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Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, and expressions of gratitude. Many homes in the U.S. are filled with the sights, sounds, and aromas of a festive holiday celebration. However, there’s a hidden danger that can ruin your property – water damage.
Water damage is often an unexpected issue that can cause damage to plumbing systems, resulting in costly repairs and unwanted stress. Whether it’s a burst line, a toilet overflow, or an appliance fault, water damage can occur when you least expect it. Therefore, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your home during the festivities.
Prevent Emergencies by Following These Thanksgiving Plumbing Tips
As you gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday, the last thing you want is the added stress of a plumbing emergency. Plumbing issues can disrupt your plans and create chaos when you should be enjoying time with loved ones.
Below, we’ll delve into essential Thanksgiving plumbing tips to help you avoid those last-minute calls to a plumber and ensure that your plumbing system is in top-notch condition for the holiday.
Properly Dispose of Leftovers and Cooking Grease
Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in a delicious feast, which usually leaves an abundance of leftovers. It’s essential to dispose of them properly to avoid plumbing problems. Flushing food scraps down the drain must be avoided, as they can accumulate and clog pipes over time. Instead, use compost bins or your local municipal composting services to dispose of organic waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
Of course, cooking a Thanksgiving dinner often involves using oils. This can cause blockages in your plumbing system if poured directly down the sink. It is best to allow the cooking grease to cool down in a container before disposing of it in the trash to avoid issues. A better alternative would be to check with your local recycling centers if they accept used cooking oil.
Protect Your Pipes from the Frost
Many parts of the country experience colder temperatures during the Thanksgiving holiday. This makes frozen pipes a primary concern for a lot of households. To avoid water lines from freezing, insulating them with pipe sleeves or heat tape is crucial. These simple measures can go a long way in preventing a plumbing nightmare.
The following are additional Thanksgiving plumbing tips to ensure a functional system during the colder months:
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Seal any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior that might allow cold air to reach your plumbing. Weatherstripping and caulk are valuable tools for this purpose.
- Let Faucets Drip: On extremely cold nights, allowing a small, steady drip from hot and cold faucets can help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep Your Interior Warm: Maintain a consistent temperature within your home, even when you’re away for the holidays. This can effectively prevent pipes from freezing.
- Know Your Plumbing System: Familiarize yourself with the area of shut-off valves for individual fixtures and the main water shut-off. If a pipe does freeze and burst, quickly shutting off the water can reduce damage.
Be Mindful of Dishwasher Use
Dishwashers are used often during Thanksgiving, but it’s crucial to use them mindfully to prevent potential plumbing issues. While it’s tempting to load the machine to the brim to tackle the post-feast cleanup, overloading can strain it and lead to clogs or leaks. Therefore, it helps if you distribute the dishes evenly, as this allows water to flow freely and prevents excess strain on the drains.
Additionally, avoid running the dishwasher while other large appliances, such as the washing machine or garbage disposal, are in use. Simultaneous operation can strain your home’s plumbing system since all these devices often share the same drain pipe.
Prepare Your House Before the Holidays
Thanksgiving is a special time of the year when your home becomes the center of attention, welcoming friends and family for a memorable celebration. One of the best ways to prepare your home for holiday guests is by considering a professional home inspection. Expert inspectors have the know-how to identify potential issues that might go unnoticed. If problems are uncovered, professionals can address them immediately to avoid last-minute emergencies.
Trust Restoration 1 for Your Plumbing Needs During the Holiday Season
Even with the best preparation, unforeseen problems can arise. When they do, you need a trusted partner who can swiftly and effectively handle plumbing emergencies so your holiday remains stress-free.
Restoration 1 of Kansas City is always ready to address your plumbing issues. Our experts specialize in addressing plumbing concerns, from burst pipes to clogged drains. We’re available 24/7 and prepared to respond to your needs promptly. We understand that plumbing issues don’t always occur during convenient hours.
Happy Thanksgiving! And enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing Restoration 1 of Kansas City can assist with all of your water damage restoration needs. Contact us today.
