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5 Essential Holiday Plumbing Tips

The holidays are a cheerful time of year for spending time with family, friends, and loved ones. However, it's also the coldest time of the year and often comes with increased risks for your home plumbing system. Homeowners need to stay prepared by recognizing what risks are at play and how they can avoid plumbing problems in their homes this winter.

We'll cover five essential holiday plumbing tips for helping you keep your system in top working condition well into the New Year.

1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Whether it's a Thanksgiving turkey or a Christmas goose, holiday meals are a source of joy for all families. While all that delicious food might put a smile on your face, it does come with added risk if you're not careful. It's important to remain mindful of what you send down your drains as you clean up in the kitchen so you can prevent stubborn blockages that can put a damper on your holiday celebrations.

As you enter the holiday season, remember to avoid sending the following items down your sinks or toilets:

• Grease
• Food scraps (especially fibrous foods)
• Wipes
• Paper products
• Sanitary napkins
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Oil

2. Prepare Your Plumbing for Increased Usage

Many homeowners host their friends and family for extended periods during the holiday season. With a house full of guests, you must be certain that your plumbing system can handle the increased demand. Prepare your plumbing system for increased usage by:

• Stocking up on bathroom essentials: Include a plunger, extra toilet paper, and garbage can in every bathroom in your home before your guests arrive.
• Inspect your water heater: Schedule a tune-up and check for leaks, rust, or corrosion to ensure you’re not left without hot water this holiday.
• Clear clogs in sinks & tubs: If you have any stubborn blockages in your drains, remove them before your guests visit.

By taking care of these issues now, you can help ensure a stress-free holiday for you and all your houseguests this season.

3. Protect Your Pipes From Cold Weather

In Southeast Michigan, frozen pipes are a common problem for local homeowners as the winter weather settles in. The best thing you can do to protect your pipes from freezing is to ensure they are adequately insulated. Leave cabinet doors open at night to allow warm air from your heating system to circulate more easily around pipes beneath your sinks.

Additionally, consider running your taps on a slow trickle during particularly cold nights to prevent pressure buildup that can lead to pipe bursts and severe water damage.

4. Be Prepared for Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time, and homeowners need to act quickly to address these issues and prevent further damage to their fixtures and property. Here's how to prepare for a plumbing emergency in your home this holiday season:

• Locate your shut-off valves: Know where to find the shut-off valves for each of your fixtures, as well as the main valve for your home. In the event of a water leak especially, knowing where to close the shut-off valve can help you prevent severe water damage.
• Have extra towels available: If you do experience a water leak, it's important to have a way to address it immediately. Have extra towels handy so you can soak up any excess water in case of a burst pipe or other sudden water leak.
• Know who to call: When a plumbing emergency strikes, you need a knowledgeable technician you can trust to deliver fast, efficient service. Please keep the number of an emergency plumbing repair specialist available so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

5. Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection

The best way to ensure your plumbing system remains prepared for the holiday season is by scheduling a routine plumbing inspection. During a maintenance appointment, your plumber can catch repair or replacement needs early, helping you keep your holiday season merry and bright.

Trust AAA Service Network With Your Winter Plumbing Needs

Need help preparing your plumbing for the upcoming holidays? AAA Service Network is the team you can count on for all your plumbing service needs. From routine inspections to emergency repairs, we help relieve the stress of your holiday by offering top-quality products and services you can trust.

Schedule plumbing services in Southeast Michigan today by calling AAA Service Network at (517) 548-5040 today!