Avoid Thanksgiving Plumbing Disasters

Plumbing

Blog
// Posted by Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.

The holidays are a time for joy—but plumbing problems can quickly dampen the celebrations. At Crossville Heating and Cooling, we’re here to help you keep your home running smoothly during Thanksgiving. Here’s how to prevent plumbing disasters and ensure your holiday goes off without a hitch.

Key Takeaways

  • Thanksgiving Strain: Extra cooking and guests can overload your plumbing.
  • DIY Prevention: Simple habits can reduce the risk of clogs and breakdowns.
  • Pro Help: Some issues require expert assistance.
  • Emergency Service: We’re ready to help when you need it most.

How Thanksgiving Affects Your Plumbing

Hosting friends and family brings extra pressure on your plumbing system:

  • Increased toilet flushes and longer showers.
  • Rarely used bathrooms put into frequent use.
  • More fats, oils, and food scraps heading down kitchen drains.
  • Overworked garbage disposals.
  • Curious kids accidentally flushing toys or inappropriate items.

7 Tips to Avoid Plumbing Problems

Protect your home’s plumbing with these easy steps:

  1. Arm Every Toilet: Place a plunger in every bathroom for quick fixes.
  2. Trash the Wipes: Even “flushable” wipes belong in the wastebasket.
  3. Garbage Disposals Aren’t Trash Cans: Keep food waste to a minimum. Always run the disposal with cold water if you use it.
  4. Contain Fats and Oils: Pour grease into a jar—not down the drain.
  5. Use Sink Strainers: Prevent food scraps, utensils, or jewelry from going down the drain.
  6. Stagger Dishwasher Use: Don’t run the dishwasher while using the garbage disposal to avoid backflow.
  7. Have a Pro’s Number Handy: Save Crossville Heating and Cooling’s number, 931-484-0004, for fast service.

Kitchen Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts

Thanksgiving feasts mean extra cooking—but some foods wreak havoc on drains:
NEVER put these down your disposal:

  • Eggshells, bones, coffee grounds.
  • Pasta, rice, and fibrous veggies like celery or lettuce.
  • Grease, oil, and fats—they solidify and clog pipes.

Bathroom Plumbing Tips for Guests

Guests staying overnight? Avoid hot water shortages and clogged toilets with these tips:

  1. Stagger Showers: Leave 15 minutes between showers to refill the water heater and clear drains.
  2. Teach Kids: Remind younger visitors that only toilet paper is safe to flush.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re noticing slow drains, leaking faucets, or other issues before the holiday, don’t wait! A quick fix now can prevent a major problem when your home is full of guests.

Contact Crossville Heating and Cooling at 931-484-0004 for inspections and maintenance before Thanksgiving.

24/7 Thanksgiving Plumbing Support

Should an emergency arise, we’re here to help with fast and reliable service. Crossville Heating and Cooling provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services to get your home back on track.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving should be stress-free, and with the right preparation, your plumbing can keep up with the holiday hustle. If you run into trouble, trust Crossville Heating and Cooling, the fastest in town since 1982, to save the day. Call 931-484-0004 for all your plumbing needs!

HVAC Technician installing a electric heat pump
About Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Locally owned and operated since 1982, Crossville Heating & Cooling, Inc. serves Middle and East Tennessee with heating, air, plumbing, and generator services. We provide fast, eco-friendly solutions for homes and light businesses — your trusted comfort partner for over 40 years.
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FAQ

What is a plumbing inspection?

A plumbing inspection checks a home's plumbing system. This includes pipes inside and outside, like hose bibs, sinks, and toilets. It's a detailed check that goes beyond a simple home inspection.

FAQ

What is considered a plumbing emergency?

Plumbing emergencies include water leaks, burst or damaged pipes, and sagging or discolored ceilings. They also cover low water pressure, overflowing toilets, and clogged drains. Other issues are water heater failure, gas leaks, and sewage backups.

These problems can cause a lot of water damage, health risks, and safety issues. They need quick action by a professional plumber.

FAQ

What is a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money.

Why should you get a plumbing inspection?

Getting a plumbing inspection helps spot problems early. It shows the plumbing's condition to potential buyers. And it stops small issues from becoming big, costly ones.

Why is it crucial to address plumbing emergencies promptly?

It's important to fix plumbing problems fast to prevent water damage and mold growth. These issues can harm your home's structure and your family's health. Waiting can lead to expensive repairs later.

