How to Prepare Your Bathroom Plumbing for Guests
A plumbing disaster is the last thing anyone wants to deal with while entertaining holiday houseguests. Get ahead of any issues by doing some quick maintenance along with your ordinary cleaning routine. Check every bathroom in your home, and if you foresee any issues due to increased volume or water usage, it's the best time to make repairs or call a plumber.
Emily Fazio
Check for drips. If you're cleaning up a guest bathroom that you ordinarily don't use, test the sink, tub, and shower for drips. If the plumbing fixtures have been stagnant or delicate plumbing seals have deteriorated, you might find that parts have worn and need to be replaced.
Make sure the water pressure in your shower isn't going to be a let-down. Mineral deposits in the showerhead can affect flow. Soak the shower head itself in a 1:1 or 2:1 mixture of white vinegar and water (more severe blockages = more vinegar). If it's still weak after a deep cleaning, consider replacing it to improve the experience for your overnight guests.
Test the toilet—flawless flushes only, please. When you clean the toilet bowl, pay special attention to the main flush jet, or siphon jet. If your toilet flushes very slowly or needs a second flush to be successful, there's a chance that the minerals have blocked or reduced the size of the small jet hole, which affects the water pressure from the toilet tank.
Avoid embarrassing clogs with preemptive drain-clearing maneuvers. Deliver a dose of a powerful, enzymatic toilet cleaner to break down any residue in your drain pipes. You can also try using a toilet auger (toilet snake). If you suspect clogging that you can't handle on your own, call in the pros. "Hydro-scrub cleaning services to clean the pipes thoroughly, ensuring they can handle the increased usage," recommends Deborah Albero-Darata, franchise owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach, a Neighborly company. "This helps prevent potential soft blockages that could turn into hard blockages, leading to complete backups."
Install a bidet. Why? So many reasons. Don't be na?ve. Some of your guests are not wipers. You can find an affordable bidet that clips to the toilet seat (no electricity required).
Buy more Poo-Pourri. A common courtesy.
Stock up on toilet paper; it's the real holiday MVP. Keep plenty of toilet paper within reach of the throne. And, you know what? Spring for a quality double-ply.
And for a festive touch, decorate the plunger—because why not? You needed to keep the plunger handy in case it's needed... but lighten the mood. It's the holiday season!
Inform your guests about your plumbing's quirks; it's like sharing family secrets. "Remind guests not to flush items like wipes, paper towels, or excessive toilet paper," suggests Albero-Darata. "And keep a plunger handy to address minor clogs promptly so you don't have a mess on the bathroom floor." If you have a septic system, discourage house guests from flushing feminine hygiene products, but keep a clean wastebasket nearby.
Lastly, if you see any plumbing issues, schedule a plumbing checkup. It's better to catch it now, rather than when your guests arrive.