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Plumbing Tips For A Flawless Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year again, and for many the cooking marathon is about to begin. Whether you are cooking Thanksgiving dinner, hosting holiday parties, or simply upping your baking game, your plumbing is about to undergo more pressure than it is used to. For some, the added pressure may be just enough to put it over the edge, especially if there is an underlying issue. This is why holidays, like Thanksgiving, can be particularly busy for plumbers. Clogged sinks and backup issues are among the top reasons for service calls during the holidays. Fortunately many of these plumbing problems can be avoided by taking the proper precautions ahead of time. Here are some plumbing tips for a flawless Thanksgiving.

 

Have Your Drains Cleaned

A little preemptive drain cleaning can go a long way and is one of the best plumbing tips we can offer. This can be especially helpful before you begin your holiday cooking. Grease, dirt, soap scum, hair, and other debris build up over time forming a nasty sludge inside of your pipes. This can obstruct proper drainage and lead to a clogged drain. The added cooking from the holidays can be problematic if there is already poor drainage. It is a good idea to have your drains cleaned at least once a year as part of your annual maintenance. Right before the holidays and before the colder and often wetter months is a good time to have this performed, as winter storms can often bring a slew of plumbing problems as well. 

 

Preventing clogs can also help prevent burst pipes. A clog can lead to pressure building up inside of your pipes. In which case the pressure and waste water need to go somewhere. This can result in a backup issue, but if the pressure cannot be relieved that way, it will find a way out somehow. Escaping through cracks, caulking, joints, and even weakened pipes. A sewage leak is probably the last thing you want or need around the holidays. Which is another good reason to have your drains cleaned beforehand.

 

Check For Leaks

Nothing puts a damper on your holiday festivities quite like a plumbing leak. Undetected plumbing leaks can lead to a whole other set of problems including water damage and mold. Water is a pretty destructive thing, it can damage carpet, wood floors, and drywall. If left unchecked, a plumbing leak, even the smallest leak can do a lot of damage. To prevent unnecessary damage, ongoing leak detection is important. Check under the sink, around faucets, and around plumbing fixtures. Inspect water supply lines to appliances for any frays and replace if necessary. You should also familiarize yourself with signs of a hidden leak which include:

 

  • The sound of rushing or dripping water
  • Unexplained puddles
  • The smell of mold and mildew
  • Visible signs of mold
  • A higher than usual water bill

 

Waters heaters should also be inspected for leaks, as a leak is a good indicator that your water heater is about to give out. 

 

Watch What Goes Down The Drain

One of the simplest things you can do for a flawless Thanksgiving is to watch what goes down the drain. More often than not, a clogged drain is the result of putting items that don’t belong down the drain. This includes:

 

  • Coffee grounds
  • Egg shells
  • Fibrous vegetable and fruit peels like potato peels
  • Expandable foods like pasta and rice
  • Leftover batter
  • FOGS – fats, oils, grease
  • Bones

 

Additionally watching what goes down the drain does not stop at the kitchen sink. You should also watch what you flush. Never flush:

 

  • Trash 
  • Hair
  • Paper
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Cotton swabs
  • Dental floss

 

All of the above have a good chance at getting lodged in your pipes. While you may not see the repercussions right away, they could be lying in wait until the added pressure from your holiday hosting brings them to the forefront. 

 

Additionally, be sure to keep harsh chemicals that can damage your plumbing out of your drains. This includes liquid drain cleaner. If you are facing sluggish drainage, have your drains cleaned by a professional. We promise it will be more effective, safer, and cost effective in the long run.  

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We Are Here To Help

The last thing you want this year is a plumbing disaster over the holidays. So, get ahead of the crowds and don’t wait until you have an issue. Schedule your service today with Lesco! Check out our other plumbing tips here.

 

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