As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect your plumbing in the San Gabriel Valley. The increased use of plumbing fixtures during the holiday season can lead to issues such as clogs and leaks. Here are some tips to help prevent plumbing issues in the San Gabriel Valley during the holiday season:
- Don’t pour grease down the drain: Cooking a lot of holiday meals can lead to a build-up of grease in your drains. To prevent clogs, don’t pour grease down the drain. Instead, let it solidify and then throw it away in the trash. You can also pour a small amount of hot water down the drain to help flush away any excess grease. If you do experience a grease clog, you can try using a natural grease-dissolving solution, such as a mixture of hot water and vinegar, to help break it up.
- Be mindful of what you flush: The holiday season can also lead to an increase in the amount of toilet paper being used. Be mindful of what you flush and avoid flushing large amounts of toilet paper or other non-biodegradable items, such as wipes and sanitary products. This can help prevent clogs in your sewage system. If you do experience a clog, try using a plunger to loosen it up before calling a plumber. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a toilet auger to break up the clog. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode pipes and potentially cause more damage.
- Don’t overuse the garbage disposal: The garbage disposal is a handy tool, but it’s not meant to handle everything. Avoid putting fibrous materials, such as fruit peels and chicken bones, down the disposal to prevent clogs. If you do use the garbage disposal, make sure to run cold water for at least 15 seconds before and after using it to help flush away any excess food. Avoid putting large amounts of food down the disposal at once and make sure to run the disposal for a longer period of time if you’re grinding up large amounts of food. If you do experience a clog, you can try using a natural drain cleaner, such as a mixture of hot water and baking soda, to help break it up.
- Know where the main shut-off valve is located: In the event of a plumbing emergency, it’s important to know where the main shut-off valve is located and how to use it. Make sure you know where it is before the holiday season starts. If you have a vacation home that you don’t visit often, it’s a good idea to make sure someone else knows where the main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
- Fix any leaks: If you have any plumbing leaks, it’s important to fix them before the holiday season starts. Leaks can worsen over time, leading to more serious issues. If you’re not sure how to fix a leak, it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber. Make sure to also check for any hidden leaks, such as those under the sink or behind the walls.
By following these tips, you can help prevent plumbing issues during the holiday season in the San Gabriel Valley. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected, so make sure to have the contact information for a reliable plumbing company on hand in case you do experience any issues. Feel free to call us, anytime, even on holidays at 626.448.6455
