Hosting Guests for the Holidays? Here’s How to Get Your Plumbing Ready

The holiday season brings festive gatherings and extra guests staying at your home. But nothing dampens the holiday cheer like a sluggish shower, a toilet that won’t flush, or a sink that backs up mid-meal. A few proactive plumbing checks now can keep everything flowing smoothly so you can focus on making memories. Here are some suggestions on how to get your plumbing system ready for the season.

Boost Water Pressure for Busy Bathrooms

With multiple showers running back-to-back, low water pressure quickly becomes noticeable. Start by removing and cleaning faucet aerators and showerheads; mineral buildup from hard water is the usual culprit. Soak them in white vinegar for an hour, then scrub gently with a toothbrush. If pressure remains weak throughout the house, a pressure regulator or sediment filter may need adjustment—both quick fixes a pro can handle before your guests arrive.

Test every faucet while you’re at it. A single dripping tap can waste gallons overnight, and guests won’t hesitate to report the annoyance. Replacing worn washers takes minutes and prevents small leaks from turning into midnight emergencies.

Ensure Plenty of Hot Water on Demand

Nothing says “welcome” like a steaming shower after travel. Holiday cooking, dishwashing, and simultaneous showers can drain a standard tank in minutes. Check your water heater’s temperature—120°F is ideal for safety and efficiency. If the unit is over ten years old or struggles to keep up, consider scheduling a flush to remove sediment that reduces capacity.

Run the hot tap in the kitchen and a bathroom at the same time; if the stream weakens within a minute, the tank is undersized for the crowd. A quick call to schedule a capacity assessment now avoids cold surprises later.

Prevent Clogged Toilets and Showers Before the Rush

Extra toilet paper, “flushable” wipes, and accidental flushes of paper towels are the top holiday clog culprits. Keep a plunger in every bathroom and a friendly reminder sign: “Please flush only toilet paper.” Stock a small waste basket with liners so that guests have a place to dispose of items that shouldn’t go down the toilet.

There’s nothing worse than standing water in a shower drain. If you have a slow-draining shower, give us a call. For stubborn blockages, a professional hydro-jet clears the line without chemicals, leaving drains ready for the season.

Prep the Garbage Disposal for Feast Leftovers

Run cold water for 15 seconds before and after grinding, and feed food in small batches. Skip potato peels, starchy foods, bones, fibrous vegetables, and grease entirely; they can cause clogs or stop the garbage disposal from working. If the unit hums but doesn’t spin, press the reset button on the bottom. Persistent issues signal worn bearings—replace now to avoid a holiday breakdown.

A little preparation turns potential disasters into distant worries. Your guests will enjoy every comfort, and you’ll host with confidence.

Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis! Let Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric get your plumbing ready. Contact us today for a pre-holiday tune-up.