The holiday season is almost here. But with so many guests, cooking, and festivities, your home’s plumbing will face some serious stress. Before your house fills up with holiday visitors, you want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for the increased demand. Here are some of our expert tips to prepare your home plumbing in advance of your holiday gatherings in Scottsdale, the Phoenix Valley, and surrounding areas.
1. Inspect and Clear Your Drains
Blocked drains can be a major headache, especially when you have a house full of guests. Take the time to inspect all the drains in your home. Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and showers are all prone to clogs, especially when they’re overused. If you notice slow drainage, a partial clog could be the culprit. Now is the perfect time to call in a professional to clear the clog.
2. Test Your Water Heater
You don’t want to run out of hot water when guests are taking turns showering. Before the holidays arrive, test your water heater to make sure it’s functioning well. Set the thermostat to around 120°F, which is generally hot enough to satisfy demand without causing scalding.
If your water heater is older or hasn’t been serviced in a while, consider calling our plumbers at AC by J for an inspection and tune-up. Poorly maintained water heaters won’t work as efficiently, especially with multiple people taking consecutive showers while other plumbing is being used.
3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal will be working overtime during the holiday season, with tons of food scraps from all that cooking. To keep it running smoothly, make sure it’s clean and in good working condition. Avoid putting fibrous foods, grease, or hard items like bones in the disposal. A simple mixture of ice cubes and rock salt can be used to clean the blades, keeping your disposal efficient. If you have unpleasant odors coming out of your drain that won’t go away, it could be due to disposal clogs or bacteria. Ask us about our drain cleaning solutions!
- Pour in a small pot of hot water
- Sprinkle in some baking soda, then add vinegar
- Add 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil
- Add a chopped lemon or lime to a running disposal
If these don’t work, you likely have a pesky clog that is emitting the odor. We can inspect it for you and clear the clog away. This is the surest way to make sure your kitchen smells fresh again in time for a holiday gathering.
4. Watch What Goes Down the Toilet
Remind your guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Items like wet wipes, feminine products, and paper towels can easily clog the pipes. Consider posting a small holiday-themed sign in the bathroom to remind everyone of what’s safe to flush.
You should also check your toilet’s rubber flapper valve by opening the tank. If it looks worn, you see bubbles coming out, or your toilet constantly runs, we can to replace it for you. Prevention is the key to avoiding costly plumbing repairs.
5. Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency. If a pipe bursts or you experience any significant leak, you’ll want to shut off the water as quickly as possible to minimize damage.
6. Inspect for Leaks
Before the holidays, walk around your home and check all visible pipes, faucets, and fixtures for signs of leaks. Even a small drip can become a bigger problem when plumbing is under increased strain. Plus, even a small leak can cause a significant increase in your water bill each month. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired promptly. AC by J offers quick leak detection and repair services that can help protect your home and prevent an avoidable spike in your water bill.
Before the holidays, we can also inspect the water lines that connect the municipal or well water supply to your house. Since they’re underground, you can’t inspect them yourself, but you can look out for signs of trouble.
- Spongy ground in your yard
- Unexplained puddles
- Discolored water from faucets
- Low water pressure throughout your home
Even if you don’t notice any of these, it doesn’t hurt to be sure. Clogged or damaged water lines can quickly become a serious issue. We can send an expert plumber to inspect your underground water lines and make any repairs. That way, the increased water demand during the holidays won’t turn a minor problem into a huge one.
7. Upgrade Fixtures if Needed
Older plumbing fixtures, like faucets, are more likely to leak and may struggle to keep up with increased demand. Consider upgrading to newer, more efficient fixtures before the holidays. Low-flow faucets can save water while providing better performance, and modern fixtures can often handle higher usage without as much wear and tear. Better yet, your bathrooms and kitchen will have a fresh, updated look for your guests.
8. Install Drain Covers
When you’re cooking big holiday meals, kitchen sink drains are more prone to getting clogged with leftover food. With heavier cooking and increased usage of bathroom faucets and showers, there are lots more chances for drain clogs. Installing drain covers can help prevent debris like food scraps, hair, and soap from entering your pipes and causing blockages. Drain covers are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a simple yet effective way to protect your plumbing system.
9. Prepare Outdoor Plumbing
Even in warmer climates like Scottsdale, a rare holiday season cold snap can still cause damage if your pipes aren’t prepared. Though it isn’t common, it’s a huge headache if it happens even once. To be extra safe, disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain the faucets. Insulate exposed pipes, and install faucet covers before temperatures drop.
10. Plan for the Unexpected
Despite your best efforts, plumbing issues can still happen, especially with the added strain of holiday gatherings. It’s wise to keep the contact information of a trusted plumber on hand, like AC by J, in case of emergencies. We’re here 24/7 to help with any unexpected repairs, so you can focus on enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.
Count on AC by J This Holiday Season
No one wants their holiday memories to be of an overflowing toilet, leaky sink, clogged disposal, or cold shower. By following these tips, you can help make sure your plumbing runs smoothly when you need it the most. But for the things you can’t do yourself, the family-oriented team at AC by J is here for you.
Our experienced team proudly serves Scottsdale, AZ, the Phoenix Valley, and surrounding areas. We’ve built a reputation for fast, reliable service, and our team is dedicated to providing top-notch customer care. Whether you need a quick repair, plumbing inspection, or all-new fixtures, we have you covered. Ask us about our plumbing maintenance services today!
Contact AC by J today for help getting your home ready for the upcoming holiday season in Scottsdale.
