The holidays have arrived! Will you be enjoying the company of many family and friends this year? Will you be hosting the holiday dinner? Will guests be staying overnight? With all of the cooking and washing and showering (not to mention flushing!), the holidays can put quite a bit of stress on your plumbing. Many homeowners end up finding themselves with the need for an emergency plumber during the holidays and it couldn’t happen at a worse time! No one wants to be without functioning plumbing when a dozen guests are arriving for a festive evening. So, as an emergency plumber in St Paul, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you avoid the need to call. But, keep in mind that if your plumbing does require an emergency plumber, we are here to help!
Avoid Clogged Drains
Drains and pipes can handle a lot. But, many materials can really wreak havoc on them. Flushing or forcing materials down any drain can cause a clogged drain. Here is just a short list of the top foods that really stop up your drain:
- Egg shells
- Rice
- Pasta
- Grease
- Potato skins
- Banana peels
- Celery
- Coffee grounds
And, these are just the foods that don’t agree with piping. Here is a list of other items you should NEVER put down the drain or toilet:
- Baby wipes, napkins, feminine products
- Glue
- Kitty litter
- Gum
- Cotton balls and other cotton products
- And more
Avoid Frozen Pipes
Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing are those that are exposed to severe cold. For example, outdoor house bibs and water supply pipes in unheated interiors like basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces are most at-risk. Also, pipes that run against your exterior walls with little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
There are a few things you can do for your plumbing and pipes this holiday season. Another great tip is, after doing the dishes or preparing dinner, run hot water in your kitchen sink to make sure your drain is totally clear. You can also pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar every couple of days to keep them clear.
If you do find yourself in need of an emergency plumber in St Paul, call All Ways Drains at 612-922-9422 or contact us to get a Free Estimate.