The holidays in Chicagoland are a magical time, full of light displays, festivities, cold weather, and good cheer.
Entertaining your loved ones during this season can create long-lasting memories — but it can also put additional strain on your plumbing system. Being prepared and taking a few preventative measures can help you avoid clogged drains and other unpleasant problems that might dampen the holiday spirit.
Proactive maintenance is the key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free holiday season. Let’s explore some plumbing pro tips that can save you from costly repairs and headaches down the line.
The Heart of Your Home
Your kitchen is the center of attention when it comes to holiday hosting, and it’s also where many plumbing issues originate, as increased use can lead to blockages and appliance malfunctions. Here’s how to prevent these problems at the source:
- Avoid fat, oil, and grease: These materials solidify as they cool, creating pipe blockages. Instead of pouring them down the drain, dispose of these in a separate container to keep your pipes clear.
- Run cold water while using the garbage disposal: Cold water solidifies any grease, which is then chopped up rather than coating the inside of your pipes. Always run water for 15–20 seconds before and after using the disposal to keep it clean.
- Limit what you put down the disposal: Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and bones should not be placed in the disposal. These can damage the blades and lead to clogs. If in doubt, toss it in the trash instead.
- Use a sink strainer: A low-cost metal or silicone perforated strainer over your kitchen sink drains can help keep food, trash, and other debris from creating inconvenient clogs.
It’s also important to keep a close eye on your dishwasher. These indispensable appliances can be a lifesaver after a big family dinner, but it’s vital to keep them clean and utilize them properly to maximize efficiency. Dishwashers typically share the same drain as your garbage disposal, so don’t use them simultaneously, and don’t put dishes covered in fat or oil in your machine.
Funky odors are an unwelcome guest at any party, and a smelly kitchen sink drain could be a sign of a bigger problem. The most likely culprit is a build-up of bacteria from grease or food particles. Get your kitchen smelling fresh again with these DIY remedies:
- Clean your p-trap: This is the curved pipe underneath your sink that collects water and helps prevent bad odors from reaching the rest of your house.
- Try hot water: Boiling water with a dash of dish soap can work wonders on minor clogs without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Ice cubes, coarse salt, and lemon peels: If your garbage disposal is the source of the stink, running this combination of materials delivers a heavy-duty organic cleanse.
- Baking soda and vinegar: The Holy Grail of non-toxic household cleaning hacks, pouring baking soda down the drain followed by white cleaning vinegar creates a chemical reaction that can help remove gunk from drains and kill odor-causing bacteria.
Holiday Essentials
No homeowner wants to deal with an embarrassing and potentially expensive bathroom disruption during the busy holiday season. Besides regular and thorough deep cleaning, there are some additional steps you can take to guarantee your guests can go without worries.
Check for leaks, especially under sinks and in cabinets. Fixing minor leaks promptly lowers the chances of water damage and mold growth.
Slow-draining sinks and showers could be a sign of blockages developing in your pipes. Be sure to replace faulty fixtures, evaluate your water pressure, and make it known that only toilet paper should be flushed. Utilize hair catchers in shower and tub drains, and run super hot water regularly to dissolve soap scum.
It’s a great time to give your water heater some love as well. This under-appreciated appliance contributes greatly to household convenience and comfort and should be flushed once or twice per year to remove sediment buildup.
A sewer scope or pre-party plumbing inspection can also help ensure everything goes down smoothly when family and friends are visiting.
Merry and Bright
Chicagoland winters can be harsh on your plumbing systems, even if you don’t plan on having anyone over. In our sometimes frigid climate, frozen pipes are a real concern during this season, which can wreak havoc indoors and out.
Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold, open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around your pipes, and disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.
Insulating any exposed pipes is an easy and cost-effective way to prevent freezing. You can use pre-split foam pipe insulation, which simply wraps around the pipe and seals with tape. Be sure to insulate the entire length of the exposed pipe, including any bends or fittings.
Despite your best efforts, plumbing emergencies can still occur. Know the location of your main water shut-off valve, keep the number of a reliable 24/7 plumber handy, and have basic tools like a plunger, pipe wrench, and bucket easily accessible.
A professional inspection can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems. Our knowledgeable technicians have the resources you need to get your home ready for the holiday season — reach out to schedule yours today!
