Hosting family and friends can be stressful if your plumbing isn’t up to par. No one wants to deal with clogged drains or leaks during a gathering. Now is a good time to prevent these problems before they disrupt your guests. Here are seven hidden plumbing trouble spots to check before your guests arrive, so you can avoid last-minute headaches.
Most Common Plumbing Disasters
Even small plumbing problems can quickly become big headaches, especially when your home is full of people. Clogged drains and toilets are the most common issues, usually caused by extra use and putting the wrong things down the drain. With more guests, your plumbing has to work harder and is more likely to get blocked or break down.
Garbage disposals can also have trouble during long cooking sessions. Putting too many food scraps in at once can cause jams or make them stop working. Water heaters can also fail, which could leave you and your guests with cold showers—something everyone wants to avoid.
The extra use your plumbing gets during the holidays can reveal problems you didn’t know about, so it’s smart to check for issues ahead of time. By looking out for these common problems now, you can keep your home comfortable and avoid stress, making sure your celebrations run smoothly.
Kitchen + Bathroom Overload
The kitchen and bathroom are the busiest rooms in the house, which means there’s a higher chance of plumbing problems. Cooking in the kitchen can lead to clogged drains from oils and food scraps. To help prevent this, don’t pour grease down the sink and use strainers to catch food bits.
In the bathroom, increased toilet flushes and shower use can lead to plumbing stress. Encourage guests to dispose of hygiene products in the trash rather than flushing them to prevent blockages. These simple steps can help keep your plumbing in top shape.
Home Guest Prep Checklist
It’s a good idea to get ahead of plumbing problems before they arise. Here’s a checklist to help you get your home ready for guests:
1. Inspect and Clean Drains
Check your drains often to see if water is draining slowly. You can use baking soda and vinegar to clear small clogs, and a drain snake for tougher ones. Clear drains help keep your guests comfortable.
2. Test Water Pressure
Use a gauge on an outdoor faucet to check your water pressure. It should be between 40 and 60 psi. Low pressure could mean there’s a leak, and high pressure can put stress on your pipes. Adjust the pressure regulator or call a professional if you need help.
3. Check Water Heater Functionality
Ensure your water heater functions properly by checking for leaks or unusual noises. Flushing the tank removes sediment that can affect performance. If your heater is over ten years old, consider having a professional check it to prevent unexpected issues.
4. Inspect Toilets for Leaks
Add food coloring to the toilet tank to inspect for leaks. If the color shows up in the bowl within 30 minutes, there’s a leak. Replacing the flapper or adjusting the fill valve can often fix this quickly, preventing water waste.
Pro Help vs DIY Fixes
You can fix many plumbing problems yourself, but some need a professional. If you have clogs that won’t go away, water pressure that changes for no reason, or problems with your water heater, it’s best to call a plumber. Getting plumbing help early can stop small problems from turning into big ones and save you time and stress.
Address Plumbing Fail Points
Addressing these plumbing concerns ahead of time ensures a happy guest-hosting experience. Preemptive checks and maintenance protect your home and reputation, making guests feel welcome and safe. Taking these steps now allows you to focus on creating memories instead of managing mishaps. For professional help, visit 1-800-Plumber +Air to find a local expert who can prepare your home.
Photo Credit: Studio Romantic