As the holidays approach, homes across Metro Detroit are bustling with activity. The added pressure on your plumbing system from holiday meals, houseguests, and colder weather can lead to unexpected issues. At Drain Detectives, we want to ensure your plumbing runs smoothly during this festive season. Below are the most common holiday plumbing problems and tips to avoid them.
1. Preventing Clogged Kitchen Drains
Holiday meals mean heavy kitchen use, which often results in excess grease, food scraps, and debris going down the drain. However, improper disposal can cause significant clogs.
What Causes Holiday Kitchen Clogs?
- Grease buildup: Pouring grease or oil down the drain hardens over time, creating blockages.
- Food particles: Starchy foods like potatoes and fibrous ones like celery can jam garbage disposals.
- Improper waste disposal: Coffee grounds, eggshells, and bones wreak havoc on plumbing systems.
How to Avoid This Problem
- Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing.
- Dispose of grease in a container and throw it away once solidified.
- Run cold water while operating your garbage disposal to help flush debris.
2. Avoiding Bathroom Drain Overflows
With holiday guests comes increased use of your home’s bathrooms, putting extra strain on sinks, showers, and toilets.
Frequent Bathroom Plumbing Issues
- Clogged toilets: Overuse or flushing inappropriate items like wipes and feminine hygiene products.
- Slow shower drains: Hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate faster with frequent use.
- Overworked water heaters: High demand for hot water may leave guests frustrated during showers.
Prevention Tips
- Provide trash bins in bathrooms to discourage flushing non-flushable items.
- Use drain covers to catch hair and prevent shower clogs.
- Space out hot water usage to allow your water heater time to recover.
3. Protecting Pipes from Freezing and Bursting
Metro Detroit winters are notorious for freezing temperatures, which can lead to frozen or burst pipes during the holiday season.
Why Pipes Freeze
- Insufficient insulation in exposed areas like basements or attics.
- Standing water in pipes that freezes and expands.
Solutions for Frozen Pipes
- Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas using foam pipe covers.
- Keep a steady trickle of water running through faucets on extremely cold nights.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
If a pipe does freeze, avoid using direct heat sources like blowtorches to thaw it. Instead, apply heat gradually using a hair dryer or heating pad.
4. Preventing Sewer Backups
Holiday gatherings often result in more wastewater flowing into your home’s sewer system. If the system is already under stress or partially blocked, a backup could occur.
Causes of Sewer Backups
- Tree root intrusion in underground sewer lines.
- Excessive grease and debris flushed through the system.
- Heavy rains or melting snow that overwhelm the sewer line.
How to Stay Ahead
- Schedule a professional drain cleaning service before the holidays.
- Avoid flushing grease, wipes, or bulky materials down toilets and drains.
- Install a backwater valve to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home.
5. Managing Water Pressure Problems
Increased water usage during the holidays can lower water pressure, impacting showers, dishwashers, and washing machines.
What Contributes to Low Water Pressure?
- Hidden leaks in the plumbing system.
- Mineral deposits or sediment buildup in pipes.
- Demand exceeds your water supply system’s capacity.
Fixing Low Water Pressure
- Check for leaks around sinks, faucets, and pipes.
- Flush your water heater to remove sediment that could be restricting flow.
- Consider upgrading your plumbing system if it can’t handle holiday demands.
6. Being Prepared for Plumbing Emergencies
Despite taking precautions, plumbing emergencies can still arise. Preparation is key to minimizing damage and stress.
Holiday Plumbing Emergency Tips
- Know the location of your main water shut-off valve.
- Have Drain Detectives contact information ready for urgent situations.
- Address small issues like slow drains or minor leaks before they escalate.
Why Choose Drain Detectives?
At Drain Detectives, we specialize in keeping Metro Detroit homes running smoothly, even during the busiest times of the year. Our team of licensed plumbers is available 24/7 to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. With years of local expertise, we ensure that your holiday season is stress-free.
If you’re facing holiday plumbing challenges or want to schedule a preventative inspection, contact Drain Detectives today. Together, we’ll ensure your plumbing is ready for whatever the holidays bring.
