Why Plumbing Fixtures Need Extra Love & Care During the Holidays
During the holiday season, you may feel like you need a little extra pampering to make up for stressful days and busy schedules. But you aren't the only one who needs a little extra care this time of year - your plumbing does too! Here are some reasons why you should pay close attention to your plumbing fixtures during these festive winter months. We'll also discuss how to avoid over-stressing your plumbing system and possibly causing serious damage.
Cold Weather
In many parts of the country, including New York, frigid temperatures in the winter put plumbing fixtures at risk. When water freezes, it expands, and can cause pipes to burst. And when a pipe bursts, the water leakage can damage your floors, carpet, and furniture. That's why it is so important to have a New York plumbing supply specialist nearby to assist with necessary repairs. As a preventative measure, talk to a plumber before the temperatures get too cold to drain water from the system, add insulation, or perhaps relocate pipes if necessary.
Parties and House Guests
'Tis the season to be merry and social with parties and house guests. But if your plumbing is old or outdated, your guests could be in for an unpleasant surprise. The more people you have over to your home to celebrate, the more toilet flushes, showers, baths, and hand washings you have. Increased use can put a strain on your pipes and plumbing fixtures, especially if they are already weak and in need of repair. Unless all of your incoming houseguests are bald, you'll also likely have more hair in your drains around the holiday season. One of the most common causes of clogged drains is hair, but fats, oils and greases from food also cause problems. To handle clogs when they occur, have a plunger on hand and take action as soon as you notice water moving more slowly than normal.
Lots of Food
With the holidays comes delicious food and lots of cooking for all those extra guests. Garbage disposals are wonderful for getting rid of food scraps without stinking up your trash. However, there are some foods that your garbage disposal isn't able to handle well. This includes fibrous foods like artichokes and celery, as well as grease. Grease will transform from a liquid to a solid and clog up your drain. You should also avoid putting the following items down a garbage disposal to protect your plumbing: coffee grounds, eggshells, fruit pits, pasta, and bones. And it should go without saying that non-food items, like wrappers, should never be put down a garbage disposal. It's also important to put only small amounts of food scraps down a garbage disposal at once with the cool water running. In addition to pesky clogs, food that's not easily pulverized can damage the flywheel and shredder.
New York Plumbing Supply
For all your New York plumbing supply needs, contact Central Plumbing Specialties any time of the year. We offer top-notch heating and plumbing supplies, as well as generators, to make sure your holiday festivities go according to planned. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday season!