How do tankless water heaters work?

Tankless water heaters heat water instantly without a storage tank. When you turn on a hot water faucet, cold water flows through a heat exchanger. Then, either a gas burner or electric element heats the water.

What are the types of plumbing inspections?

There are two main types of plumbing inspections. A visual inspection looks for leaks or problems with water and sewer fittings. A camera inspection uses high-resolution cameras to see inside pipes and the sewer line.

What are the common signs of a water leak?

Look out for wet spots on floors or walls, discoloration, and sounds of running water. These signs mean you might have a serious water leak. Ignoring it can cause more damage, mold, and structural problems.

What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient and provide endless hot water. They are compact, last longer, and need less maintenance. This means you save money on your bills and always have hot water without the big tank of traditional heaters.

What's included in a plumbing inspection?

A plumbing inspection checks sinks, toilets, and pipes. It looks at outdoor faucets and the water heater too. Sometimes, it includes a camera inspection of the sewer line.

What are the dangers of a burst or damaged pipe?

A burst pipe can spill hundreds of gallons of water quickly, damaging walls, floors, and furniture. It's often caused by freezing, corrosion, or high pressure. You need a professional plumber right away.

How energy-efficient are tankless water heaters?

Tankless water heaters use less energy than traditional heaters. They save 24%–34% more energy for homes using less than 41 gallons of hot water daily. For homes using more water, they save 8%–14% more energy.

How much does a plumbing inspection cost?

A plumbing inspection usually costs about $200. Visual inspections are cheaper, but camera inspections can be up to $500. You might also need to pay for repairs if problems are found.

How can sagging or discolored ceilings indicate a plumbing issue?

Sagging or discolored ceilings suggest a hidden water leak. This can lead to structural damage and mold growth. These signs mean water has been leaking behind walls or ceilings for a while.

How much can I save on my utility bills with a tankless water heater?

Using a tankless water heater can save you hundreds of dollars a year, says ENERGY STAR®. They use 27 to 50 percent less energy than traditional models. This leads to big savings on your energy bills.

How often should you get a plumbing inspection?

Experts suggest getting a plumbing inspection every two years. If your home is over 40 years old, consider an annual check to keep the plumbing in good shape.

When is low water pressure considered a plumbing emergency?

Low water pressure is a problem if it affects many faucets or fixtures. It can be caused by a failing pressure regulator, clogged pipes, or municipal water issues. This needs quick action.

How much space do tankless water heaters save?

Traditional water heaters are big, measuring about 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Tankless heaters are much smaller, at 28 inches tall by 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep. This makes them much more space-efficient.

How can you prepare for a plumbing inspection?

There's no special prep needed, but knowing about any issues like slow drains or leaks is helpful. Tell the inspector about these problems before the inspection.

How can you address an overflowing toilet or clogged drain?

Try using a plunger or turning off the water supply to the toilet. But if it keeps overflowing, call an emergency plumber. They can fix it before more damage happens.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Tankless water heaters usually last 5 to 10 years longer than traditional ones. With regular maintenance, they can last up to 20 years. Traditional heaters only last 8 to 12 years, making tankless ones a better choice for durability.

What are the benefits of regular plumbing inspections?

Regular inspections catch small problems early, avoiding big, costly repairs. They prevent water damage and ensure your plumbing works well. They can also make your home more appealing to buyers.

When is a malfunctioning water heater considered a plumbing emergency?

A broken water heater is an emergency if it has gas leaks or could cause water damage. Signs include no hot water, strange noises, or leaks. Call a plumber if you notice these.

How much maintenance do tankless water heaters require?

Tankless water heaters need less upkeep than traditional ones. They can go four or five years without maintenance. Just clean them once a year with a vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup.

HVAC Technician installing a electric heat pump
About Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a locally owned heating and air conditioning company that provides sales, service, and installation of any type of heating or cooling in your home or light commercial building.

Although the name Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is new, Mr. Richard Gilmer has been in the business of keeping his neighbors comfortable since 1998. As our presence in the HVAC contractors industry has evolved, we decided to change the name of our business to better reflect our commitment to the Middle TN area.

Our core values include implementing economically friendly products and practices to better contribute to the health and home of our customers. We are EPA certified and ensure that all refrigerant is recycled and all equipment is disposed of as per environmentally-safe standards. Our service techs and installers are trained to conduct business with minimal disruption to your daily lifestyle so that the only impact we make is a positive one

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