The holidays are a notoriously busy time for everyone including your local home service companies! At Linthicum Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, not only do we see an uptick in plumbing emergencies during the holiday season, but so do our friends in HVAC, roofing, and more.
15 Most Common Homeowner Emergencies During The Holidays
1) Clogged Toilets
One of the calls that we receive the most often between Halloween and New Year's Day is a clogged toilet. Holiday guests can mean extra strain on your plumbing and that can lead to clogged toilets. Be sure to have a plunger handy, and if the clog is bad, give us a call.
2) Leaky Faucets
A small drip from a leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it can add up quickly, for both your wallet and the damages it can cause to your home. Plus, the sound of a dripping faucet can be pretty annoying and who needs an extra annoyance at this time of year?
3) Overflowing Garbage Disposals
With all the holiday cooking and the extra hands "helping out" in the kitchen, your garbage disposal may get overloaded. To avoid overflowing disposal (and a big mess), run cold water and dispose of waste in small batches. Also, before you start cleaning up, be sure to let your helpful guests know what can and cannot go down the garbage disposal.
4) Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are another common plumbing emergency during the holidays. This is usually due to increased cooking and entertaining of guests. Be sure to avoid putting grease and oil down the drain.
5) Water Heater Issues
Your water heater works hard during the holidays and sometimes that can lead to problems. If you notice your hot water isn't lasting as long as it used to, or if your water heater is making strange noises, give us a call. We can take a look and see if you need a new water heater.
6) Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a plumbing emergency that is more likely to happen during the winter months, but they can still happen during the holidays if the weather is cold enough. You may be able to avoid this problem by taking some precautions such as turning off and bleeding your outside hose bibs. If you think you have a frozen pipe, turn off the water at the main valve and let a professional plumber handle the job.
7) Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are usually the result of frozen pipes that haven't been dealt with properly. If you have a burst pipe, turn off the water at the main valve and call us immediately. Also, because you are likely to have a houseful of people over the holidays, be sure you are not the only one in the house who knows where the water main valve is.
8) Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes can be a nuisance, and they can also lead to water damage. A small leak can lead to major damage if it is not repaired properly.
9) Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is definitely a plumbing emergency! They happen more during the holidays if your system is overloaded due to guests. If you have a sewage backup, do not try to fix it yourself. You will need the assistance of a qualified professional.
10) Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can be caused by several things, but one common cause is shifting soil due to changes in the weather. Although there is not a strict correlation between extra guests and a crack in the foundation, we will just file this under, if it rains it pours.
11) Roof Leaks
Speaking of "when it rains, it pours, roof leaks are another plumbing emergency that is more likely to happen during the winter months. Water damage is one of the most expensive costs of homeownership. The easiest way to avoid damage is to fix the problem immediately.
12) Collapsed Sewer Lines
Collapsed sewer lines are usually the result of a build-up of grease, soap, and hair. Unfortunately, the holiday guest list is usually the straw that breaks the camel's back. If you think you have a collapsed sewer line, please reach out to us.
13) Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps are designed to keep your basement dry, but they can fail during heavy rains or floods. We see a lot of sump pump failures at this time of year. Although it is easy to put off repairing a sump pump, we suggest you correct the problem asap in order to avoid damage to your foundation.
14) Power Outages
Power outages can cause a lot of problems, including plumbing problems. If you lose power, turn off your water main valve to avoid any water damage. If you have a well, you'll also need to turn off your pump.
15) Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. If you have not already, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1 immediately.
At Linthicum Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, we want your holidays to be special. That’s why we’re here to help with your plumbing emergencies during the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (410) 768-5350 with any questions or concerns!