July 11/2021

Common Holiday Plumbing Disasters

With summer in full swing, we can expect a lot more family get-togethers and barbeques. These good times can turn bad when a plumbing disaster strikes though. Luckily, the folks at Mr. Rooter Plumbing know a thing or two about common holiday plumbing disasters. We are always at your service when you need maintenance and repairs, but this article is dedicated to describing the causes of some common disasters and how you can reduce the risk. If you have any specific questions or concerns, or if you would like to hire a trained plumber, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a live representative.

Clogged Kitchen Sink

The rich and hearty food is often what makes a holiday dinner a HOLIDAY dinner. These rich and hearty foods come with plenty of fats, oils, and greases though, and you should be careful with the leftovers. Also known as FOG, fats, oils, and greases can be trouble for your plumbing system. Pouring used FOG down the drains should not be an option. They can harden in the drain line and cause blockages. Instead, keep these in a separate container until they cool, then throw it out in the trash.
This also applies to other scrap food including bones, fruit pits, fruit peels, pasta, and so forth. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it is best that you scrape leftovers in the trash or into a compost bin.

Overflowing Toilet

You know that the toilet is not a trash bin. That is why you only flush toilet paper, pee, and poo. You keep diapers, hygiene products, and even paper towels and tissue out of the toilet because you know these can clog the toilet, but do your guests know? Place a small trash can next to your toilets so guests won’t try to flush anything that does not belong in the toilet.
Unclogging the toilet is often quick but messy work. Even though the solution is simple, an overflowing toilet is gross to deal with.

Cold Shower

Cold showers are a great shock to get you ready for the day, but not everyone is a fan. When you have a house full of visitors, your hot water supply is naturally going to be strained as there is a spike in the number of showers, dishes to be washed, laundry to be cleaned, and so on.
So, consider scheduling your annual water heater inspection before the guests arrive. If you know how, you can also flush your water heater tank to remove any sediment buildup that can cause issues. The folks at Mr. Rooter Plumbing do offer water heater services. 

Overwhelmed Septic System

If you live in a rural area or off the grid, then you likely have a septic system installed in your property. With your household size temporarily spiking, there is a chance that your plumbing usage will be too much for the septic system to handle. Keeping this in mind, use your appliances, toilets, and showers responsibly. Stagger your usage to avoid overwhelming the septic system.