It’s officially the most wonderful time of year, but the most wonderful time can quickly become the worst time when it comes to your home’s plumbing system, if you’re not careful.

With much of the season revolving around meal prepping and socializing at home, it’s no surprise that most plumbing disasters strike during the holidays. If you’re hosting guests or a party this year, it’s important to know what your plumbing system can handle and, more importantly, what it cannot.

Kitchen

Always keep your drains clear by putting fat or grease into a trash can or collecting it in a jar. If not properly disposed of, grease can clog your home’s pipes and drains. Before rinsing plates or utensils, always wipe oils, butter, or leftovers off plates.

Be cautious when using your garbage disposable by keeping stringy, fibrous foods out of the disposal. Your disposal can’t handle rinds, fruit or vegetable skin, or any other peelings of vegetables, as well as coffee grounds. It’s important to run cold water before, during, and after using your garbage disposable to ensure your pipes are free of slightly ground food.

Bathroom

Excess use of your home’s appliances, sinks, toilets, and showers results in a higher chance of clogs due to the strenuous amounts of hair and hygiene products that will be washed down each drain. Placing trash bins in accessible places provides an alternative to washing and flushing, which helps take some pressure off of your pipes.

 Laundry Room

With more people comes more laundry! Make sure all hoses and connections are actively working before your guests arrive. Dealing with a major leak during the holidays is beyond disruptive and could ruin a great holiday.

Surprises are fun during the holiday season, but not plumbing surprises. Hopefully, your holiday parties will go off without a hitch, but if a plumbing issue does arise, F.H. Furr is here to help.