The holiday season is a special time of the year where families come together to spend time with one another. If you are hosting out-of-town guests, there are things you should do to prepare. Not only will you be cleaning your home, getting their room(s) ready, and stocking up on food, you’ll also need to prepare your plumbing! In part one of our blog, we went over some ways to get your toilet and garbage disposal prepared for holiday visitors. We’d like to expand on this now and give our readers more tips, so they can be ready for the season with peace of mind!
Sinks and Faucets
Check under the sinks in your kitchen, restroom, and laundry room to make sure there aren’t any leaks. If you hear any drips or spot a leak, it will need to be fixed before company comes. Keep in mind that some leaks are less noticeable than others. Small leaks might manifest as discolorations, or water stains, under the sink. Please don’t ignore these! Leaks tend to get worse over time, so address the problem sooner rather than later. Also, be sure to check the faucets of your sinks, showers, and baths. If you see that a faucet is dripping we suggest calling a plumber near you. Not only will this fix the pesky drip, but it will also save you money on your water bill.
The Water Heater
Nobody wants to step into a freezing cold shower, so make sure to check that your water heater is functioning properly before your guests arrive. Try turning the heater to the maximum heat setting to see if the system is doing its job. Also, when your guests are at your home, try to have them space out their showers so there is plenty of hot water for everyone. Your water heater will be working overtime if people take long showers one after the other, so giving it a ten-minute rest between showers is a good idea.
Drains
Be sure to fix any clogged drains so your family doesn’t have the unpleasant experience of standing in dirty shower water or watching the sink fill as they brush their teeth even though the plug isn’t in. Things like hair inevitably accumulate in shower drains over time, and old food can cause your kitchen sinks to clog. Generally, clogged drains can be remedied without a professional plumber. One way to do this is by pouring vinegar down the drain to break loose organic debris. Let it sit for an hour or two, then flush with hot water. For tougher clogs, unscrew the drain cover and use a plumber’s auger to remove whatever is clogging your drain. If this still doesn’t fix the clog, give us a call!
Whew, now you’re ready for the holidays! For any assistance with your plumbing in Melbourne, Palm Bay, or Viera, call Sun Plumbing today.
