The holidays can be a busy time for homeowners as they scramble to get their houses ready for guests and entertaining. It should come as no surprise that plumbing emergencies increase in November and December with a boost in clogged drains, broken garbage disposals, and blocked toilets. To avoid having to invite an emergency plumber to your holiday party, follow these tips to prevent a plumbing catastrophe. 

3 Tips to Protect Your Plumbing Through the Holidays

1. Protect Your Drains

Your guests will increase the amount of wastewater your home processes in a month, and they can overwork your shower and sink drains in the process. To prevent an excess of hair buildup, food particles, and soap residue from clogging your pipes, have a plumber install screens or do a thorough drain cleaning before your guests arrive. 

2. Treat Your Garbage Disposal With Respect

Garbage disposals can handle small particles of food waste, but dumping all of your guests’ leftovers down the drain will damage your unit. Large food waste should always go into a trashcan. You should also never discard coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, pasta, potatoes, carrots, and fruit peels into a garbage disposal. 

3. Educate Your Guests

Clogged toilets are common whenever a bathroom gets a lot of traffic, but asking your guests to avoid flushing forbidden objects can prevent the problem. If needed, post a sign in the bathroom asking users not to flush wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs, sanitary napkins, and anything else that is not toilet paper. Keep a trashcan beside the toilet for their convenience.

If you have a plumbing problem this holiday season, the specialists at A-1 Budget Plumbing in Honolulu, HI, are available 24/7 for emergencies. Known for low rates and quality service, their licensed plumbers fix clogged drains, perform drain cleaning, and repair garbage disposals. Call (808) 526-3747 to schedule an appointment for same-day service, or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.