The holiday season is all about joy, celebration, and gingerbread cookies—not blocked drains! Unfortunately, with all the extra cooking, hosting guests, and unpredictable weather, your drainage system can face some serious challenges.
Understanding what causes blocked drains during this festive time can help you prevent them and keep the Grinch away from your plumbing.
Why the Holiday Season Puts Your Drains at Risk
If you’re hosting a family this holiday season, you may find that the increased activity leads to more water, food, and waste entering your system.
With so much going on, little thought is given to what goes down your drain. Tossing food waste, grease and cooking oil down your kitchen sink inevitably leads to these substances solidifying or getting stuck in your system, causing severe drain clogs.
You’ll also need to consider the weather, as seasonal changes can impact your plumbing system. Heavy rain and high winds can cause leaves, mulch, mud, and branches to get washed into or blown into your drains, leading to blockages.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Drainage System
A clogged drain during the holiday season (or anytime really) can be a bit of a downer. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure when you have a home filled with cooking, cleaning and endless holiday guests.
Here are a few tips to keep your plumbing system in tip top shape during the holiday season:
Kitchen Drains
To keep your holidays running smoothly, proper disposal of kitchen waste is key. Always dispose of excess grease, fats, and oils in the trash, as these materials can harden and clog your drainage system. Use a sink strainer to catch rogue food particles, stopping them from sneaking into your drain. For an added layer of protection, rinse your sink with hot water and a natural cleaning solution after heavy use. This simple habit helps prevent grease buildup and keeps your drains fresh and odour-free!
Bathroom Drains
Having guests over during the holiday season means excessive use of the bathroom. This can lead to more hair and flushing, affecting your drainage system. When it comes to your bathroom, hair is one of the most common causes of a blocked drain. Over time, it can accumulate and lead to stubborn blocks, which you may need to deal with well beyond the holiday season. A great solution to help avoid this headache is by installing affordable hair catchers and drain screens to trap hair before it enters the pipes.
Unfortunately, flushing cannot be avoided when you have guests over. However, there are a few proactive steps you can take! Avoid flushing items such as wipes, cotton pads, and excessive toilet paper, as this can become difficult to break down and may lead to significant blocks in your sewer line. No matter the time of year, only flush toilet paper and dispose of other items via a bin to avoid unnecessary clogs.
Outdoor Drains
With so much focus on what’s happening inside the home, it’s easy to adopt an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to outdoor drains. However, heavy rain, snowfall, and strong winds can take a toll on your plumbing system. Debris, leaves, and branches can clog gutters and outdoor drains, leading to water backup and potential damage. Use a hose or pressure washer to flush out sediment and ensure free water flow. Root intrusion can also be detrimental to your system, so make sure you cut back trees and shrubs to help reduce the risk of this.
Your Holiday Stress-Free with These Preventative Services
By taking proactive steps to maintain your drainage system,you can avoid costly repairs and unnecessary disruptions to your holiday schedule.
A Professional Drain Inspection: This is a great way to check for potential issues like blockages, cracks or slow drainage. Catching these problems early means you won’t have it snowball into a major issue down the line.
Drain Cleaning Service: A thorough cleaning of your home’s drains and pipes can help remove debris and sediment build-up. Our high-pressure drain jetting provides a convenient solution for free-flowing drains this holiday season!
Keep The Holiday Cheer Flowing
The holidays are a busy time and the last thing you want to be dealing with is a blocked drain. Clearpath Drainage helps you avoid nasty plumbing disasters with drainage inspections and cleaning that ensures your system is well-maintained.
Enjoy a worry-free festive season and contact us today!
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