A Plumber’s Advice to Avoid a Thanksgiving Plumbing Disaster

Plumbing

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// Posted by Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc.

Hosting Thanksgiving can put a strain on your home’s plumbing, and with extra guests and holiday meals, plumbing problems often arise. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers—fun fact, Black Friday is the peak day for plumbing calls in America! Extra company, extra food, and more bathroom use can lead to unexpected issues. Here’s how to keep things flowing smoothly this season.

How Thanksgiving Affects Your Home’s Plumbing System

  • More toilet flushes than usual
  • Increased showers with more people in the house
  • Kitchens and sinks under pressure from fats and food scraps
  • Higher risk of toys or objects being flushed down the toilet

While you may be planning your holiday feast, be aware that plumbing issues can pop up and put a damper on your festivities. Here are some tips to prevent problems before they arise.

7 Tips to Avoid A Plumbing Disaster

  • Arm every bathroom: Keep a plunger in each bathroom to handle any emergencies.
  • Wipes are for the trash: Never flush wet wipes, even if they’re labeled as “flushable.”
  • Your garbage disposal is not a trash can: Dispose of food waste in the trash, not in the disposal (and make sure to run it with cold water if you do use it).
  • No grease down the drain: Collect fats, oils, and grease in a jar for proper disposal—never pour them down the sink.
  • Strainers save your sink: Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and prevent clogs.
  • Wait to use your dishwasher: Don’t run the dishwasher while the garbage disposal is on.
  • Put a plumber on speed dial: Have Eco Heating and Air’s number ready for emergencies. Call early for faster service.

Kitchen Plumbing Tips
Certain foods should never go down your garbage disposal, as they can damage it or clog your pipes. Avoid putting these items in the drain:

  • Eggshells
  • Bones
  • Pasta, rice, or coffee grounds
  • Celery, potatoes, carrots, and onions
  • Grease, oil, and fat

Bathroom Plumbing Tips
With more guests, especially kids, using your bathrooms, there’s a chance for some plumbing mishaps. Here’s what you can do to prevent them:

  • Set a 15-minute shower rule: Make sure there’s enough time between showers for hot water to replenish and for drains to clear.
  • Teach kids proper toilet habits: Ensure kids understand that only toilet paper should be flushed, not wipes or paper towels.

A Plumber’s Best Advice Before Thanksgiving Day
Before the holiday rush begins, test your bathrooms and showers. If you notice any plumbing issues, call Eco Heating and Air today. The sooner you address the problem, the less chance of a plumbing disaster during the holidays. For extra peace of mind, consider scheduling a pre-Thanksgiving plumbing inspection.

Thanksgiving Day Plumbing Emergency
At Eco Heating and Air, we understand that plumbing emergencies don’t take holidays. If you find yourself in a pinch this Thanksgiving or Black Friday, don’t hesitate to call us for 24/7 emergency service.

Get All-Year Home Comfort with Eco Heating and Air
With our VIP Maintenance Program, you’ll receive seasonal maintenance for your plumbing and heating systems. Plus, you’ll enjoy priority scheduling and no extra fees for emergency or weekend service.

Conclusion
Keep your plumbing in tip-top shape this holiday season with simple preventive steps and professional help. If you need plumbing services, Eco Heating and Air, the fastest in town since 1982, is here to make sure your Thanksgiving is smooth and worry-free. Contact us today!

Electric Heat pump outside
About Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc.
Residential and light commercial heating, cooling, air quality, and plumbing are specialties at Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc. We provide home and business owners in Oak Ridge, TN and surrounding areas free estimates, service of all makes and models, and trusted solutions to everyday requirements.

We are an eco-friendly, award-winning company and uphold Better Business Bureau accreditation. Our team of professionals is NATE-certified, drug-free, and dedicated to earning your approval and loyalty.

FAQ

What are the signs that your home needs plumbing maintenance?

Look out for slow drains, discolored water, and low water pressure. Also, watch for hidden water leaks, high water bills, noisy pipes, smelly drains, and a wobbly toilet.

FAQ

What are the common causes of a clogged toilet?

Clogged toilets often happen because of too much toilet paper, flushing toys or feminine products, or hair buildup.

FAQ

What is plumbing winterization and why is it important?

Winterizing your home's plumbing means getting it ready for cold weather. It helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This saves you from the damage and costs of leaks and pipe bursts.

How can slow drains indicate a deeper plumbing problem?

Slow drains might just mean a clog. But if many drains are slow, it could be a big issue. This could lead to water damage or sewage backup if not fixed.

What are the potential consequences of ignoring a clogged toilet?

Ignoring a clogged toilet can cause sewage backup, water damage, and health risks from dirty conditions.

What are the risks of frozen pipes?

Freezing water expands and can burst your pipes. This can cut off your water supply. A burst pipe can also flood your home with hundreds of gallons of water, causing big damage.

What does discolored water say about your home's plumbing?

Discolored water, like yellow, green, or brown, means your pipes might be rusting. This can cause leaks and burst pipes if not fixed.

