5 Essential Holiday Plumbing Tips

The holiday season is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and delicious meals. But with all the festivity comes extra stress on your home’s plumbing system. From running dishwashers to the occasional guest clogging up the wrong drain, your pipes have a lot to handle. Fortunately, with a bit of preparation, you can avoid plumbing disasters and enjoy the holidays stress-free. 

Here are five essential plumbing tips from Mick’s Plumbing and Heating team to keep your home running smoothly this season.

1. Check for Leaks Early

Before the holiday chaos begins, take the time to inspect your home for leaks. Check under sinks, around your water heater, and in your basement or crawl spaces for wet spots or dripping pipes. Even a tiny leak can become a significant issue when cooking, cleaning, and hosting guests, adding strain to your plumbing system. Fixing these leaks now will save you from dealing with bigger—and wetter—problems later.

2. Insulate Your Pipes

When temperatures drop, especially overnight, exposed pipes risk freezing and bursting. Burst pipes can lead to massive water damage and expensive repairs, which is the last thing you want during the holidays. Insulate pipes in cold areas like basements, attics, garages, or outdoor walls. Pipe insulators are affordable and easy to install, giving you peace of mind no matter how cold it gets.

3. Give Your Water Heater Some Love

Your water heater works hard year-round, but it’s under even more pressure during the holidays. Make sure it’s up to the task by performing routine maintenance. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, check the pressure relief valve, and ensure the thermostat is set to a safe but efficient temperature. If your water heater is old or struggling to keep up, it might be time to consider upgrading before the holidays hit full swing.

4. Mind What Goes Down the Drain

Holiday cooking can create a lot of mess—grease, food scraps, and other debris often end up in the sink. This is a recipe for clogged drains! Avoid problems by keeping fatty oils, coffee grounds, egg shells, and starchy foods like potato peels out of your drains. Use a strainer to catch food particles and scrape leftovers into the trash, not the garbage disposal. You can keep your plumbing clear and free-flowing by being mindful of what goes into your drains.

5. Know How to Shut Off the Water Supply

Even with the best preparations, plumbing emergencies can happen. If a pipe bursts or a leak turns into a flood, you must act fast. Homeowners should know where their main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it. Show other adults in your household as well, so you’re not the only one capable of stopping a water disaster in its tracks. Knowing this simple step can save you from extensive water damage and costly repairs.

Plumbing Services in Maryland

For all your plumbing maintenance needs, Mick’s Plumbing & Heating is the reliable and experienced choice. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, our team of skilled professionals is ready to address any plumbing issues with precision and expertise.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.