Ok, here it comes. The holidays are upon us and it is already stressful without having to deal with a plumbing emergency. But fear not. If you happen to hit a seasonal snafu, here are some ways to handle problems before you have to call a plumber.

Clogged toilet: When your toilet is clogged, do not try to flush it again, this can cause it to overflow. 

1. If the toilet is overflowing, turn off the water coming into the toilet by turning the shut off valve located behind the toilet and attached to the wall. This will stop the flow of water into the toilet and stop the over flow. 
2. Next, get a plunger and start plunging. A flange plunger works best because it creates a better seal. Make sure there is a good seal, then plunge forcefully up to 10 times. This should clear the problem. Repeat this process if it doesn’t unclog.
3. Use some old towels to clean up any mess on the floor. 

If you’re lucky, the clog will unjam and the water will drain quickly and it’s a fairly painless fix! If the clog persists, you may have a bigger issue.

Fixing a garbage disposal backup:

1. First turn off the power to the garbage disposal; go to the electrical breaker box to turn off the power. 
2. Use a flashlight to see any debris that may be stuck in the drain, then remove the debris with tongs (never put your hand down the drain). 
3. Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. Look for a small, red or black reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit and press it firmly. 
4. Turn the power back on, and see if this fixed the problem.  
5. If it is still clogged, turn the power off again. Then manually rotate the blades with an allen wrench: find the hexagonal socket on the underside of the disposal and insert an Allen wrench and rotate back and forth. This should clear whatever is jammed in there and free the impellers. Impellers are a pair of metal lugs that are mounted on a spinning plate (they are not the blades).
6. If it is still clogged, see below.

Clogged sink:

1.  Use a sink plunger to dislodge the blockage. Place it over the sink drain to create a good seal and place a towel or stopper over the other sink drain if you have a double sink to create suction.
2. Use vinegar and baking soda to help clear the drain. Pour baking soda (½ cup) into the drain, then add white vinegar (1 cup) to let the mixture fizz. Let the mixture sit for about 20-30 minutes to break down the clog. Then add boiling water down the drain to flush the clogged materials out. 
3. If the problem persists, check the P-trap. The P-trap is the u-shaped pipe under your sink. Place a bucket under the pipe and loosen the slip nuts to remove the trap and check for blockages. Clean it out and reassemble the plumbing, then run cold water to flush it out.

If these fixes don’t cure your plumbing ailments, then you’ll have to call in a plumber to deal with whatever bigger issue is lurking underneath the surface. Tony’s Plumbing and Heating is here to help, even if it is after hours. Give us a ring and we can get your holidays back on track.

The holiday season is all about getting together with family, enjoying big meals, and having a good time, but it can be rough on your plumbing! After all the celebrations, you might find yourself dealing with clogged drains and water heaters that can't keep up. It's definitely a hassle to handle these plumbing problems after the festivities. Fortunately, most of the problems can be prevented or quickly resolved with a bit of know-how. Here's how to tackle common post-holiday plumbing issues and keep your system in top shape as we start the new year.

Overloaded Garbage Disposal: Clogged Drains from Holiday Meals
The holidays can bring large family meals and loads of food scraps going down your kitchen sink. It's easy for your garbage disposal to become overwhelmed, leading to slow drainage or even complete clogs.
How to Fix It:

• Do Not Overload the Disposal: Avoid putting large amounts of food down the drain at once. If your disposal isn't grinding properly, turn it off immediately to prevent further damage.
• Use Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease and fat, which allows it to be chopped up before it can cause a blockage.
• Clear the Clog: If the disposal is clogged, use pliers or tongs to remove visible debris. If that doesn't work, use a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the blockage.

Prevention Tip: Consider installing a drain guard to catch large food particles before they enter your pipes. Regularly clean the disposal by running ice cubes and citrus peels through it to keep it smelling fresh.

Clogged Toilets: Holiday Guest Traffic
The influx of guests during the holidays often means extra toilet use. With more people using your bathroom, there's a higher chance of toilets becoming clogged, especially if improper items (like wipes, paper towels, or excessive toilet paper) are flushed.
How to Fix It:

• Plunge the Toilet: Start with a plunger to attempt to clear the clog. Make sure the plunger is fully submerged in water before applying pressure.
• Use a Plumbing Snake: If plunging doesn't work, an auger or plumbing snake can break up more stubborn clogs further down the pipes.

Prevention Tip: Remind your guests to only flush toilet paper and nothing else. You can even provide a small trash bin next to the toilet to discourage flushing non-paper items.

