The holidays are a time for family, friends, and a little extra chaos, especially when it comes to your home. With all the cooking, decorating, and keeping everyone comfortable, the last thing you want is some kind of plumbing problem sneaking up on you.
As a licensed plumbing company in Frederick, Maryland, we know that a little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later. Here’s a practical plumbing checklist that will make sure your home is ready for guests.
1. Clear Your Drains Before the Crowd Arrives
Holiday cooking and extra handwashing can put a real strain on your drains. Make sure that sinks, tubs, and showers are flowing freely. Avoid using chemical cleaners that will damage your pipes over time. Consider using a natural drain cleaner, or even just a simple plunger for minor clogs. For added peace of mind, take a moment to check the main drain in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well. A quick peek now can save an unexpected clog in the middle of holiday prep. Plumbing Supply suggests running water in all unused fixtures and flushing toilets to keep everything moving smoothly.
2. Examine Your Water Heater
No one likes cold showers, and your water heater gets more use than usual over the holidays. Check for any leaks, unusual noises, or signs of corrosion. If your water heater is over ten years old, it’s probably a good idea to replace it before your guests arrive. Simple maintenance, like flushing the tank to get rid of built-up sediment, can go a long way toward keeping your hot water ready throughout your celebration.
3. Ensure toilets are ready for guests
Extra guests mean extra trips to the bathroom. Make sure all toilets flush well and aren’t running constantly. A running toilet may be a small thing, but it wastes water and can cause unexpected problems during a busy holiday week. Keep a plunger on hand, and consider stocking extra toilet paper in each bathroom so guests aren’t left fumbling around.
4. Inspect Faucets and Fixtures
Leaky faucets are more than just annoying; the drips and leaks can add up on a water bill. Check all faucets-kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor-for drips or leaks. Tighten any loose handles and replace worn washers. A quick fix now can save headaches and keep your home feeling polished for guests.
5. Watch Out for Outdoor Plumbing
If you’re in an area with colder temperatures, frozen pipes are a real risk. You want to make sure outdoor faucets are off or at least insulated, and consider letting a slow drip run through cold nights to prevent freezing of the same. It is such a simple step to protect your home and plumbing system.
6. Plan for Additional Kitchen Usage
Holiday cooking often means more grease, food scraps, and dishwasher loads than usual. Avoid pouring grease down the sink, and consider using a sink strainer to catch food debris. Running hot water through the disposal while it’s in use can help prevent clogs. A little attention here keeps your kitchen running smoothly during the busiest meals of the season.
7. Plan for the Unexpected
Even with careful preparation, plumbing surprises can happen. Keep your trusted local plumber’s contact information in an easy-to-reach place-you never know when a leak or clog might need professional attention. If you need guidance or service, Putman Plumbing is ready and able to help any Maryland homeowner tackle any plumbing challenge efficiently and with reliability.
Overall Home Prep With Reliable Plumbing Service
Hosting the holidays does not need to feel overwhelming. A few steady, common-sense habits that many homeowners rely on before guests arrive can make a real difference. Running water through sinks, tubs, or toilets that don’t get used much helps keep drain traps filled and prevents unwanted odors from setting in. These simple checks are part of ensuring that everything in your home is functioning properly before people come and go, not just during the holidays, but anytime your home is going to be a little busier than usual.
It also pays to take a moment to look for little problems before they become bigger. Angi often points out items like checking for leaks, testing fixtures, and nipping minor issues in the bud. When you’re expecting holiday company, those same habits will go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable, dependable, and free from last-minute plumbing surprises-so you can focus on welcoming your guests, not fixing problems.
If you’d like a second set of eyes before guests arrive or notice something that doesn’t seem quite right, Putman Plumbing is here to help. A quick check now can help you enjoy the holidays with fewer worries and more peace of mind.