As you and your family immerse yourselves in the holiday season, plumbing is probably the furthest thing from your mind. But did you know that the holidays are also prime time for plumbing problems? Unfortunately, it’s true. More people and more food mean more work for your plumbing.
Here are four things to keep an eye on during the season:
Chances are your garbage disposal worked double-time around Thanksgiving. And delicious though the meal was, those turkey bones can gobble up a garbage disposal – jamming it or dulling its blades, which makes it less effective moving forward. Give it a break! Avoid loading it with greasy foods, eggshells, potato skins, stringy celery or large amounts of waste. A lighter touch will help your disposal make it to 2017 without needing emergency service. You – and your guests – will be glad you did.
2) Hot Water
On a cold November morning, nothing says “comfort” like hot water. As you play host to your family and friends, welcoming them into your home for extended visits, don’t let a hot water shortage leave you out in the cold! Higher usage means faster depletion of your fuel supply. Be sure to spread showers, laundry and dishwashing throughout the day. Automatic delivery customers are encouraged to call Woodfin before guests arrive. And if you’re not an automatic delivery customer, now is the perfect time to sign up.
3) Toilet Clogs
It’s basic math … more people + more food = more wear and tear on your toilets. Make sure your toilets are in tip-top shape before the crowds come. Never flush bathroom wipes, paper towels and disposable diapers, and always keep a quality plunger at the ready. Also, never use chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your pipes and lead to much more unpleasantness down the road. Instead, Woodfin Plumbing goes with Bio-Clean -- an effective, green drain-cleaning product that uses bacteria and enzymes instead of harmful chemicals.
When a drain or sewer does need attention, we use our advanced in-pipe video diagnostic system to inspect the pipes from the inside -- saving time and money by identifying the location of a break or clog without any excavation. If digging is required, it can be kept to a minimum.
4) Drains
Delicious meals and leftover grease seem to go hand in hand. Never pour grease or fat down your drain! Instead, put cooled fats and oils into a garbage bag or sealed container before disposing in the trash. Even small amounts of grease can cause a problem.
A little bit of pre-holiday prep and preventive maintenance can keep your plumbing purring through the holidays. However, if trouble arises, Your Home Team is just a phone call away! Call us today at 804-730-5000 or contact us online with regards to your specific plumbing needs. We look forward to earning your business!
By Kelly Williams
