The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and a fair share of plumbing woes to both residential and commercial settings. As we welcome family gatherings and corporate holiday events, the increased use of kitchens and bathrooms can strain your plumbing systems. Lynch Plumbing, your trusted partner in Los Angeles, is here to ensure that the only thing flowing freely this holiday season is your holiday spirit, not a leaky faucet. Let’s dive into some essential plumbing tips to help you steer clear of common holiday plumbing problems.
1. Be Kitchen Wise: Guard Your Garbage Disposal
During the holidays, our kitchens endure a marathon of cooking and cleaning. Your garbage disposal will be your silent hero—until it isn’t. To avoid a call to an emergency plumber, remember these simple rules: no oils, fats, or fibrous foods like celery and pumpkin pulp down the disposal. These can clog and damage your blades. Use cold water when grinding food waste, as it solidifies any grease, allowing it to be chopped up and flushed out of the system.
2. Schedule Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspections
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of plumbing repair, as we like to say in the business. Before your home or commercial space becomes the hub of holiday activity, consider a thorough plumbing inspection. Lynch Plumbing offers comprehensive checks of pipes, faucets, water heaters, and sewers to ensure everything is in tiptop condition. Spotting a small issue now can prevent a full-blown emergency later.
3. Restroom Readiness: Prepare for Increased Traffic
With guests coming and going, restrooms will see increased usage. Ensure that all your toilets are flushing correctly, and fix any that run continuously. Stock bathrooms with a plunger and inform guests of what shouldn’t be flushed—think wipes, cotton balls, and other non-biodegradable items. Reminding guests with a polite notice can save you from emergency plumbing services during your holiday dinner.
4. Water Heater Wellness: Keep the Hot Water Flowing
The demand for hot water rises with extra guests in the house. Make sure your water heater is functioning efficiently by checking its temperature setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit is usually adequate) and clearing out any sediment by flushing the tank. If your system is older or showing signs of wear, a quick plumbing repair or maintenance check can be a holiday lifesaver.
5. Be Ready for Emergencies: Have a Plan
Even with all the precautions, sometimes the unexpected happens, and you’ll need to act quickly to minimize damage. Locate your main water shut-off valve and know how to turn it off. Keep Lynch Plumbing’s contact information handy for emergency plumbing services. Our team is ready to be your holiday hero, 24/7, ensuring that an emergency plumber is just a call away when you need it the most.
6. Grease Is Not the Word: Proper Disposal
One of the chief culprits of holiday plumbing disasters is grease. It might be liquid when poured down the drain, but it solidifies and causes blockages as it cools. The best policy is to dispose of grease in the trash, not the sink. If you do encounter a grease blockage, don’t hesitate to call for professional help.
7. Spread Out Showers and Laundry
When the house is full, try to space out showers and laundry to give your plumbing system a break. This will reduce the chances of cold showers and give your pipes a chance to clear out, reducing the stress on your plumbing system.
8. Treat Your Toilet Like a Throne, Not a Trash Bin
The throne should reign supreme in its primary function and not double as a waste bin. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—that’s it. Items like sanitary products, cotton swabs, dental floss, and even so-called “flushable” wipes can lead to blockages and costly emergency plumbing services. Educate your family and guests about what can and cannot be flushed. A discreetly placed trash can next to the toilet can help prevent unsuitable items from being flushed.
9. Keep an Eye on Hose Bibs and Outdoor Pipes
As the Los Angeles weather turns cooler during the holidays, your outdoor plumbing requires attention. Disconnect garden hoses, drain water from outdoor pipes, and, if necessary, insulate them to prevent freezing and bursting. While freezing temperatures are less common in Los Angeles, sudden cold snaps can happen, and it’s best to be prepared. The last thing you want during the holidays is an emergency plumber dealing with a burst pipe when you could be sipping hot cocoa with your loved ones.
Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Dampen Your Holiday Cheer!
As the holiday season approaches, remember that Lynch Plumbing is on standby to ensure your festivities aren’t interrupted by unexpected plumbing issues. Whether you need an emergency plumber or routine plumbing repair, our skilled technicians in the Los Angeles area are ready 24/7 to tackle any challenge. Plus, we’re offering exclusive holiday coupons to make our services even more accessible. Don’t let a plumbing problem become a holiday spoiler—contact Lynch Plumbing and keep the good times flowing as smoothly as your pipes!