With all the winter holidays right around the corner, you’re probably thinking about making sure your home is cleaned and decorated and your menu is perfect for your guests.
But if you’ve not considered how demanding the holiday season is on your plumbing system, you should take a few minutes to consider the shape of your pipes this season.
Thankfully, your Roanoke plumbing experts at Southern Trust Home Service are here with some tips to help you – and your plumbing – make it through the holidays.
Tune-up your water heater
If your water heater is getting on in age or hasn’t had a tune up in a while, a maintenance call is surely in order. After all, you don’t want your overnight guests to run out of hot water while they are visiting your home.
A maintenance visit will ensure that your water heater is in good working order and won’t conk out with the extra use.
On your own, you can also take a quick look to make sure it isn’t leaking or showing signs of corrosion. Check that the temperature is set at about 120 degrees Fahrenheit so that the water is warm enough for a relaxing shower but not so hot that it burns a child or other guest.
Clear out slow drains
If you have any sinks, tubs or showers in your home that have slow drains, make sure those drains are cleared before guests arrive. No one wants to stand in an inch of dirty water or have to wait an hour after the last person bathes before they can shower.
Try using a baking soda, vinegar and warm water rinse to both sanitize and clear minor clogs. If your clogs are bigger, a call to the plumber may be in order to make sure all your home’s pipes are ready to handle more showers, flushes and handwashing.
Get a plumbing inspection
If your Roanoke home is older, it may be a good idea to have the plumbing inspected before you host houseguests.
A professional plumbing inspection includes a check of your fixtures, supply lines, drains and any water filtration systems. The plumber will also take a close look at your shut-off valves and drain traps and may even use a camera to take a look at underground pipes+.
Let Southern Trust help you make your home perfect for your guests. Call us at (540) 264-3890 if you need a water heater tune-up, want your drains professional cleared or would like a complete plumbing inspection.
