In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on how to prepare your plumbing drains for additional strain during the holiday and winter season. Many homes have long-term guests or at least some level of visitors over the holiday or winter periods, and ensuring your drains are in good shape and ready for the surge in demand is important. 

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services , we're proud to offer quality drain cleaning services to clients throughout Utah, plus all the expertise you need to keep your drains in optimal condition this time of year — or no matter when your guests may be present. Here are additional tips we can offer in this area, whether these are tasks you can carry out yourself or areas our plumbers can assist you with.

Proper Toilet Usage

Any guest present in your home during this time of year should get the same instructions as other members of the household: the toilet is for human waste, toilet paper, and nothing else. Flushing paper towels or other materials down the toilet can be problematic—they won't break down, and your drains are designed to accommodate only certain types of materials.

You might be shocked at how quickly your toilet drain will fill up if people drop other things in the toilet. We know from experience that some materials—even cotton swabs or small pieces of paper—can cause a clog, and you'll have to use a plunger or a plumber's snake to clear it.

Consider Freezing Temperatures

If certain plumbing items that might suffer from freezing temperatures are connected, such as exterior hoses or pipes, you should try to disconnect them from the spigot or valve and shelter them. In some cases, insulation or a little bit of heat might be enough to keep those pipes from freezing, but be mindful that these items could freeze and burst if they're not tended to properly. And because you'll be busy with guests once they arrive, we recommend doing this before they show up.

Upgrade Your Plunger(s)

Even if you're taking the right toilet use precautions, you never know when a clog or blockage might arise due to increased demand, faulty pipes, or other factors. That's why it's a good idea to have the right plunger around—one that covers more area and isn't easily worn out after years of repeated use. If you're willing to upgrade your plunger with time-tested equipment that gets the job done, you can ensure that no clog is too much for you to handle on your own.

For more information on how to ensure your drains at home are prepared for any holiday or winter guests or to learn about any of our drain cleaning or other plumbing services, speak to the staff at Neighborly Plumbing & Services today.