Make Sure the Kitchen and Bathroom Plumbing Are Ready To Handle Guests This Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time for families to get together, enjoy one another’s company, and of course, make and eat lots of delicious food. And if it’s a big family affair with relatives coming in from out of town and staying through the holiday weekend, homeowners may have their hands full trying to accommodate all the guests.
But besides all the logistics of making sure everyone is comfortable and accounted for, there’s one thing that often gets overlooked - the home’s plumbing system. With all the extra cooking and the higher volume of water being used, it’s no surprise that plumbing mishaps are a fairly common occurrence during the holidays. So this article will outline a few ways homeowners can avoid plumbing issues and make the bathroom more inviting this Thanksgiving!
Are the Toilets Working Properly?
With a house full of visitors, no part of the plumbing system will see more use than the toilets. So if any of the toilets are broken or aren’t performing as they should, things can get unpleasant in a hurry. Long before guests arrive, homeowners should be on the lookout for signs that they need toilet repairs.
Frequent clogs and unusual gurgling or suction noises after the flush usually point to an obstruction further downstream, a problem with the drain vent pipes (those pipe ends sticking out of the roof), or a faulty flushing mechanism. Difficulty flushing may indicate a faulty component or water pressure issue. One may solve leaks, rusty parts, or cracks in the porcelain with repairs, but in some cases, they may necessitate a full toilet replacement.
Is the Kitchen Plumbing In Good Shape?
One great way to prepare for battle is to install a garbage disposal. This will help immensely with food prep and cleanup by effortlessly getting rid of food scraps. It will also help prevent clogs by pulverizing food into tiny particles that won’t get stuck in the drain pipes. Even if the home already has a garbage disposal, it’s best to have the kitchen sink drain professionally cleaned to eliminate any grease or muck that has built up in the pipes over the years.
For those with a gas range, it’s a good idea to have the gas lines inspected for leaks or other issues by a certified professional. They can also clean any dirty burners, ensure that all safety mechanisms are functional, and see that the pilot lights and exhaust vents (two leading sources of carbon monoxide leaks) are working correctly.
Is It Time To Upgrade Old Fixtures?
As important as it is to make sure the home’s plumbing systems are functional and problem-free for holiday guests, making sure the place looks and feels great is a close second. Replacing clunky or outdated fixtures is a great way to do that. But installing fancy new fixtures isn’t all about improving aesthetics - it can also make for a more eco-friendly home.
Many of today’s toilets, faucets, and showerheads are designed to reduce water waste without sacrificing performance. Most low-flush toilets are virtually clog-proof, and many water-saving showerheads use aeration to simulate powerful pressure or utilize gravity to create a more luxurious experience. Likewise, a simple faucet replacement can save hundreds of gallons of water per year.
Or, for more immediate practical benefits, it may be worth a bathroom sink replacement just to provide more counter space for the guests to put their toiletries! Whether they’re after a whole bathroom renovation or just replacing one or two fixtures, homeowners would do well to contact a local plumber or bathroom contractor - before the relatives start pouring in!
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
The award-winning Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. has served Colonial Heights, VA, for over 30 years. Their courteous, trustworthy technicians always show up on time in fully-stocked trucks and leave every home better than they found it. They offer competitive pricing, same-day plumbing service, and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction.
