The holiday season brings joy but can also lead to plumbing headaches.
From clogged drains to overflowing toilets, these plumbing problems can ruin your holiday fun.
This guide covers the top five holiday plumbing problems and simple fixes.
Key Takeaways
- Food waste and grease buildup often cause a clogged kitchen sink.
- Don’t put grease, coffee, and large food scraps down the sink to prevent clogs.
- Toilets can clog if too much toilet paper is used.
- To prevent clogs, use less toilet paper and tell guests to flush only toilet paper.
- Your water heater might fail if the hot water runs out quickly.
- Garbage disposals can jam if hard and fibrous foods are put in them.
- Use a hairdryer and a space heater to melt frozen pipes safely.
Top 5 Common Holiday Plumbing Problems And Fixing Tips
The holidays are a time for fun, but they can also lead to some common plumbing problems.
Here are the top five holiday plumbing problems and easy fixes:
1. Clogged Kitchen Sink
A clogged kitchen sink is often caused by food waste and grease buildup.
When you wash dishes, leftover food, and fats can stick to the pipes and create a blockage over time.
Here’s how to fix it:
If your sink is clogged, start by using a plunger.
Cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth to create a seal.
If that doesn’t clear the clog, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
This can help break down the buildup.
Prevention Tips
Avoid putting grease, coffee, and large food scraps down the sink to prevent clogs.
A sink strainer can catch food particles before they go down the drain.
This makes it easier to keep your sink clear.
2. Toilet Clogs
Toilets often clog when too much toilet paper is used.
They can also get clogged if non-flushable items, like wipes, are flushed.
Here’s how to fix it:
If your toilet is clogged, grab a plunger.
Make sure it covers the drain completely.
Then, push it down and pull it up quickly to create pressure.
If that doesn’t work, you can use a toilet auger, a long tool reaching deeper into the pipes to break up the clog.
Prevention Strategies
To prevent clogs, use less toilet paper and remind guests to only flush toilet paper.
Put a small wastebasket next to the toilet for non-flushable items.
This encourages proper disposal.
3. Water Heater Failure
You might notice your water heater failing if you hear strange noises and see water leaks.
It may also fail if your hot water runs out quickly.
Here are a few quick fixes:
First, check if the pilot light (for gas heaters) is lit.
Relight the pilot light by following the manufacturer’s instructions if it is out.
If it’s an electric heater, check the thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to a high enough temperature.
Also, check your circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped.
Seeking Help From A Professional
If these quick fixes don’t solve the problem, or if you notice leaks, it’s best to call a plumber.
They can diagnose and fix the issue properly, preventing further damage.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services.
4. Garbage Disposal Jams
Garbage disposals can jam when hard and fibrous foods are deposited.
These items can block the blades.
Here are some safe unjamming techniques:
If your disposal jams, turn it off and unplug it for safety.
Then, find the hex wrench (“L” shaped tool) that came with your disposal.
Insert it into the socket at the bottom.
Turn it back and forth to free the blades from the jam.
Proper Disposal Use Guidelines
To avoid jams, only put soft food scraps down the disposal, and always run cold water while it’s on.
Avoid putting hard items or greasy foods in it.
5. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause serious issues.
Signs include:
- Little or no water coming out when you turn on the faucet
- Frost on the outside of the pipes.
Here are a few melting methods:
You can use a hairdryer and a space heater to melt frozen pipes safely.
Move the heat along the pipe gently, starting from the end closest to the faucet.
Never use an open flame, as this can damage the pipes.
Preventing Future Freezes
To prevent pipes from freezing, keep your home warm during cold weather.
On very cold nights, let faucets drip slightly, as running water can help prevent freezing.
Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas, like basements, can also help.
Conclusion
This article talks about the five common holiday plumbing problems.
Solutions to fix them and preventive measures have also been discussed. Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for expert services and advice.