Plumbing Horror Stories: Tales from the Toilet

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations. Whether you're hosting a small dinner party or a large family gathering, making sure your home is ready for guests is key to enjoying the season. One aspect that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of holiday prep is the plumbing. With extra guests, cooking, and festivities, your plumbing system will likely face more stress than usual. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can avoid any plumbing disasters and ensure your home is ready for a smooth holiday season. 1. Inspect Your Plumbing System Before the holiday rush kicks into full gear, it's a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your home's plumbing system. An annual inspection can identify any potential issues, like small leaks, clogged drains, or outdated pipes, that could cause problems down the road. Key areas to check include: Water Pressure : Low water pressure can be an annoyance when multiple people are using faucets and showers. Water Heater : Make sure your water heater is in good working condition and capable of handling the demand for hot water. If you’re expecting lots of guests, consider turning up the thermostat on your water heater for a few weeks (just be sure it's not too hot, as it can scald). Pipes and Hoses : Look for any exposed pipes, especially those in the attic, basement, or crawl space, which can freeze in cold weather. If you notice any signs of damage, it’s worth getting these fixed before the weather gets colder. 2. Clear Out Clogged Drains Before Guests Arrive Clogged drains can cause headaches during the holidays, especially with extra food waste and bathroom use. If you’ve noticed slow-draining sinks or showers, now is the time to address the problem. Kitchen Drains : Fat, grease and food scraps are the usual culprits in kitchen sink clogs. To prevent issues, use a sink strainer to catch any debris. Avoid pouring grease down the drain, and remind guests to throw food scraps in the trash rather than rinsing them down the sink. Bathroom Drains : Hair is often the main cause of clogs in bathroom drains. Regularly clean your bathroom sink, shower, and tub drains to prevent blockages. You can also use a drain snake to remove any buildup. If you don’t want to deal with plungers or chemicals, consider calling a plumber to do a more thorough cleaning. 3. Test Your Toilets Toilets can be a major source of stress when entertaining guests. Nothing is worse than a toilet that won’t flush or overflows during a party. To prevent this, give each toilet in your home a thorough test run in the days leading up to your gathering. Flushing Test : Flush each toilet a few times to ensure it’s working properly. If you notice weak flushing or a toilet that takes too long to refill, there could be an underlying issue. Check for Leaks : Look around the base of the toilet for signs of leaks or water damage. A leaky toilet can cause water damage to your floor, and that’s the last thing you want to deal with during the holidays. Plunger Ready : Keep a plunger in easy reach in each bathroom just in case. You don’t want to be scrambling for a plunger when the inevitable happens. 4. Unclog the Garbage Disposal The kitchen garbage disposal works hard during holiday cooking, so it’s important to give it some attention before you begin preparing your big meals. Check for Obstructions : If your disposal is making strange noises or not grinding food efficiently, it may be clogged. You can often clear minor blockages by using the disposal’s reset button or using tongs to remove large objects. Clean the Disposal : A stinky garbage disposal can sour the holiday mood. To freshen it up, run cold water through the disposal and then add some ice cubes. You can also use a little bit of baking soda and vinegar to clean and deodorize. Be Mindful of What Goes Down : As you prepare meals, remind guests (or yourself) not to put fibrous vegetables, bones, grease, or large amounts of food scraps down the garbage disposal. 5. Prepare for Extra Laundry Loads If you’re having overnight guests, that often means more laundry. Ensure your washing machine and dryer are ready for the extra load of towels, bedding, and clothes that may pile up during your holiday festivities. Check for Leaks : Inspect the hoses connected to your washing machine for any signs of wear or leaks. A burst hose could flood your laundry room, so replacing old hoses with newer, more durable versions can save you a lot of headaches. Lint Traps : Clean out the lint traps in your dryer to prevent potential fire hazards. Consider having your dryer vent cleaned as well to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. 6. Have Emergency Plumbing Supplies on Hand It's always wise to be prepared for plumbing issues that may pop up unexpectedly during a holiday gathering. Having the right tools and supplies on hand can help you tackle minor problems before they become major headaches. Plunger : Keep a plunger in the bathroom, especially near the toilet. Drain Snake : A small hand-held drain snake can help clear minor clogs. Cleaning Supplies : Stock up on drain cleaners, but use them sparingly—natural options like baking soda and vinegar are often gentler on your pipes. Towels and Rags : Have plenty of towels or old rags available to clean up small leaks or spills. Preparing your house and plumbing for holiday entertaining takes a little effort up front, but it can save you from stress and mishaps when your home is full of guests. By inspecting your plumbing, addressing potential issues before they escalate, and keeping your plumbing systems clean and in working order, you can focus on what really matters during the holidays—making memories with loved ones. If you want to book an inspection or general service with us to prepare for the holidays ahead, please call us at (615) 708-5742!

As a homeowner with a septic system, knowing its location is crucial for proper maintenance and preventing costly issues. Whether you're new to your home or need to find the septic tank for routine care, this guide will help you locate it quickly. Why Knowing Your Septic System's Location Matters Understanding where your septic system is located helps with: Routine Maintenance: Septic systems need regular inspections and pumping. Damage Prevention: Avoiding accidental damage by knowing where not to drive or plant trees. Regulatory Compliance: Some local laws require knowledge of your septic system’s layout. How to Find Your Septic System Check Property Records: Look for site plans in your property records, often available from your local health department or building authority. Look for Yard Clues: Raised or Sunken Areas: The tank might be buried under a slight mound or depression. Greener Grass: The area above the tank or drain field may be more lush due to moisture. Sewer Pipe Exit: Inside your home, find where the sewer line exits; the septic tank is usually in line with this point. Use a Soil Probe: Probe the ground where you suspect the tank is, about every 2 feet. You'll hit the tank when the probe meets solid resistance 1 to 3 feet down. Follow Drain Field Lines: Look for small, vent-like pipes in the yard, which can indicate the location of drain field lines and the septic system. Consult a Professional: If you're unable to locate the septic system, consider hiring a professional with specialized equipment. Septic System Maintenance Tips Pump Regularly: Pump the tank every 3 to 5 years. Avoid Flushing Harmful Items: Keep wipes, feminine hygiene products, and grease out of your drains. Conserve Water: Spread out water usage to prevent overloading the system. Protect the Drain Field: Avoid planting deep-rooted trees or parking vehicles over it. Finding and maintaining your septic system is essential for keeping your home's plumbing in good working order. By following these steps, you can locate your system and ensure it functions efficiently for years to come. Regular maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your septic system. Take the first step today by locating your septic system and scheduling routine inspections. Your home will thank you! If you need septic services, reach out to us! We now have a septic side to our business and would be happy to help! Contact our septic line at (615) 924-6732 today for more information and to get on the schedule.