License #CFC1425980
The holidays are hectic, especially if you’re hosting. Combine dozens of family members with tons of food and your kitchen and bathrooms are bound to get some heavy use. Your plumbing can quickly become a source of embarrassment if things aren’t in shape. At Hall & Sons Plumbing, we’re here to help you prevent plumbing problems before they start.
While you may be tempted to do a full plumbing remodel, a few targeted upgrades can make entertaining a lot smoother. Here’s how to approach your pre-holiday plumbing prep.
Plumbing Remodel Checklist for the Holidays
Your kitchen is the heart of your home and the hub of activity during the holidays. Your bathrooms are likely to see more use than any other time of the year. Here is a simple plumbing remodel checklist to knock out before your guests arrive.
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Install New Faucets
It’s easy to overlook older faucets until you have guests coming to town. A new kitchen or bathroom faucet can transform an entire room at a fraction of the cost of a full plumbing remodel. As an added bonus, newer faucets will often eliminate those annoying drips and possibly low water pressure issues.
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Upgrade Shower Heads
When you have a house full of guests, taking a shower is one of the few places of solitude in the entire house. You want it to be a relaxing experience, not something where they’re dealing with irregular water pressure or leaky showerheads. Similar to a new faucet, a new shower head is also a quick and easy fix that can add real value to your home.
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Replace Toilets
Unclogging a toilet might not be a big deal when it’s just you at home, but the last thing you want is for Grandpa to be wrestling with the plunger during holiday dinner. If your toilet suffers from frequent clogs or unusual gurgling or suction noises, it could be a sign of a bigger plumbing problem. A professional plumber can help you determine if it’s a quick fix or if a full toilet replacement is needed.
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Clear Slow Drains and Check for Clogs
Whether it’s extra hair finding its way down the shower drain or your uncle pouring bacon grease into the sink, holiday plumbing problems often start with slow drains. Using hair screens and grease cups are quick and inexpensive ways to keep things flowing while your guests are in town.
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Inspect Your Water Heater
When you’re hosting, hot water becomes a precious commodity. Between back-to-back showers, endless dishwashing, and extra laundry, your water heater is working overtime. Before your guests arrive, inspect the tank for any signs of leaks and consider having annual maintenance done to remove built-up sediment. It’s also probably best to space out those showers throughout the day.
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Check Water Pressure
If you’ve already noticed your water pressure is low, it will only get worse as demand increases during the holidays. Mineral buildup is often to blame, but it could also be a sign of some underlying issue with your pipes. Start by cleaning your faucet and showerheads. If pressure remains low, a quick test by a professional plumber can identify and resolve the issue.
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Looks for Leaks
Even small leaks can lead to big plumbing problems over time. Inspect around sinks, toilets, and appliances. If you notice moisture or discoloration, it’s time to call in a plumbing expert.
Know When to DIY and When to Call a Pro
Replacing a faucet or shower head? Those can be DIY-friendly. However, when it comes to re-piping, water heater service or replacement and diagnosing leaks, it’s best to bring in a licensed plumber who will make sure everything is up to code and running efficiently.
Plan Ahead for a Full Plumbing Remodel
If your system is showing its age or you’re ready for a bigger renovation, it’s worth planning a full plumbing remodel before the new year. Contractors often book up quickly after the holidays, and getting on the calendar now will help keep your project on schedule.
At Hall & Sons Plumbing, we help Jacksonville homeowners get their kitchens and bathrooms ready for the holidays with reliable plumbing remodeling services. If you need a few quick fixes or a complete plumbing remodel, we’ll make sure your home runs smoothly for every guest who walks through the door. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
