The demands of the holiday season can be stressful enough without having the added headache of untimely plumbing issues! Below we have listed tips to help prepare your plumbing for an influx of guests.
Fix Your Smelly Drain
Don’t let a foul-smelling drain embarrass you in front of your family and friends this holiday season. There are a few different ways to eliminate that bad drain smell, so we have listed them from the most straightforward fixes to the most complicated ones:
If you find your drain stinks, first heat up a pot of water or vinegar to near-boiling, then pour half of the solution down the drain slowly. After waiting a few minutes, flush the pipe with cold water to cause whatever grime or slimy substance that is stuck in your drain to coagulate. Next, you will pour the rest of the hot water or vinegar down the drain to wash whatever is left away.
If hot water or vinegar doesn’t work, try running hot tap water for a few seconds. Once you turn off the water, dump one cup of baking soda down the drain, then quickly pour two cups of hot vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz for around one hour, flush the drain with hot tap water.
Cleaning your P-trap is a great way to eliminate any foul gunk that’s causing your sink to produce a smelly odor. While wearing rubber gloves, use a wrench to remove the curved piece of the plumbing beneath the sink. Throw out any water or debris that may be stuck in the trap. Then you want to take the P-trap outside and wash it out. Don’t forget to put the trap back before using the sink again.
If despite all your best efforts the smell persists, try contacting the experts at EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC to handle the problem.
Prevent Your Hot Water From Running Out
Cold showers are the worst, so before your guests come, it is best to be positive that your water heater is prepared for all the increased work it will be doing over the holidays.
Check out your water heater and make sure it is not leaking any fluids or making any unusual noises. If you find that your water heater is leaking or doesn’t work as well as it used to, it’s best to have a plumber perform a formal inspection.
Increasing your water heater’s temperature will ensure there is enough hot water for you, your family, and all your guests. If you’re going to turn up the heat, be careful not to set the temperature higher than 120 °F, or you could risk the water burning someone.
Clear Slow Drains
Slow drains are a nuisance on their own, but when you’re expecting guests, the issue can graduate from somewhat annoying to an actual problem. Clearing your drains will not only save you stress by ensuring that sinks, tubs, and showers are available whenever someone needs them, but it also helps prevent any overflow that could cause a mess.
If you find your drains are slow, start by attempting the first two drain clearing methods listed in the smelly drain section above. If those options don’t work, contact EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC’s expert technicians to remove whatever is obstructing your drain line.
If you act fast, you can even take advantage of EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC’s drain clearing special, where for just $69 you will receive a drain-clearing service, complete with a video inspection and a full 12-month warranty.
The experienced professionals at EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC can solve all your plumbing issues before the holidays. Call (480) 351-1820 to have your problems fixed fast.