When family, friends, and food all come together for the holidays, the last surprise you want is a plumbing disaster! Between the extra cooking, frequent showers, and a full house, your pipes and drains work overtime in November and December. In Billings, cold weather only adds to the pressure – quite literally. Frozen pipes, clogged disposals, or slow-draining sinks can turn a joyful gathering into an unexpected headache. A few simple checks before your guests arrive can help you avoid an untimely call for emergency service.
Start in the kitchen; Avoid sending grease, coffee grounds, potato peels, or fibrous veggies down the garbage disposal. Instead, toss them in the trash or compost bin. Run plenty of water before and after using your disposal, and feed scraps in slowly so it doesn’t jam. If you notice a drain already running slow, don’t ignore it! Schedule a quick cleaning before the crowd arrives. Small clogs tend to worsen quickly under heavy use. In the bathroom, avoid flushing anything but toilet paper (regardless of what the back of the wet wipes label says). It’s a simple reminder that can save you a major mess!
Your water heater deserves a little attention too. With extra showers and laundry (since holiday guests like to be clean too), your system may be working double-time. If your water isn’t as hot as it used to be, or if the tank is over ten years old, it might be time for a tune-up or replacement before the holidays hit full swing. A professional inspection can ensure your family has steady hot water and your unit is operating as it should.
At Alpine Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Billings homeowners prepare for Montana’s holiday rush for nearly 40 years. A little proactive care can keep your celebrations stress-free and your home’s plumbing in top shape. Contact the Alpine office at (406)252-7100 today to schedule your pre-holiday plumbing check-up, so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving with the comfort and confidence of a host-ready home!
