5 Plumbing Tips to Get You Through The Holiday Season

The only thing worse than finding coal in your stocking on Christmas morning is to find a frozen pipe, overflowing toilet or clogged shower drain. 

It may be too late to go back and get on the nice list, but it’s not too late to check out a few plumbing tips so that you can avoid any plumbing emergencies this holiday season. 

1. Know What Foods Can Go Down The Disposal

You’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the kitchen this holiday season, from cooking holiday meals for family and friends to baking your infamous Christmas cookies. Because we know that things can get heated in the kitchen and sometimes you aren’t thinking straight, we want to remind you that not all foods are safe to put down the garbage disposal. Here’s a list of foods that should not go down the garbage disposal:

• Coffee Grounds
• Animal Boes
• Nuts and Shells
• Pits and Seeds
• Onion Layers
• Eggshells
• Pasta, Rice or Bread
• Fibrous or Stringy Fruits and Vegetables

2. Never Put Grease Down The Drain

You’ve heard this one before but grease should never go down your drain. As it cools, it will clog your drains and, because it is sticky in nature, will catch everything else you put down the drain. Instead, put the grease in an empty container to throw away later once it has cooled. 

3. Space Out Your Showers

No one likes to take a cold shower! If you are hosting family for the holidays, it’s a best practice to space showers out by 10-15 minutes. This not only gives the hot water time to replenish but it also allows the drain to clear out. With more people using the showers, the more hair and build-up that could potentially clog your drains. If your water heater isn’t doing the job anymore, give the team at NuBlue Plumbing a call for a water heater inspection or ask about our tankless water heaters.

4. Toilet Paper Only Please

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or having family spend the night for several days, a house rule that should always be followed is to only flush toilet paper and waste. Flushable wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, cotton swabs, make-up remover wipes or anything else for that matter are not flushing friendly. 

5. Make It Easy

Sometimes cr*p happens at the worst times. Your toilet might overflow. Your sewer line could bust. Your drains might get clogged. Your water heater might leak. It happens, and when it does, you can call the team at NuBlue Plumbing or book your appointment online. We’ll be there to put your mind at ease with all of your plumbing needs in no time.