It’s that time of year again, time for holiday festivities and the guests that come with it. With extra company also comes extra joy, but also extra cooking and cleaning. Higher plumbing use can put a strain on your home’s pipes — more showers, more dishes and more laundry. Most people don’t think about the laundry room when it comes to plumbing risks, but it’s just as important as the kitchen sink.
Open your house to all your company, but keep an eye on the hard work that happens in the laundry room. Here are some tips to help you get through the holidays without a laundry room catastrophe.
Check your hoses – Washing machine hoses are usually made of rubber which is prone to drying out and cracking. Cracked hoses cause leaks, and leaks will certainly put a damper on your holidays. If you notice rotting or cracking, replace the hose immediately. It’s a good idea to replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones; they last longer and are more resistant to leaks.
Use strainers – Strainers in the drains and hoses will prevent debris from clogging up the works. Clean out the strainers regularly, especially when you’re running loads more frequently. Using a drain cleaner once a month is highly recommended.
Check the pipes – Many laundry rooms have sinks in them, and they need maintenance too. Check the pipes for clogs and leaks to avoid disaster.
Only run full loads – Running your washer only when the load is full will help prevent excessive water usage and potential leaking and flooding. As a bonus, you’ll also save on your water bill.
Stop sewer gasses – Sewer gasses can back up into your home through your laundry sink drain. You can prevent this stench by pouring a bucket of hot water down the drain periodically. This will keep the trap seal full so that gasses can’t get through.
Install a flood alarm – A flood alarm is a great warning system to have in place. It will alert you to water overflow before it becomes a huge problem.
Prevent Scalding – Make sure that the temperature setting on your water heater is set properly. It should not be above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. On older water heater models, the maximum setting should be medium. This will also conserve energy and help keep your water bill from sky rocketing.
Replace a worn out machine – An efficient front-load model can help you conserve energy, use less water, and save money. Using less water means less risk of flooding.
Don’t put off regular maintenance – Avoid major plumbing issues with regular upkeep. Hiring a professional to come out and check your lines seasonally is always a great idea.
If disaster should strike during the busy holiday season and you experience leaks or flooding, call for help right away. Eco Plumbers is happy to assist with all your plumbing needs, even during the holidays. Give our friendly experts a call with any questions, concerns, or schedule a free-in-home inspection before your guests arrive.
