8 Simple Plumbers Tips for the Holidays

During the holidays, it’s likely more people will be using your plumbing, and you’re probably going to be indoors more as the weather gets colder. We know that plumbing emergencies happen at the worst times, especially during the holiday season. But you can avoid such hassles by following these simple plumbers tips:

8 Plumbers Tips

1. If It’s Not Waste or Toilet Paper, Don’t Flush It

Toilet flushing mechanisms and drains are not designed to handle heavier paper towels. Nor do they tolerate cotton swabs, plastic items, sanitary products, hair, or any type of trash or object well. Even “flushable” wipes should be discarded in the trash. If you have children at home, make sure they know not to flush toys. Sewer line clogs can be expensive to fix but are easily avoided.

2. Know How to Address an Overflowing or Blocked Toilet

If the toilet starts to overflow or the water level is rising toward that eventuality, open the tank and push on the flush valve to stop the water. This at least gives you time to address the issue or call a plumber. A blocked toilet can be fixed even if you don’t have a plunger. Simply add hot water and soap to the bowl, filling it up to try and break down the clog.

3. Look for Plumbing Leaks

Take note of dripping faucets or subtle signs of leaks such as drops in water pressure or running water sounds when no taps are on. Pipes corrode and degrade gradually and leaks often start small. If there are any issues, address them before they get worse and more expensive to fix. You can also check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank; if the color appears in the bowl, a leak is present.

4. Flush Sediment Out of Your Water Heater

A buildup of sediment and minerals in your water heater tank can cause rust and extensive damage. The water heater should be flushed annually. If you haven’t done so, the holidays are a good time to schedule maintenance by a skilled plumber. Banging sounds indicate your water heater desperately needs to be flushed.

5. Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter

If you haven’t yet, prepare your plumbing system for the cold by insulating your pipes in unheated areas, disconnecting hoses, and knowing where your shut off valves are. Have any dripping outdoor faucets repaired and cover outdoor spigots with Styrofoam insulation. Taking such measures can prevent frozen and even burst pipes that can lead to serious property damage.

6. Fix Any Leaky Faucets

A dripping faucet may not seem like an emergency. However, it can waste a substantial amount of water and lead to more serious trouble if not fixed. Oftentimes a faucet leak is caused by a faulty O-ring or cartridge, which can be easily repaired. Regular maintenance can also reduce your water bill.

7. Protect Your Drains

A build up of mold and gunk can slow sink drains, but removing and cleaning the drain stopper will help your drains run better. You can also install mesh drain covers that block soap, hair, and debris so it’s less likely your drains will become clogged. This also saves time by not having to use a drain snake as often.

 8. Clean Your Showerheads

Clogged shower heads are never fun to deal with. Mineral deposits can clog them up, but these can be removed by unscrewing the showerhead and soaking it in vinegar for 24 hours. This also removes any bacteria present. Scrub the showerhead clean as well. Once you reinstall the unit, run the water to rinse it out.

Contact Black Hills Inc. Home Services

If the plumber’s tips above haven’t resolved the issue, contact us right away. We’re licensed and bonded, so there’s no risk to the consumer, and we can fix any plumbing problem quickly. Black Hills Inc. Home Services is available 24/7 and offers comprehensive maintenance plans to ensure your plumbing is in top shape. We guarantee flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees; a 100% satisfaction guarantee is also included with each repair, installation, or maintenance call.

For prompt and effective service in the Olympia, WA, area, call 888-978-2917 today!