Having a house full of friends and family members certainly makes the holidays more joyful, but it also puts a major strain on your plumbing system. A backed-up toilet or clogged shower drain can put a damper on the holidays with messes and expensive plumber bills. Below are a few tips for helping your plumbing get through the season safely.

4 Tips for Preventing Backups During the Holidays

1. Schedule Maintenance in Advance

With more people using the toilet, shower, and sinks, latent problems can quickly become serious issues, especially if you already have drainage problems. Calling a plumber to clean your drains, pipes, and sewer lines before guests arrive is the best way to ensure your plumbing can handle the traffic.

2. Be Careful What You Put Down the Drain

Grease, fats, and oils quickly congeal in your pipes, eventually causing blockages and backups throughout the house. When preparing holiday meals, avoid putting pasta, bread, or fibrous foods like celery in the garbage disposal.

3. Put a Drain Trap in the Shower

Loose hair is one of the most common causes of blocked pipes, especially when you have more people taking showers every day. Drain traps are an inexpensive solution that keep hair from getting into your pipes in the first place.

4. Tell Family Members What Not to Flush

With its wide mouth and powerful suction, the toilet can seem like a convenient way to dispose of sanitary napkins, paper towels, cotton balls, or baby wipes. However, plumbers advise that the system is only designed to handle waste and toilet paper, so explain to your guests what they should avoid flushing down the toilet.

If you think your drains will struggle to keep up with holiday guests, the drain professionals at Holmes Sewer & Drain have the training and advanced equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly. With over 30 years of experience specializing in drain clearing and sewer line cleaning, they provide exceptional, responsive service to homeowners throughout Lincoln, NE. Learn more about their services online, or call (402) 432-6312 to request an estimate today.