{"id":1608,"date":"2023-12-04T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coolingunlimited.com\/blog\/?p=1608"},"modified":"2023-12-01T21:16:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-02T02:16:56","slug":"how-to-avoid-plumbing-emergencies-over-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coolingunlimited.com\/blog\/plumbing-service\/how-to-avoid-plumbing-emergencies-over-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies over the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Plumbing emergencies are always a big hassle, no matter when they happen. But during the holiday season when you might have guests over or be trying to prepare a big meal, they\u2019re even worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since dealing with a plumbing emergency once it occurs is so much trouble, we\u2019d like to help you take some steps to avoid these emergencies altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Be Careful with Fat, Oil, and Grease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With all those extra holiday dishes, there\u2019s sure to be fat, oil, and grease, known to plumbers as FOG. When you wash it down your sink, it seems like a liquid. But these substances can solidify when they cool down! Imagine a blockage in your sink drain as solid as a stick of butter. Avoid this by wiping your dishes down with a paper towel before you wash them in the sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Kind to Your Garbage Disposal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A disposal in your kitchen sink can really streamline the process of washing a lot of dishes. But don\u2019t neglect to consider what should go in the disposal and what should not. Use the trash can or compost instead for hard items (bones, popcorn kernels) and fibrous food waste (celery stalks, corn husks) as well as starches (pasta, rice) that can bloat and swell in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an Eye on the Toilet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So-called flushable wipes should really not be flushed because they don\u2019t break down as well as toilet paper does. Aside from toilet paper and human waste, nothing should go down the toilet. No paper towels, hygiene products, dental floss, rubber ducks\u2026 You can post a gentle reminder sign for guests about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You definitely don\u2019t want a water heater failure when you have a house full of guests! Water heaters should receive annual maintenance to ensure their proper performance. This includes draining and flushing the system to wash away silty sediment and mineral scaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch Problems Early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Noticing problems while they\u2019re still small can make it so that you\u2019re able to schedule a regular plumbing appointment rather than try to cope with an emergency. What subtle concerns should be cause for a call to the plumber? <\/p>\n\n\n\n