Plumbing holiday checklist: Tips to avoid a Christmas catastrophe!

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, unfortunately, plumbing disasters. There are plenty of ways your plumbing can go from jolly to jacked up real quick, from blocked toilets to burst pipes. We’ve put together a handy little checklist to help you avoid a plumbing predicament this holiday season. Give it a read before you pour another glass of eggnog!

• Check all exposed pipes for signs of leaks or damage. If you notice any cracks or leaks, make sure to get them fixed before the cold weather hits. Frozen pipes are no laughing matter!
• Inspect your water heater and make sure the anode rod is in good shape. The anode rod helps protect your water heater from corrosion, so it’s important to make sure it’s in working order. If you’re not sure how to check the anode rod or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can always call a professional.
• Test your sump pump to make sure it’s in good working order. This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow. To test your sump pump, simply pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure the pump kicks on and starts draining the water out.
• Clean out your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of problems, including foundation issues and even flooding. So save yourself the headache and take some time to clean them out before the winter weather sets in.

We hope these tips help you avoid a plumbing disaster this holiday season! From all of us here at Mammoth Plumbing, happy holidays!