3 Common Holiday Plumbing Problems (And How To Avoid Them) Part 2: The Bathroom

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how to prevent and fix plumbing problems in the kitchen that can be caused by extra people and extra food during the holidays. 

When you have lots of company over, your bathroom usually gets lots of extra use, and when it does, a blocked toilet or other plumbing problems might happen!  

Today, Marquez Plumbing wants to share with you the potential plumbing issues that can occur in the bathroom during the holidays. We will also tell you how to both prevent and fix problems when they occur so you can avoid calling in an emergency plumber when possible. 

Issue: Blocked Toilet

With all the guests in your home this holiday, it is important to take care of your bathroom’s plumbing. A clogged toilet is a definite party pooper. (See what we did, there?)

Nobody wants to deal with that, especially with a house full of people!

Prevention: Be Mindful Of What You Flush

Toilets can become clogged quickly if the wrong things are being put into them. With all of the guests that come along with the holidays, it can be harder to control what goes into your toilet.

Ask your guests to be mindful of what they flush, and have a wastebasket by the toilet for them to use for anything other than toilet paper.

If your toilet has any issues, it is best to have them fixed before your guests arrive so you don’t have to call an emergency plumber.

Solution: A Plunger 

The classic and often most effective way of fixing a blocked toilet is using a plunger. Make sure you get a high-quality plunger – it really can make a difference!

You can warm your plunger under hot water before using it for the best results. If you are worried about overflowing, you can open the back of the toilet and shut off the water by flipping the flapper.

Once you have prepped, it’s time to get down to business. Going about plunging in the right way can save you a lot of time, and mess.

Art Of Manliness says,

“Stick the plunger in the bowl and use it to form a solid seal over the exit hole… most people only focus on the downward push when plunging. But the pullback is just as important. Give a few goods up and down strokes with the plunger and flush the toilet.”

Nobody loves plunging the toilet, so the best thing you can do is work to prevent clogging. If you can’t avoid it, try to fix the clog yourself. If all else fails you can always call an emergency plumber.

Issue: Running Toilets

Running toilets are sadly common during the holidays when your toilet is being overused. This can be pretty annoying, and if not dealt with promptly it can cause bigger issues, like utility bill spikes.

Prevention: Inspect Your Toilet Flapper 

The Family Handyman says,

“One cause of a toilet running is a flapper that doesn’t seal. If water from the tank seeps around the flapper and into the bowl, the flapper is probably shot.”

The toilet flapper is often the cause of a running toilet. A toilet being used a lot can cause a malfunction in the flapper. You can prepare for a large number of holiday guests by inspecting your flapper and making sure it is running properly.

Another thought is to ask your guests to flush gently. When large amounts of people are flushing aggressively it can cause issues quicker.

Prevent the annoyance of a running toilet by preparing ahead of time.

Solution: Hire A Professional 

If after you have attempted to prevent issues, and you have tried to fix the flapper yourself, it may be time to call in a professional plumber.

Not only can a running toilet be annoying and put a damper on your holiday fun, but it can also cause clogs from developing if you can’t flush correctly.

Calling in an emergency plumber can help you avoid your running toilet from turning into a blocked toilet.

Issue: Clogged Shower 

If you have guests staying overnight for the holidays then your shower might end up getting clogged. A clogged shower can be inconvenient and a bit gross.

Prevention: Add A Mesh Screen Drain

The best way to avoid this is by using a mesh screen drain to block any hair or debris from going down your drain and causing a blockage.

Prevention is the best way to keep from having a clogged shower.

Solution: Use A Drain Snake 

If your shower does become drained you can use a drain snake to fix it quickly and get your shower working again in no time.

Click here to follow this guide by The Spruce to snake your drain.

If you need help with your plumbing this holiday season, click here for a FREE estimate from Marquez Plumbing.