As the holiday schedules become jam-packed with concerts, parties, and traveling, don’t forget about preparing your home for all of the wonderful holiday guests. As you prepare the food and deep clean your home, check to make sure your plumbing can handle all of the extra action it’ll receive. To efficiently prepare your plumbing for the holidays, consider the following tips.
1. Purchase Drain Protectors
When it comes to maintaining a clean and hygienic household, it’s important to keep in mind that drains can accumulate a lot of bacteria, dirt, and debris over time. While it can be tempting to dispose of food waste down the garbage disposal or rinse the food off of dishes without a second thought, it’s important to be mindful of what is going down your drains to avoid clogging them. To help prevent this, use drain protectors over each sink, shower, and garbage disposal to catch any hair, soap scum, or food particles that may go down the drain. Drain protectors make cleaning up a breeze as you can simply remove them and toss the particles in the trash.
2. Use Thin Toilet Paper
Even when they’re marketed as “flushable,” wipes can still pose problems for plumbing systems and municipal wastewater treatment facilities. They don’t break down as easily as regular toilet paper and can contribute to clogs and backups.
Using thin-ply toilet paper is a better and more reliable option as it disintegrates quickly and is less likely to cause plumbing issues. It’s a more guest-friendly choice during gatherings when the restroom gets more traffic.
Additionally, considering bidets or bidet attachments can be a great idea for personal hygiene and environmental reasons. Bidets use water to clean, which is more efficient than using toilet paper and can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. They are becoming more popular in many parts of the world as an eco-friendly and effective alternative to toilet paper.
3. Clean Your Drains
Regular drain maintenance can help prevent clogs and odors. It can also keep your plumbing in good condition. The baking soda and vinegar method is a popular and environmentally friendly way to clean drains. Start by pouring about a half cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with a half cup of vinegar. You may notice fizzing and bubbling, which is a sign of the chemical reaction taking place. Allow this mixture to sit in the drain for about 30 minutes. This helps break down debris and kill bacteria. Afterward, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to flush out the mixture and any loose debris.
This step helps ensure the drain is clean and free from residue. You can also find commercial drain cleaners and cleaning solutions in stores. However, it’s essential to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some chemical drain cleaners can be effective but also harsh on your plumbing system and the environment. Be cautious, use them as a last resort, and consider natural methods like the baking soda and vinegar approach first.
4. Include Professional Assistance
By calling a plumbing professional from our team at Spot On Heating, Air & Plumbing, you’ll ensure your plumbing system is in good working order and ready to handle increased usage during the holiday season. A plumber can assess the efficiency of your plumbing system and make necessary adjustments to improve its performance. This can lead to water and energy savings, which is not only cost effective but also environmentally friendly. Professional plumbers can provide valuable recommendations about how to optimize your plumbing system, especially when you expect more guests.
We can suggest upgrades or changes that can help accommodate the increased demand without overloading the system. Our plumbers can identify potential issues before they become major problems. Addressing minor leaks, clogs, or other plumbing issues early can save you from costly and disruptive emergency repairs later. Plumbing can be complex, and attempting DIY repairs without proper knowledge and tools can lead to accidents, damage, or flooding.
5. Prepare Signage
Sometimes people bring their habits to other people’s homes, which is why it’s great to have clear communication regarding guests and their expectations. While you don’t necessarily need to sit down and have a conversation about how to use the bathroom and not use flushable wipes, you can leave signage around your home.
Placing friendly, eye-catching notes in critical spaces that need instructions, such as over the sink, will inform guests to flush and utilize deodorizing spray once they’ve finished using the toilet. By placing these notes in clear view where guests will be to use the sinks, toilets, and showers, it’ll be easier for them to adhere to the rules of your home.
Maintaining an Efficient Approach
While all of these tips might seem understandably overwhelming, the best place to start is with professional treatments. At Spot On Heating, Air & Plumbing, our team of professionals offers services in the areas of drain cleaning, hydro-jetting, water filtration, and more. Covering LA County, our products and services range to include heating, cooling, and electrical. To learn how we can serve you properly, contact us today!