'Tis the season to be jolly, but one thing can damper your holiday cheer: a plumbing disaster. Picture this: your family gathered around the dinner table, the aroma of a delicious feast filling the air, and suddenly, a burst pipe turns your kitchen into a water park. As horrifying as this scenario sounds, it's unfortunately all too common during the holiday season. 

But fear not, fellow homeowner, for I have 6 invaluable tips to ensure that a plumbing catastrophe does not ruin your celebrations. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and settle in, because this is one blog post you'll want to read from start to finish.

#1. Know Where to Locate the Shutoff Valve

The first step in mitigating any plumbing emergency is locating your home's shutoff valve. The shutoff valve is responsible for controlling the water supply to your entire house. By knowing where it is and how to turn it off, you can temporarily halt the problem and buy yourself some time to assess the situation and call a local emergency plumber.

Knowing the location of the shutoff valve is essential because every second counts in a plumbing emergency. It's not a task you want to be scrambling to figure out when water is flooding your home. The shutoff valve is typically located near the water meter or where the main water supply enters your property. It could be in the basement, crawlspace, utility room, or outside your house. Take the time to familiarize yourself with its whereabouts so you're prepared in case of an emergency.

Turning it off is relatively simple once you've found the shutoff valve. Most valves require a clockwise turn to close, but it's always a good idea to test it beforehand to ensure it operates smoothly. Remember, in an emergency, it's crucial to act swiftly, so knowing how to shut off the water supply quickly can make all the difference.

#2. Keep Your Home Warm

To avoid costly repairs and ensure a stress-free holiday season, it is crucial to keep your home warm. Not only will this keep your guests comfortable, but it will also prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

One of the simplest ways to keep your pipes warm during winter is by maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home. Setting your thermostat to 50°F (or higher) when you're away or on vacation can make a significant difference. Doing so keep the pipes warm enough to prevent water from freezing inside. This small step can save you from a potential plumbing disaster and the headache of dealing with burst pipes.

Frozen pipes can lead to extensive water damage, which can be financially and emotionally devastating. The cost of repairing burst pipes, not to mention the cleanup and restoration expenses, can quickly add up. Moreover, dealing with a plumbing emergency during the holiday season can be incredibly stressful, disrupting your festivities and causing unnecessary inconvenience.

#3. Use a Drain Strainer

Drain filters come in different styles and are easily available at kitchen supply stores, hardware stores, and even dollar stores. They are affordable and a small investment compared to the potential costs of a plumbing repair. With a drain strainer, you can avoid the hassle and expense of calling a plumber (from Rørleggervakten Stavanger) during the busiest time of the year.

One of the greatest advantages of using a drain strainer is the ease of maintenance. After each use, simply remove the strainer and clean it. You can easily dispose of any collected debris and rinse it under running water. This simple step keeps your drain strainer in optimal condition and ensures its effectiveness in preventing clogs.

So, don't let a plumbing disaster ruin your festivities this holiday season. Invest in a reliable drain strainer and enjoy knowing your sink is protected from unwanted clogs. With its affordability, ease of use, and maintenance, a drain strainer is a must-have tool for every household.

#4. Be Careful What You Flush Down Your Toilet

We've all been guilty of absentmindedly flushing items down the toilet that should never have made their way there in the first place. Diapers, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and even those oh-so-convenient wet wipes are all examples of items that should never be flushed down the toilet. Not only do these items cause clogs, but they can also lead to dreaded toilet backups.

Let's face it - nobody wants to deal with a clogged toilet, especially when you have a house full of guests during the holiday season. Imagine the embarrassment and inconvenience of a toilet overflowing while hosting a party or having family staying over. It's a plumbing nightmare that you want to avoid.

To prevent such plumbing disasters, following a few simple yet effective plumbing tips for your toilet is essential. Firstly, always have a sturdy waste bin within reach of your toilet. This will serve as a reminder to properly dispose of items like diapers, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and wet wipes. Remember, these items are better off in the waste bin than down your toilet.

#5. Never Overwhelm the Garbage Disposal

While the garbage disposal is an incredibly useful tool in our kitchens, capable of grinding up food waste and keeping our sinks clean, it is not invincible. Certain items should never be thrown down the garbage disposal, as they can damage the blades and lead to clogs and costly repairs. This is especially true during the holiday when we produce more food waste than usual.

One of the main culprits that can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal is kitchen scraps, such as bones. While it may seem convenient to dispose of leftover chicken or turkey bones down the sink, the blades of your garbage disposal are not designed to handle them. Bones are too hard and can dull or even break the blades, causing your disposal to malfunction or jam.

During the holiday season, when the demands on our kitchens peak, it's crucial to be mindful of what we put down the sink. Avoid overwhelming the garbage disposal with bones, stringy and starchy foods, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Following these guidelines and disposing of these items properly ensures a smoothly running kitchen and a stress-free holiday season.

#6. Prepare Your Garbage Disposal

All that festive cheer can quickly become a nightmare if your garbage disposal fails you. Plumbing disasters during this time of year can greatly inconvenience and damper your celebrations. But fear not; with a little preparation and simple maintenance, you can ensure your garbage disposal stays in top shape throughout the holiday season.

One of the most important things to remember is to always run cold water for 15 to 20 seconds through the disposal before and after throwing food scraps. This helps to flush out any residual waste and keeps the system clean. Additionally, checking if your garbage disposal is functioning properly before putting anything down the drain is essential. Look out for strange noises, leaks, or clogs that might indicate a problem. It's better to catch any issues early on and get them fixed before they escalate into a full-blown plumbing disaster.

In the end,

By implementing these six tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a plumbing disaster during the holiday season. Taking preventative measures such as insulating pipes, being mindful of what goes down the drain, and watching for warning signs can go a long way in protecting your home and ensuring a joyous and stress-free holiday season. 

Remember, a little bit of preparation and diligence can save you from the headache of dealing with a plumbing emergency and allow you to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones fully. So, follow these tips and let the holiday cheer flow freely without any unexpected waterworks!