Preparing Your Home’s Plumbing for Holiday Guests

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festivities—but with extra guests comes extra strain on your home’s plumbing. From kitchen sinks working overtime to guest bathrooms seeing more use than usual, your plumbing system can easily become overwhelmed. Preparing in advance ensures that your celebrations aren’t interrupted by unexpected plumbing issues. Here are some practical steps to get your home’s plumbing ready for holiday guests.

1. Test Your Water Heater

Hot water is essential for showers, dishwashing, and handwashing during the holiday season. Test your water heater to make sure it’s functioning optimally. If the water doesn’t heat consistently or runs out too quickly, your unit may need maintenance. Checking it ahead of time gives you the chance to address any issues before guests arrive.

Pro Tip:

Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup. This can improve efficiency and ensure a steady supply of hot water.

2. Prevent Clogged Drains

With all the cooking and cleaning happening in the kitchen, it’s easy for grease and food debris to clog drains. Avoid this holiday headache by taking preventive measures. Install drain strainers to catch food particles and make it a household rule to never pour grease down the sink.

Pro Tip:

Run hot water down the drain after each use to help break up any grease or debris.

3. Inspect Toilets and Faucets

Before guests arrive, check your toilets and faucets for leaks or slow performance. A running toilet or dripping faucet not only wastes water but also adds unnecessary stress on your plumbing system. Address these minor issues early to keep everything running smoothly during the holidays.

Pro Tip:

Keep a plunger handy in guest bathrooms to tackle minor clogs. A small fix can prevent a big inconvenience.

4. Clear Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals often work overtime during holiday gatherings. Make sure yours is in good condition by cleaning it before your celebrations begin. Run cold water while grinding ice cubes and a slice of lemon to clean the blades and eliminate odors. Avoid disposing of fibrous foods like celery and potato skins, as they can clog the system.

Pro Tip:

Remind your guests to toss non-food items, like bones and coffee grounds, in the trash, not the disposal.

5. Plan for Heavy Usage

If you’re expecting a house full of guests, consider staggering showers and dishwasher loads to avoid overwhelming your water system. Communicate with your family and guests to ensure there’s enough hot water and water pressure for everyone.

Pro Tip:

Ask guests to wait at least 10-15 minutes between showers to allow your water heater to recover.

6. Know Who to Call for Emergencies

Even with the best preparation, plumbing emergencies can still happen. Having a trusted plumber on speed dial can save your holiday from being derailed. Identify a professional who offers same-day service and has a track record of reliability.

Pro Tip:

Write down your plumber’s contact information and keep it in an accessible place, such as on your fridge or near the kitchen sink.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday

By taking a few proactive steps, you can avoid common plumbing mishaps and focus on enjoying time with your family and friends. From inspecting your water heater to cleaning your garbage disposal, these small actions can make a big difference.

If you want to ensure your home’s plumbing is holiday-ready, reach out to Mark Carpenter Plumbing today. Our expert team is here to help you handle any plumbing needs and keep your home running smoothly. Call us at (575) 222-2551 to schedule a pre-holiday maintenance check. Enjoy peace of mind this season with reliable plumbing solutions!