your Water Heater
With extra guests staying over, your water heater will likely be working harder than usual. To ensure it performs efficiently, verify that the temperature is set to 120°F, which is the ideal temperature for both safety and optimal efficiency.

Flushing your water heater can also help remove any accumulated sediment that can impact performance. With a well-functioning unit, you can rest assured that hot water is readily available throughout the holidays.

4. Check for Leaks
Before the holiday rush begins, take the time to inspect your plumbing fixtures for signs of leaks. Look under sinks and around toilets for signs of moisture or pooling water. Small leaks can worsen and lead to water damage if left unattended, so addressing them early can save you from more significant headaches, especially when hosting guests.

5. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Despite your best efforts at maintenance, plumbing emergencies can still occur. To stay prepared, locate your main shutoff valve so you can quickly stop the water supply in case of a leak or burst pipe. Keep essential tools on hand, like a plunger, wrench, and plumber's tape. Having a plumbing company’s contact information accessible will also ensure you can get help promptly if needed.

Schedule an Inspection With Pearl Plumbing
Learning about these holiday plumbing maintenance tips can help you achieve a more stress-free and joyful holiday. Still, consider scheduling a professional inspection to ensure your system is functioning efficiently before the festivities begin. Contact us at Pearl Plumbing for reliable residential services in Bend, OR.