How to Get Your Plumbing Ready for the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings cheer but can strain your home's plumbing system. Increased usage of sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances may lead to potential plumbing issues; for a worry-free and enjoyable holiday experience, your plumbing must be ready. Mr. Rooter Plumbing provides essential tips to maintain top-condition plumbing during the holidays and when you should contact a professional plumber.

Address Smelly Drains

Smelly drains can be both unpleasant and embarrassing when hosting holiday guests, so here are four easy solutions that may help:

• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar, and let them both sit together for at least 15 minutes before flushing with hot water to flush your system clean of organic material that causes foul smells. This natural solution helps eliminate odors while dissolving organic debris, causing unpleasant odors.
• Clean the P-trap: A P-trap is a curved pipe beneath your sink that captures debris and blocks sewer gases from entering your home. Place a bucket under it, unscrew it, and remove any clogs or buildup before cleaning and reinstalling it for optimal performance.
• Use an enzyme-based cleaner: Enzyme-based drain cleaners can effectively break down organic matter and eliminate unpleasant odors from drains. Simply pour the recommended amount down your drain and leave it overnight to do its work before rinsing with hot water in the morning to rinse away any residual cleaner.
• Consult with Mr. Rooter Plumbing: If the above methods do not resolve the problem, professional plumbers are available to diagnose the source of the odor and provide effective solutions to eliminate it.

Prevent Your Hot Water From Running Out

With guests taking showers and using home appliances during the holidays, hot water can quickly become scarce. Here are two methods to prevent your hot water from running out:

• Adjust the Temperature on Your Water Heater: Most water heaters feature an adjustable thermostat dial that allows users to reduce consumption while still offering comfortable shower temperatures. Please refer to your manufacturer for advice when making this adjustment.
• Install a Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water supplies without needing storage tanks, making them an excellent solution for households with higher water use. Speak with a plumber regarding which option would best fit into your household environment.

Clear Slow Drains

Slow drains can be inconvenient and lead to backups and clogs. Follow these steps to keep them flowing smoothly and prevent backups from clogging them all together.

• Try Plungers: Plungers can effectively clear clogs in sinks, showers, and toilets. Make a tight seal around the drain before plunging vigorously several times until unclogging occurs.
• Use a drain snake: Also known as plumber's augers, drain snakes are great tools for removing stubborn clogs in drains. Insert the snake into the drain and turn it to dislodge blockages before removing any debris and disposing of it properly.
• Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: Although chemical drain cleaners may seem appealing, their chemicals can damage both plumbing pipes and harm the environment. Opt for mechanical solutions like plungers or snakes to clear slow drains for better results.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we understand the significance of having your home plumbing prepared for the holidays. With our professional and reliable plumbing services, we can help make sure a worry-free holiday season. Our team is equipped with knowledge and experience to solve any plumbing issue you encounter - odorous drains, hot water shortages, or slow drains; rest assured, we've got it all covered.