Your Home's Plumbing & the Holidays

The 2023 holiday season is upon us! As we gather with loved ones, it’s crucial to ensure that your home’s plumbing is ready for the festivities. At American Water Resources, we understand the importance of a smoothly running plumbing system, especially when hosting guests during this joyous time of the year. In this guide, we’ll provide you with expert tips on safeguarding your toilet, showers, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink, ensuring a seamless and stress-free holiday season.

Protecting your toilets

Flush responsibly

Remind guests to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. To make this message clear, consider placing friendly reminders in the bathroom or even festive signs to guide proper flushing etiquette.

Pre-holiday inspection

Before the festivities begin, take a moment to inspect your toilet for leaks or any signs of wear. A proactive check can help catch potential issues before they turn into major plumbing concerns. If you detect any leaks or potential problems, call a plumber for a quick and hassle-free repair.

Keep a plunger on-hand

Equip each bathroom with a reliable plunger. Encourage guests to use it if needed, empowering them to handle minor clogs without the need for professional assistance — and sparing them the embarrassment of asking you for a plunger.

Protecting your showers

Purchase hair catchers

Hair can be a common culprit for shower drain clogs. Provide guests with hair catchers to prevent blockages and keep your shower drains flowing smoothly throughout the holiday season.

Shower time management

Encourage shorter showers to conserve water and reduce strain on your plumbing. Consider placing timers in the bathroom with little decorative reminders that add a touch of holiday cheer while promoting water-saving habits for your guests. Shorter showers will also help make sure that everyone who wants a shower will have enough hot water.  

Be mindful of water temperatures

Set your water heater to the optimal water temperature for showers, not only for the safety of guests but also to maintain the efficiency of your water heater and plumbing system.

Protecting your bathroom sink

Be gentle on your drains

Discourage the use of chemical drain cleaners, which can be harsh on pipes, in case of a clog. Instead, try using natural alternatives like a baking soda and vinegar mixture, or a drain snake.

Regular cleanings

Incorporate regular sink cleaning into your holiday preparations. A quick clean using a gentle solution can help prevent buildup and maintain optimal drainage with your bathroom sinks.

Protecting your kitchen sink

Clear your plates before washing

Encourage the habit of scraping excess food into the trash before washing dishes in the sink. This simple step can prevent large food particles from causing blockages in your kitchen sink.

Grease-free zone

Reinforce the importance of proper grease disposal. Remind guests to avoid pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain, as these substances can lead to stubborn clogs which may require the assistance of a plumber. Dispose of grease in a container and put it in the trash.

Strain away food debris

Provide sink strainers to catch food scraps and debris, promoting a clean and efficient kitchen sink. Empty the strainer into the trash regularly to keep things flowing smoothly.

Turn on the cold water

Remind users to run cold water while using the garbage disposal. This helps solidify grease and fat, making it easier for the disposal to break them down. Avoid putting potato peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, cooked pasta, grease/oil/butter, or batters down the disposal as these could cause clogs.

Want more helpful holiday tips for your family?

As you prepare to celebrate the holiday season, remember that a little prevention can go a long way in keeping your plumbing system in top shape. Want more helpful holiday tips, tricks, and advice? Be sure to visit our homeowner blog often!