How to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays
A Guide from Pride Plumbing of Rochester
Contents:
Inspect Your Plumbing System
Check for Leaks and Drips
Unclog Drains Before the Festivities
Prepare Your Water Heater For Increased Demand
Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
Know When To Call A Professional Plumber
Introduction
The holidays are a special time of year filled with family, friends, and festivities. But before you can truly enjoy the season, it’s essential to prepare your home to handle the extra activity—especially when it comes to your plumbing. Nothing can ruin holiday cheer like plumbing issues, so it’s important to ensure your home is ready for guests, cooking, and all the holiday fun.
At Pride Plumbing of Rochester, we understand how critical it is to maintain your home’s plumbing system, particularly during the busy holiday season. This guide will help you identify the top plumbing tips to get your home holiday-ready!
Inspect Your Plumbing System
Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays begins, take a few minutes to inspect your plumbing system. Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as corroded pipes, outdated fixtures, or slow drains. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them before they become a bigger problem.
An inspection will help you avoid plumbing surprises that could disrupt your holiday celebrations. If you’re unsure where to start, consider scheduling a professional plumbing check-up with Pride Plumbing of Rochester to ensure everything is in working order.
Check for Leaks and Drips
Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to bigger issues down the road. Leaking faucets, running toilets, or slow drips from your pipes waste water and can raise your utility bills.
Inspect all visible pipes, faucets, and showerheads for any leaks, and fix them before your home fills with guests. If you find a major leak or can’t locate the source, it's always a good idea to contact a licensed plumber for help.
Unclog Drains Before the Festivities
The holiday season brings an increase in kitchen activity—cooking, cleaning, and entertaining. Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems during the holidays, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
Before your holiday meals and gatherings, make sure all your drains are clear. Pour hot water down the kitchen sink, and consider using a drain cleaner or a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to break up any buildup. If you notice slow drainage, don’t wait until it becomes a blockage—act quickly to prevent a mess.
Prepare Your Water Heater for Increased Demand
Save water outdoors by investing in a smart irrigation system that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. These intelligent systems ensure that your lawn and garden receive just the right amount of water, minimizing waste and promoting healthy plant growth.
Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Winter weather in Rochester can be brutal, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. If you have exposed pipes, now is the time to take precautions to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Wrap vulnerable pipes with insulation or foam pipe covers, especially in areas like the basement, attic, or garage. You can also leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. If you plan to be away during the holidays, consider keeping the thermostat at a minimum of 55°F to prevent frozen pipes.
Know When to Call a Professional Plumber
Some plumbing issues can’t be fixed with a simple DIY fix. If you encounter any of the following problems during your holiday preparations, it’s time to call in a professional:
Major leaks that you can’t locate or stop
Sewer backups or unpleasant odors in your drains
Frozen pipes that are showing signs of damage
Clogged toilets or persistent drain blockages
Water heater problems such as inconsistent hot water supply
At Pride Plumbing of Rochester, our team is ready to provide fast and reliable service to ensure your home is ready for the holidays. Don’t wait—call us at the first sign of a plumbing issue to avoid a holiday disaster.