The table is set, the drinks poured– it’s shaping up to be a picture perfect dinner. And that’s when the toilet overflows.

If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, you know how easy it is for a plumbing disaster to put a damper on a perfectly good meal (Frozen pipes at Christmas dinner? A clogged drain during a summer BBQ? Leaky pipes on Thanksgiving? No, thank you.). Thankfully there are helpful tips and tricks you can do to help get your drain unclogged if you ever have to deal with that issue. Alternatively, if you want to get in touch with a plumbing service, you can check here for more details.

So, from our family to yours, we’ve compiled 12 handy tips to avoid those plumbing-related calamities, but should you find yourself in desparate need of a plumber then click here https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-scoresby/ as these guys are sure to be able to help.

Here’s our 12 handy tips for you to try out at home:

Kitchen Woes

Of course, we all know there are certain things that can quickly lead to a backed up sink – food waste like starchy vegetables, cooking oils and coffee grounds, just to name a few. But when you’ve got guests in town and you’re cooking up a feast, things happen.

Here are some preventative measures you can take before the sink backs up:

• Encourage your guests to flip on the garbage disposal prior to adding food waste.
• Let the water run 10-15 seconds before and after using the disposal – this helps food make its way down to the main line.
• If you are really motivated, print out a list of what not to put down the disposal and hang it near the sink.

Like we said before, with a houseful of merry holiday-goers, mistakes sometimes happen. If you do end up with a clogged kitchen sink, don’t panic. Try a few of these tips before calling an emergency plumber:

• If your garbage disposal is backed up, allow the sink to drain completely (this may take a while if it’s really backed up). Then, put some ice cubes in the disposal, run some cold water and turn the disposal on. Ice cubes are very abrasive and may help to break up the mess.
• A sink plunger (similar to a toilet plunger but smaller, with a slightly different shape) may be able to get your sink unclogged. Use it just as you would a regular plunger, positioning it over the disposal.
• Try pouring hot (almost boiling) water down the sink (be careful of splatters!).

Bathroom Woes

• If possible, ask your guests not to flush any garbage down the toilet, such as paper towels, sanitary napkins or baby wipes.
• Don’t forget the plunger! Most minor toilet clogs can be fixed with your standard plunger. A toilet plunger can also work well to fix shower clogs and bathroom sinks.
• Hair, buildup and other nasty stuff can easily stop up your shower drains, especially when there are lots of visitors, so invest in a drain auger (also known as a “snake”). A snake is composed of a bendable cable that can reach down into the drain and get rid of the clog.
• To fix bad shower pressure, try this trick. Fill a shower cap or plastic bag with a cup of vinegar, place it over your shower head, soak and secure with a large rubber band. Leave it overnight; in the morning, scrub off the mineral deposits on the surface of the shower head.
• If a number of people will be showering at your home, ask guests to take turns throughout the day, leaving at least 15 minutes in between showers.
• To avoid the infamous cold shower, turn your water heater up a little warmer than usual. Just be sure to keep it under 125 degrees, or else you may endanger your guests.

Unless you live in a tropical climate like Miami or a desert climate like Phoenix, don’t forget about freezing pipes. Be sure to unhook your hose and other outdoor water sources and if you are going away, keep your house heated to at least 55 degrees.

So, instead of getting mad at Uncle Moe for putting a quart of potato peels down the disposal, try these tips for ensuring a woe-free holiday this year. And if all else fails, or for more serious plumbing problems, make sure you have the number of a trusted and experienced plumber that offers emergency services.

About the Author

Natalie McCatty is a professional blogger for Moon Valley Plumbing, the honest and affordable Arizona plumber glendale company serving families and commercial clients across the Phoenix Valley, with sewer, drain and water heater services; because everyone needs a good plumber. Read more on their blog or follow them on Facebook