The long weekend is finally here, and whether you’re firing up the grill, hosting a house full of guests, or just enjoying a well-earned break, the last thing you need is a plumbing disaster crashing the party.
Here in Birmingham, we know how to celebrate a holiday weekend. But with extra people in the house, more cooking, and more dishes, your plumbing system can get overwhelmed fast. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly so your celebration stays stress-free.
- Don’t Overload the Garbage Disposal
Burgers, ribs, and potato salad are okay, but grease, bones, and stringy vegetables are not. Avoid putting fats, oils, or fibrous foods like celery or corn husks down the disposal. Run cold water while using it, and toss food scraps in the trash when in doubt.
- Prep Bathrooms for Extra Traffic
More guests mean more flushing. Make sure all bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper (the kind that breaks down easily) and have a plunger on standby just in case. Remind younger visitors to avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or other non-flushables.
- Spread Out Shower Times
If overnight guests are staying with you, try spacing out showers to give your water heater a break. This will help maintain a hot water supply and reduce strain on your drains.
- Watch the Water Pressure
If your sink or shower pressure feels off, it could be a sign of a buildup or a developing clog. It’s best to get it checked before guests arrive rather than waiting until your kitchen turns into a splash zone.
- Test Outdoor Spigots Ahead of Time
Are you planning on washing off the patio or letting the kids run through sprinklers? Turn on outdoor faucets in advance to ensure there are no leaks or low-pressure surprises. A worn-out hose bib can sneak up on you at the worst time.
- Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
Hopefully, you won’t need it, but if you do have a burst pipe or overflowing toilet, knowing how to shut off your water quickly can save you from a much bigger mess.
Need Backup? Call Standard.
Even with the best prep, plumbing surprises can still pop up. Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is proud to serve Birmingham homeowners with fast, reliable plumbing help when it matters most.
Before the holiday crowd rolls in, let us give your home a quick plumbing checkup so you can focus on food, fun, and family, not fixing a flooded bathroom. To schedule your appointment, just give us a call at (205) 386-4001 .
