The holidays are officially upon us! And while it might be the most wonderful time of the year, it is never a good time for a plumbing emergency. At Instant Plumbing and Rooter we believe in the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This means that we want to equip our customers with the knowledge to ensure they have a happy holiday season with no plumbing emergencies. Read on to learn some of the do’s and don’ts of maintaining your plumbing throughout the holiday season.
DON’T:
Don’t pour grease down your kitchen sink, or any drain for that matter. Grease should be allowed to cool and then disposed of in the trash. Pouring grease or fat down your sink can result in a plumbing backup that might leave you without the use of your kitchen sink over the holidays.
DO:
Throw all scraps, grease, and waste in the trash or compost and not down your sink or garbage disposal. Putting large amounts of solid food down the kitchen sink is never a good idea. Ever!
DON’T:
Don’t expect to use multiple plumbing sources at once and get the maximum hot water from all sources. Using multiple hot water sources like showers, a dishwasher or washing machine can use up the hot water in your water heater and result in cold showers.
DO:
Wait in between showers. If you are hosting guests, or know that your home will be using more hot water than normal, wait 15 or so minutes in between showers to allow your water heater time to heat additional water for the next shower.
DON’T:
Don’t delay scheduling a plumbing appointment until after the holidays! If you know you will be needing a service, call ahead and schedule in advance. Waiting until after the holidays pass is what most people do, which results in schedules being booked out for 2 and even 3 weeks! We recommend calling in advance and scheduling for the date of your choosing before the holiday’s to ensure you get the appointment date and time that works best for you.
DO:
Schedule early! While you may not want service immediately, calling in advance will allow you to have a wider option of date and times for your plumbing appointment.
DON’T:
Don’t expect your guests to know how to treat your plumbing. Maybe you have a septic system, or eco-friendly toilets that use less water. It might sound awkward, but make sure guests know what not to do in your bathroom.
DO:
Deter guests from flushing items that should not be. Placing a trash can next to the toilet can help signal that items like wipes and feminine care products need to be thrown in the trash and not flushed. If you are especially concerned about this, you can print out a quick note in a cute font style that says something like “Only flush toilet paper please.” Put the note in a cute dollar store frame and viola! You have a polite, aesthetically pleasing way of preventing a plumbing nightmare in the middle of your party!
If you do end up with a holiday plumbing emergency, call Instant Plumbing and Rooter to schedule an appointment. Please remember that we are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Aside from holidays, our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Pour Cooking Grease Down The Drain During Holiday Cooking?
A: No, you should never pour grease down your sink or any other drain. Grease can solidify and cause blockages, potentially disrupting your holiday festivities. Always let grease cool down and dispose of it in the trash.
Q: My Family Uses A Lot Of Hot Water During The Holidays. What Can I Do To Ensure We Don’t Run Out?
A: If you know you’ll have multiple people needing hot water, try to stagger shower times and other hot water usage. Waiting about 15 minutes between showers can allow your water heater to catch up and provide a consistent hot water supply.
Q: I Know I Need Plumbing Service. Should I Wait Until After The Holidays To Schedule An Appointment?
A: We recommend scheduling your appointment before the holidays if possible. Post-holiday schedules can get filled up quickly, causing you to wait even longer for service. Plan ahead to secure a date and time that works best for you.
Q: What Should I Tell My Guests About Using The Plumbing In My Home?
A: If you have special plumbing considerations, like a septic system or low-flow toilets, it’s a good idea to let your guests know. You can also place a small note or sign next to the toilet to remind guests what can and cannot be flushed.
Q: What Should I Do If I Have A Plumbing Emergency During The Holidays?
A: If you face a plumbing emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at Instant Plumbing and Rooter. Please note that we are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Otherwise, our normal hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
