Unpredictable winter weather can damage your home’s plumbing at the most inconvenient times. During the holiday season—when loved ones may be visiting—non-working showers, faucets, and water heaters can make for frustrating experiences. However, by taking a few proactive steps now, including getting an inspection from a plumber, you can protect the pipes from freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. Here are several to keep in mind.

How to Protect Your Home’s Plumbing During the Holidays 

1. Insulate the Pipes

When pipes freeze, they are more susceptible to bursting. The results can be dangerous, and you’ll have costly water leaks throughout your home. To help prevent this scenario, cover your plumbing with insulation to keep them warm. Also, disconnect your garden hoses and spigots to keep ice from forming. 

2. Address Clogged Drains

Get a jump on your home’s drains before your holiday guests arrive. If water is going down the drain slowly, or not at all, pour a small amount of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break up any grease, hair, and soap scum. Let the mixture sit for a few hours, and then flush it with hot water. 

3. Schedule an Inspection

A plumber will check for any rust spots, holes, or cracks that could lead to leaks. Next, they’ll make the necessary repairs. They will also suggest additional tips for safeguarding your plumbing during frigid winter weather, such as leaving some water running when you head out of town. 

4. Protect Garbage Disposals

The holiday season often means lots of delicious foods. Unfortunately, harder items can get dropped into garbage disposals and cause damage. Never put fruit or vegetable peels, bones, grease, and oil in the disposal. These items are harder to grind down and can cause a clog. Also, always run cold water when operating the disposal to keep the moving parts lubricated. 

5. Throw out Non-Flushable Items

Make it easy for your guests to avoid flushing non-flushable items in the toilet by providing small trash bins in the bathroom and bedrooms. Diapers, facial and baby wipes, and feminine products should never be flushed. These items may end up clogging toilets. 

 

Enjoy the holidays without having to worry about plumbing disasters by calling Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. They serve Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Warsau, WI, and provide expert repair services. You can count on their team of licensed plumbers. Make sure your home’s pipes are ready for the holidays by calling (715) 421-1800 for an inspection. Visit the website for details on the company’s services.