Drain Issues During the Holidays

Holiday get-togethers are so much better if you don’t have a surprise drain issue or toilet clog to deal with. Or dealing with a kitchen sink back up that won’t drain when you’re trying to prepare a nice meal to enjoy? But you can’t predict when those things are going to happen . . . or can you?

This time of year, we have an increase in the number of customers calling with drain issues, mainly because everyone is using their drains more than usual. There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that can let you know there might be an issue with your drains.

WARNING SIGNS

1. SLOW DRAINS
   As things collect on the sides of a drain it makes it more and more difficult for water to be able to drain from it.
2. RECENT/FREQUENT BACKUPS
   If you are experiencing backups on a regular basis, you need to think about what the effect of having even more people in your house will have on those drains.
3. GARBAGE DISPOSAL STRUGGLES TO KEEP UP
   If your garbage disposal is having issues without the stress of preparing a larger holiday meal, it could choose Thanksgiving or Christmas to quit working all together. Don’t worry – there are some things you can do to decrease the chance of having a drain emergency this holiday season.

THINGS YOU CAN DO

1. SLOW DRAINS
   – Avoid trying to clear the line with chemicals. This is rarely a long term solution and can sometimes do more harm than good to your pipes.
   – However, you can take the pipes under your kitchen and/or bathroom sink apart and clean them out. This will get rid of the buildup that has accumulated over time and can solve many slow draining issues.
2. RECENT/FREQUENT BACKUPS
   – As strange as it might feel to talk to your house guests about how temperamental your toilet is –trust me, the conversation after the fact is way more uncomfortable.
   – You could invest in having a drain company come out and inspect your main sewer line. They can send a camera down the drain to see if there is a bigger issue.
   – Make sure to have a toilet plunger next to the toilet. Just FYI, a toilet plunger is the plunger that has a smaller opening at the bottom.
   NOTE: There are different kinds of plungers used for different purposes.
3. GARBAGE DISPOSAL STRUGGLES TO KEEP UP
   – Scrape as much food as possible off of plates and serving dishes into the garbage can instead of putting it down the disposal. Less food down the hatch = less chance for issues to occur.
   – Google what you should never put down a garbage disposal and follow recommendations for that.
   – Refresh yourself on how to fix or unjam your garbage disposal if it stops working
   – If your disposal is older and you’re handy, you could replace your old disposal and upgrade to one that is more powerful.
4. BONUS
   – If you have a “guest bathroom” that only gets used when guests come over, maybe switch it up and start using that bathroom to make sure there are no issues you’re unaware of.
   – Have the number of a plumber you trust on hand . . . just in case.

With these helpful tips, you can dramatically reduce your chances of having a drain emergency during the holiday season. However, sometimes even our best efforts aren’t enough to keep bad things from occurring. If you do find that you are in need of help with a drain issue in your home, Beacon Home Services and their professional plumbers are here to help! Call us at 571-470-5762 or easily schedule on our website – http:www.justcallbeacon.com.