Now is the perfect time to make sure that everything is okay with your plumbing systems. The weather is only going to get colder in Grand Rapids, MI, so it’s a good idea to prepare for that as well. 

Think of this as your holiday preparation checklist. Remember that it’s better to search for a “plumber near me” now than have a Thanksgiving or Christmas emergency.

Do You Need Drain Cleaning Services?

You don’t have to wait for a clog to invest in drain cleaning services. It’s a good idea to take care of any potential issues right away. Don’t hesitate to call if you notice any of the following:

• Slow drains
• Gurgling noises when someone flushes the toilet
• The smell of sewage
• Frequent clogs in sinks, showers, tubs, or toilets

A routine drain cleaning is fast and affordable. Even better, you can have this service done proactively. There’s no need to wait for a complete clog or other problems to occur. 

Remember that you’ll get better results with this service than you will with harsh drain chemicals or multiple rounds of plunging. We can help with drain cleaning now, so your system can handle the demands of your holiday crowd.

Make Sure Your Water Heater Is Ready for a Crowd

Your home water heater may develop problems slowly. For example, you may notice that there isn’t quite enough hot water for morning showers. It’s tempting to put off repairing or replacing your water heater until later. If you have, you aren’t alone. There’s just one problem.

If you plan on having guests over the holidays, your water heater issues will become a very big deal. Do you want guests to take cold showers, in the winter, in Grand Rapids, MI? Of course not! Go ahead and place a service call today.

Don’t Delay Toilet Repair

When people visit your home, they often get their biggest impression from your bathroom. That’s a bit intimidating, but you can get things in great shape before the holidays. 

Take a look at your toilet. Is it ready for houseguests and holiday visitors? It isn’t if it constantly runs, wobbles, or leaks. Also, if your toilet is dated and dingy, no amount of cleaning will help. It’s time to call for toilet repair or replacement. 

Nobody wants to instruct their guests to “jiggle the handle” or “flush twice.” You certainly don’t want to run in and out of the bathroom behind your guests to fix a toilet that won’t stop running. A plumber can resolve these issues quickly. 

Don’t forget to stock your bathroom with a trash can, toilet paper, and a plunger. Guests will appreciate being able to plunge or change a roll of toilet paper without having to seek you out for help.

Get Your Shower Ready for a Guest Appearance

The first thing that many holiday guests want is a hot shower. Would you let them use your shower willingly, or would you be embarrassed by it? Nobody wants to share a shower with an old, outdated showerhead. The last thing you want is to have guests use a shower that looks dirty and old, no matter how often you clean it. 

Have you been delaying shower repair or remodeling services? Now may be the perfect time to get the work done. You could easily have Lake Michigan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing out to complete any shower repair and be done in plenty of time for the holidays. 

The same goes for your bathroom sinks, faucets, and other elements. Nearly every guest who comes into your home is going to see the bathroom. With an upgrade, you’ll be proud of your restroom rather than feeling the need to apologize.

Be Sure Your Plumbing Handles Extreme Cold

Life on the lake is better. It’s also absolutely frigid in the winter. A frozen or burst pipe could ruin your holiday plans. Double-check things now to make sure your pipes are fully protected. That means detaching and wrapping up garden hoses for the winter and ensuring that pipes are properly heat-wrapped.

When the coldest weather hits, keep pipes safe by maintaining a consistent, warm temperature inside your home. Consider putting space heaters in your garage or basement to protect any exposed pipes. 

Remember that keeping interior doors open can ensure airflow. Finally, open the cupboards under your sink and turn the water on to a trickle on the coldest nights.

Your functioning HVAC system plays an important part in all of this. You can’t keep your pipes warm and intact without it. That’s just one reason to schedule a furnace tune-up. Of course, you want your guests to be warm and comfortable as well.

Add a furnace tune-up to your holiday list. An HVAC technician will do any maintenance necessary to ensure that your heating system is up for the job.

Don’t Let the Holidays Destroy Your Garbage Disposal

You will put a lot of strain on your garbage disposal between Thanksgiving and New Years. If it’s already old and struggling, the holidays may prove to be too much. Be honest. Were you thinking about replacing it sometime within the next year? Consider the benefits of getting that work done now.

Whether you replace your disposal or not, remember that it has limited capacity. Food prep work can get busy and intense as you prepare for the holidays. 

Remember to avoid putting too much food down your disposal and keep out anything that could clog your pipes. Keep a prep bowl at hand so that helpful guests and kids have a place to throw their scraps.

Keep Emergency Information at Hand

No matter how prepared you are, something can still go wrong. Don’t worry! Help is available year-round. Keep our number on hand for any emergencies, along with the contact information for any other emergency services.

Leaving for the Holidays? Take Safety Steps

Are you heading to a warmer destination this year? Enjoy yourself, but take a few simple steps to ensure you don’t return home to a disaster. 

• Turn your thermostat down but not off
• Shut off your water supply if you will be gone for an extended period, and turn on fixtures to drain water from pipes
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it works as it should

If possible, hire a house sitter or ask a neighbor to check in to make sure everything is okay. They can catch anything that goes wrong as soon as possible, so you can take action to mitigate the damage. Finally, let your utility companies know you are leaving for a while; they may have some special instructions for you as well.

Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Service Call Today

This list may seem overwhelming at first. How do you take care of everything in addition to shopping, wrapping, cooking, traveling, and welcoming guests? Don’t worry! You have a helpful partner in Lake Michigan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing. If there’s anything that needs to be done, we’re at your service. 

We can send a skilled plumber or HVAC tech to your home to check things out and make any repairs. Contact Lake Michigan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing to make an appointment today.