Frozen Pipes: The Winter Aftermath
Cold weather can freeze pipes, especially those in uninsulated or exterior walls. If you notice no water flow or hear a strange sound when turning on the faucet, your pipes may be frozen, which could lead to bursts and leaks if not addressed promptly.
How to Fix It:

• Thaw the Pipes Gently: Use a hair dryer or space heater to slowly warm the pipes. Never use an open flame (such as a blowtorch), as it can cause the pipe to burst. Start at the faucet end and work your way back toward the frozen section.
• Check for Leaks: Once the pipe is thawed, you can check it for cracks or leaks. If you find any, call a professional plumber immediately to prevent further damage.

Prevention Tip: Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks or gaps in walls, windows, or doors to keep cold air from reaching your pipes. Keep faucets dripping during extreme cold to keep water flowing.

Water Heater Troubles: Too Many Showers and Dishes
With a busy holiday schedule, your water heater might have been working overtime. Issues like running out of hot water often arise after family gatherings or show signs of malfunction following the holidays.
How to Fix It:

• Check the Thermostat:Set the water heater thermostat to the appropriate temperature, around 120°F. If set too high, it can cause scalding water and increase energy usage.use.
• Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup inside the tank can cause water heater inefficiency or odd sounds. Flushing the tank can help clear debris and improve performance.
• Call a Professional: If your water heater is still not functioning properly, it may need repair or replacement.

Prevention Tip: Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater or a tankless water heater if your current one struggles to meet the demand during peak usage times.

Sewer Line Backups: Holiday Overload
Sewer line clogs can occur if excessive waste or grease gets flushed down the drain or toilet. This can result in unpleasant smells or even a sewage backup into your home, a major plumbing emergency.
How to Fix It:

• Identify the Cause: If you suspect a backup, try to determine if it's isolated to one drain or affecting the whole house. If it's a whole-house issue, it's likely a sewer line problem.
• Call a Plumber: Sewer line backups require professional intervention. A plumber can inspect the pipes and identify any blockages, allowing them to clear the issues effectively.

Prevention Tip: Avoid pouring grease or fats down your drains,and be mindful of what goes down your toilets and sinks.

Slow Drains: Holiday Leftovers in the Pipes
Even after the big meals are over, you might notice slow drains due to grease, food scraps, or soap buildup. These materials can stick to your pipes, causing a gradual decrease in water flow.
How to Fix It:

• Use a Drain Cleaner: A natural solution of baking soda and vinegar can effectively break down grease and debris in your drain. To use this method, pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutesnd then flush it with hot water.*
• Plunge the Drain: For more serious blockages, a plunger or a plumbing snake may be needed to clear the clog.

Prevention Tip: Regularly clean drains using natural cleaners prevent buildup. Also, consider installing mesh screens over drains to catch food and hair before they enter the pipes.
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It’s essential to give your plumbing the attention it deserves after the holiday season, especially if you've been entertaining guests! If you encounter common issues like clogged drains, frozen pipes, and overworked water heaters, addressing these problems early will save you both time and money. Here are effective tips to confidently tackle post-holiday plumbing challenges and ensure your home operates smoothly all winter long. For any major issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber who can resolve them efficiently.

*These 10 Hacks Will Make You(r) Blocked Drains (Look) Like A pro - Claire Bullimore. https://www.clairebullimore.co.uk/2022/03/02/these-10-hacks-will-make-your-blocked-drains-look-like-a-pro/

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. But they can also be a time for clutter and chaos. After all the presents have been opened, the feasts have been eaten, and the guests have gone home, you're left with a house that needs some serious TLC.
Don't fret! With a little planning and effort, you can get your home back in order in no time. Here's a step-by-step guide to holiday clean up:
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1. Assess the damage
The first step is to take a look around your home and assess the damage. What needs to be cleaned, organized, or decluttered? Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and prioritize them based on importance.

2. Start with the big stuff
Once you have your list, start with the big stuff. This includes things like taking down decorations, putting away wrapping paper and gift bags, and cleaning up any spills or messes.

3. Declutter and donate
The holidays are a great time to declutter your home. Go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer use, need, or love. You can donate these items to charity, sell them online, or give them away to friends and family.

4. Clean and organize
Once you've decluttered, it's time to clean and organize. This includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and putting away any stray belongings. Take some time to deep clean areas that may have been neglected during the holiday rush, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

5. Don't forget the outside
Your holiday clean up shouldn't just be limited to the inside of your home. Take some time to tidy up your outdoor spaces as well. This includes things like raking leaves, putting away patio furniture, and cleaning up any holiday decorations that may have been left outside.

6. Reward yourself
Once you've completed your holiday clean up, take some time to relax and reward yourself. You've earned it!