During the holidays, households spend a lot of time indoors and host big family gatherings. That can put a great deal of additional stress on your plumbing system. It’s no wonder, then, that the holidays are a time when homes are more prone to plumbing emergencies. Let’s explore the most common emergencies, what to watch for, and how to avoid them.
No Hot Water: Tank Water Heaters
Issues with hot water, including running out, are common during the holidays. Annual maintenance is important for all water heaters. For tank water heaters, that includes flushing the tank to remove all sediment and limescale. Your plumber will check the sacrificial anode rod and replace it as needed. The plumber will also monitor for odd sounds, unusual smells, and temperature fluctuations. As for usage, be mindful that you have a limited supply of water, and that recovery will take an hour at least. If you have many people staying over, it may help to coordinate showers. You can also avoid using dishwashers, washing machines, and so forth until later.
No Hot Water: Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters need annual maintenance too, but the details differ. The important service here is descaling. This is where our plumber uses a recirculating pump to run a vinegar-water solution through the system. Doing so removes limescale from valves, tubes, and other components. Watch for fluctuating temperatures and a lengthening hot water delay. As for usage, on-demand systems don’t have a limited capacity but do have a limited flow rate. The good news is that you can work around it by selectively using fixtures and appliances.
Low Water Pressure
Taxing your tankless water heater is one reason you may experience low water pressure during the holidays. There are other reasons too, and the best way to avoid them is to schedule an annual plumbing inspection. Common causes include a bad pressure regulator and limescale accumulation in the pipes. Monitor how you’re experiencing water pressure issues. If the low pressure is exclusive to hot water, that’s a water heater problem. If the problem occurs intermittently, it could just reflect a peak demand on your municipal water supply. If the problem is more persistent, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Leaks
Unexplained low water pressure could be a sign that you have a significant leak somewhere. You may even get a call from your water company that your usage is much higher than normal. Keep an eye out for any signs of excess moisture, including water damage, mildew, and mold. An annual inspection will help to spot most issues before a leak occurs. You can also invest in leak detection equipment that will alert you when a leak occurs. There are smart detectors that can send alerts, and some can even disable the water supply automatically.
Slow Drains
Minor drain issues can develop in major clogs that disrupt your holidays. Don’t overlook the signs that there’s a problem. Those include odd noises, unpleasant smells, slow drainage, and standing water. You can try plunging the problem. Do so lightly and only for a short period, as there’s a potential for further damage. If that doesn’t do the trick, call a plumber. Never resort to chemical plumbers.
Monitor for widespread issues as well. If you’re experiencing multiple slow drains, for instance, that can indicate a problem much deeper in the system. The problem may not be exclusive to your drains either. If there’s a sewer line blockage, you may experience gurgling toilets and fluctuating toilet water levels.
Backed-Up Toilets
Well-functioning toilets should handle the holidays without issue. Be careful with what you flush down your toilet. You may want to discard toilet paper in bins rather than in toilets. Installing bidets can make a big difference in how much toilet paper you use. Don’t ignore any warning signs. We’ve already mentioned gurgling and fluctuating water levels. Another sign is inefficient flushing. If you must flush more than once, it’s time to call a plumber.
Garbage Disposal Malfunctions
Garbage disposals are a great addition to any kitchen because they make cleanup easier. Many households do a lot of cooking during the holidays and that may lead to overusing your garbage disposal. If you haven’t had it serviced in a while, do so in advance of the holidays. Take extra care with the food items you put into the system, and call for a plumber if you experience:
- Unpleasant odors
- Frequent clogging
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Grinding and other noises
Appliance Malfunctions
Overuse during the holidays can lead to problems with your dishwasher and washing machine. Take care not to run these appliances for extended periods. Allow for breaks in between. Avoid overloading them, and with dishes, make sure to clean them well first.
Sump Pump Failure
Schedule annual maintenance for your primary and backup sump annually before the rainy season. That will help you avoid most problems. Still, always monitor for potential issues. Excessive vibration, loud noises, and irregular cycling are all serious warning signs. A float switch that keeps getting jammed isn’t normal. Watch for the drain line clogging and the circuit break tripping.
Frozen Pipes
Most of the plumbing in your home shouldn’t freeze if your heating system is working. On nights when there will be a freeze, open the cabinets underneath your sinks. The heating in the home should be enough to prevent freezing. If the power goes out, you can open the faucet at each sink ever so lightly. That drip should be enough to prevent the freezing. If you do experience a frozen pipe, our plumber can insulate it, so it doesn’t happen again in the future.
Burst Pipes
If you have a frozen pipe, open nearby fixtures to relieve pressure. Then, call a plumber right away. Our team can use heat and other measures to prevent the pipe from bursting. The other common reasons pipes burst include rust, other types of corrosion, and limescale. Annual inspections are the best way to avoid those problems. You should also monitor for discolored water and decreased water pressure.
Water Treatment Systems
The holidays can put a great deal of strain on water purification and softening systems. Schedule routine cleaning and maintenance in advance of any big gatherings. A main concern with such systems is capacity and the increased demand you may experience during the holidays. The flow rate of your water purifier may not be high enough. In that case, you may want to supplement your water supply with bottled water as a short-term solution. If demand exceeds your softener’s capacity, you may be able to activate the regeneration cycle strategically to keep up.
Local Plumbing Pros in Bellflower and Anaheim
Service All-Stars has locations in Bellflower and Anaheim, CA and serves homeowners throughout the surrounding regions. Our plumbers are available 24/7 for emergencies, including during the holidays, and pipe and repipe gas, water, and sewer lines. We specialize in camera inspections, trenchless repairs, tank and tankless water heaters, water purification, and much more. Furthermore, we have technicians who can install, maintain, and repair all ducted and ductless heating, cooling, and indoor air quality equipment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for plumbing services.
