During the holiday season, families spend a lot of time in the kitchen and host guests and relatives in their homes. In many cases, this change places more pressure on the home’s plumbing, which may result in needing an emergency plumber. A clogged toilet is the last thing anyone wants to deal with during the holidays. However, emergency plumbing issues seem to happen more frequently with guests using bathrooms in the home and larger amounts of food preparation that requires water.
Finding an emergency plumber to hire during the holidays can be more challenging and pricey than homeowners expect. To avoid a rushed, panic-induced choice, it is a good idea to find a plumber before they are necessary. Conducting research on each company’s pricing and emergency services can help maintain some peace of mind during the holiday season. The following plumbing emergencies are important to plan and prepare for.
Clogged drains
The most likely issue you will have to deal with over the holidays is a clogged drain. It often needs the assistance of a professional plumbing contractor to clear the obstruction. However, homeowners can take several other steps on their own to get rid of the clog or prevent it from taking place.
Sink clogs
Drain clogs in bathroom sinks can happen over time due to the accumulation of soap, hair bits, and fibers from towels inside the pipes. Clogs in kitchen sinks are often the result of too much food being flushed down the drain.
A sink plunger can be used to remove most clogs. Compared to a toilet plunger, the sink plunger is much smaller and has a different shape. Place the plunger over the hole in the sink’s drain. Ensure the water level is high enough to create a seal. Plunge the sink up and down while preserving a good seal, which will help dislodge the clog.
If that does not work, try pouring hot water down the drain. Hot water can assist in breaking up any soap scum or organic compounds in the clog. Mixing hot water and baking soda can also help unclog the drain.
Although pouring over-the-counter drain cleaning materials is tempting, most plumbers do not recommend it. The chemicals are potentially dangerous to the skin and can damage the pipes if overused or misused.
Toilet Clogs
If toilet clogs occur, the first line of defense is a plunger. This tool can also be used to get rid of clogs in the shower and bathtub.
When using a plunger, create a seal by filling the base with an inch of water before starting to plunge. If a plunger is ineffective, a drain auger might be a good alternative. Also known as a drain snake, an auger works by pushing into the drain to break up the clogs. An auger is unlikely to harm the pipes; however, they can scratch ceramics and porcelain, so be sure to be careful when breaking up clogs.
Call your local plumbing expert for advice on holiday plumbing emergencies. They can provide advice on preventing emergencies, and services when one inevitably occurs.
Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.