Preparing Your Plumbing for the Holiday Season

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Preparing Your Plumbing for the Holiday Season

The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and sometimes a full house! With more people under one roof, your plumbing system is likely to get a workout, from extra dishwashing to more frequent showers. Taking a few steps to prep your plumbing can prevent inconvenient (and potentially costly) issues, ensuring your home runs smoothly during the festivities. Here’s how to get your plumbing holiday-ready.

1. Clear Your Drains

With holiday cooking and baking on the rise, kitchen drains can become easily clogged. Avoid pouring grease, fats, or oils down the drain, as they solidify and cause blockages.
Consider using a drain cover to catch food particles. For an extra measure, run hot water through the drain after each use, and add a little dish soap to break down any lingering grease.

2. Check Water Pressure in Guest Bathrooms

Before guests arrive, check the water pressure in guest bathrooms and fix any low-pressure issues. Often, sediment buildup can clog faucet aerators, which can be easily cleaned with a vinegar soak.
If any bathrooms have slow drains or leaky faucets, address these now to prevent them from becoming bigger issues when your plumbing system is under heavier use.

3. Prep Your Water Heater

More people in the home means more hot water usage. Flush your water heater if it hasn’t been done in the last year to clear any sediment, which can reduce efficiency.
Set your water heater temperature to a safe and comfortable level (120°F is ideal) to prevent burns, especially if children are visiting.

4. Prevent Toilet Clogs

Provide guests with clear instructions on what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet. Only toilet paper should go in the toilet — wet wipes, even the "flushable" kind, can cause significant blockages.
Consider keeping a small trash bin by the toilet with extra bags for easy disposal of non-flushable items.

5. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing

If you’re in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, make sure outdoor spigots are shut off and drained to avoid burst pipes.
Disconnect and store hoses, and insulate any exposed outdoor pipes.

6. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

In case of an emergency, knowing where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located can save you from extensive water damage. If you’re having guests, let a trusted person know as well, so they can act quickly if something goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

Taking time to winterize your plumbing and make a few small adjustments in preparation for extra holiday traffic can keep things running smoothly and stress-free. With these quick steps, you can prevent holiday plumbing disasters and ensure your home stays comfortable for you and your guests throughout the season.

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The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance: Protect Your Home and Save Money

By Ryan Wolfe • February 4, 2025

The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance: Protect Your Home and Save Money When it comes to home maintenance, plumbing often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s one of those things we tend to overlook until there’s a major problem, like a burst pipe or a clogged drain. However, regular plumbing maintenance is essential to ensuring the health, safety, and efficiency of your home. Here are some reasons why keeping your plumbing system in top shape is so important. Prevent Costly Repairs One of the main benefits of regular plumbing maintenance is the ability to catch small problems before they become big ones. A leaking pipe or a slow drain might seem minor, but over time, these issues can escalate into significant damage. A small leak, for example, can lead to water damage, mold growth, or structural issues in your home—all of which are expensive to fix. Routine inspections by Wolfe Plumbing can identify and address these problems early, saving you time and money. Improve Water Efficiency Leaks and outdated fixtures can waste a surprising amount of water. According to the EPA, a single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. Regular maintenance ensures that your plumbing system is operating efficiently, which not only helps conserve water but also lowers your utility bills. Replacing old fixtures with modern, water-efficient ones can further boost your savings and benefit the environment. Maintain Healthy Water Quality Your plumbing system plays a critical role in delivering clean, safe water to your home. Over time, pipes can corrode, or sediment can build up in your water heater, impacting the quality of your water. Routine maintenance, such as flushing your water heater or checking for pipe corrosion, ensures that your water remains clean and safe for your family to use. Extend the Lifespan of Your Plumbing System Just like your car, your home’s plumbing system needs regular care to stay in good working condition. Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of pipes, fixtures, and appliances like water heaters and garbage disposals. Investing in regular check-ups can help you avoid premature replacements, which can be costly and inconvenient. Avoid Emergency Situations Plumbing emergencies often happen at the worst possible times, leaving you stressed and scrambling for a solution. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns by addressing potential issues before they turn into emergencies. This proactive approach not only gives you peace of mind but also ensures that your home stays comfortable and functional. Protect Your Home’s Value A well-maintained plumbing system is a key factor in preserving your home’s value. Potential buyers often have home inspections done, and a plumbing system in disrepair can be a major red flag. On the other hand, a home with a well-cared-for plumbing system can attract higher offers and sell more quickly. What Does Plumbing Maintenance Involve? Routine plumbing maintenance typically includes Inspecting pipes for leaks or corrosion Checking water pressure Flushing the water heater to remove sediment buildup Testing shut-off valves Inspecting and cleaning drains to prevent clogs Replacing worn-out washers or seals in faucets Scheduling an annual plumbing inspection with Wolfe Plumbing is a great way to ensure that all these tasks are handled thoroughly and effectively. Final Thoughts Plumbing maintenance might not be the most exciting home task, but it’s one of the most important. By taking a proactive approach, you can prevent costly repairs, save water, and ensure the comfort and safety of your home. If you haven’t scheduled a plumbing inspection recently, now is the perfect time to do so. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance services and how we can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly for years to come.

Why Is My Water Pressure Low? Common Causes and Fixes

By Ryan Wolfe • January 3, 2025

Low water pressure can turn daily tasks—like showering or washing dishes—into frustrating chores. If you’re tired of weak water flow, don’t worry! There are several common reasons behind low water pressure, and many of them are easy to fix. Let’s dive into the top causes and solutions. Clogged Pipes or Fixtures Over time, mineral deposits and debris can build up in your pipes or faucet aerators, restricting water flow. Fix: Unscrew faucet aerators or showerheads and soak them in vinegar to break down blockages. If the problem persists, professional pipe cleaning may be necessary. Leaky Pipes Leaks reduce water pressure by allowing water to escape before reaching your faucet. Even small leaks can lead to noticeable drops in pressure. Fix: Look for signs of leaks—like damp spots or mold. If you suspect a hidden leak, it’s best to call a plumber for a thorough inspection. Pressure Regulator Issues A malfunctioning pressure regulator can lower water pressure throughout your entire home. Fix: Test the regulator by attaching a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet. If the reading is low, the regulator may need adjusting or replacing. Municipal Water Supply Problems Sometimes, the issue isn’t inside your home but with the local water supply. Cities occasionally experience drops in pressure during peak usage hours. Fix: Contact your water provider to check for reported issues. Corroded Plumbing Older homes with galvanized steel pipes may experience internal corrosion, which restricts water flow over time. Fix: Corroded pipes may need to be replaced. Consider upgrading to copper or PEX piping for better longevity and performance. Need Help? If you’ve tried these solutions and still have low water pressure, it’s time to give us a call. Our experienced plumbers can diagnose and fix even the trickiest pressure problems.