How can I effectively use a plunger to unclog a toilet?

To unclog a toilet with a plunger, first soak the plunger head in hot water. Then, press it tightly over the drain. Push and pull the plunger quickly to clear the blockage.

What are the steps to winterize interior plumbing?

Start by turning off the main water valve. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and add antifreeze to drains. Set your water heater to the lowest setting or 'vacation mode' to prevent freezing.

Keep your thermostat at least 55°F. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air in. This helps protect your pipes from freezing.

How can low water pressure reveal hidden plumbing faults?

Low water pressure can come from many things. This includes faulty fixtures, clogged pipes, closed valves, or corrosion. A professional should check it out.

What are the signs that indicate it's time to call a professional plumber for a clogged toilet?

Call a plumber if the plunger doesn't work, the toilet overflows with sewage, or if many fixtures are clogged.

What are the steps to winterize exterior plumbing?

First, shut off the valves to the outside water supply. Then, open all outdoor faucets to drain the water. Disconnect and store garden hoses to prevent freezing.

Clean out gutters and downspouts to stop ice buildup. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior to keep drafts out.

What are the signs of hidden water leaks in your home?

Hidden leaks can show as bubbling or peeling paint. You might also see wet stains on walls and ceilings. This means the leak is getting worse and harming your home's structure.

What if the standard plunger isn't successful in unclogging the toilet?

If a plunger doesn't clear the clog, it means the blockage is serious. Try using a toilet auger or snake. If that fails, call a plumber.

How do you insulate pipes for winter?

Use foam pipe insulation sleeves to cover your pipes. This keeps heat in and cold out. Wrap pipes in insulation, especially in areas without insulation, to prevent freezing.

How can an unexpectedly high water bill signal a plumbing leak?

A high water bill without a clear reason means there might be a leak. Fixing it quickly can prevent a lot of water damage.

What should I do if the toilet is overflowing or there is a sewage backup?

An overflowing toilet or sewage backup is an emergency. Call a professional plumber right away. Don't try to fix it yourself.

How do you seal air leaks and drafts to protect plumbing?

Close any openings in your home to keep cold air out. Seal crawl space vents and doors, and plug other gaps. Use caulking or spray foam to fill cracks around pipes and foundations.

Weatherstrip doors and windows, and seal around chimneys and vents. This improves energy efficiency and keeps your pipes safe.

What do noisy pipes indicate about your plumbing system?

Noisy pipes, like crackling or gurgling, suggest a problem. This could be trapped air, high pressure, clogged drains, or worn-out parts. A pro should take a look.

What if a foreign object has been flushed down the toilet?

If something like toys or jewelry has been flushed, use a plumber's snake or auger to get it out. Trying to remove it yourself can cause more damage. Call a plumber for help.

How do you properly drain a home's water system for winterization?

First, turn off your home's main water supply. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and run appliances to empty the system. This prevents water from freezing and damaging your plumbing.

If you have a hot water tank, follow the manufacturer's instructions to drain it safely. This helps prevent any issues during the winter.

When do smelly drains warrant a professional plumbing inspection?

Bad smells from drains mean there's likely a blockage or a broken sewer pipe. A pro needs to check it out to find and fix the issue.

What if multiple fixtures in the home are clogged or experiencing issues?

If many fixtures are clogged, it might be a sewer line or plumbing system problem. Call a professional plumber to find and fix the issue.

What role do thermostats and cabinets play in winterizing plumbing?

Keep your thermostat at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes. This helps protect them from freezing temperatures.

How can a wobbling toilet be a sign of plumbing maintenance needs?

A wobbly toilet might just need loose bolts. But if it's still unstable after tightening, it could mean a broken seal around the drain. This lets water leak into the floor and cause damage.

What if I notice foul odors coming from a clogged toilet?

Bad smells from a clogged toilet mean there's a serious sewer line blockage. These gases can be harmful to your health. Call a plumber to fix it.

How do you winterize plumbing in mobile or manufactured homes?

Mobile homes need special care to prevent frozen pipes. Insulate all accessible pipes and seal any gaps. Consider using heat tape or cable for extra protection.

Why is regular plumbing maintenance important?

Keeping up with plumbing maintenance can catch problems early. This saves you money and prevents water damage later on.

What if I'm repeatedly dealing with clogged toilets?

Repeated clogs suggest a bigger plumbing issue. It could be old pipes, a faulty toilet, or drainage problems. Have a professional plumber check and fix your plumbing system.

When should you hire a professional for plumbing winterization?

If you're not sure how to winterize your plumbing, hire a professional. A skilled plumber can check your home and make sure everything is ready for winter.

Electric Heat pump outside
About Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc.
Residential and light commercial heating, cooling, air quality, and plumbing are specialties at Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc. We provide home and business owners in Oak Ridge, TN and surrounding areas free estimates, service of all makes and models, and trusted solutions to everyday requirements.

We are an eco-friendly, award-winning company and uphold Better Business Bureau accreditation. Our team of professionals is NATE-certified, drug-free, and dedicated to earning your approval and loyalty.

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