Prep Your Home For Hosting with 1st Home & Commercial Services
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a holiday party, or out-of-town guests, you’ll want to ensure your home is in top shape. Don’t let a plumbing issue or an HVAC breakdown derail the holidays! To help you prepare, 1st Home & Commercial Services has put together a quick checklist to get your home holiday-hosting ready.
1. Keep Drains Flowing Smoothly
With all the extra cooking and dishwashing that comes with holiday hosting, kitchen drains are bound to get a workout. Before the season kicks off, take a moment to clear out any buildup in your drains.
If your drain isn’t flowing smoothly, try these steps:
Hot Water Flush: Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen any grease or soap buildup.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: Follow the hot water with a mixture of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural cleaner can help break up mild blockages.
Plunge Gently: For tougher clogs, use a plunger designed for sinks (not toilets). Plunge a few times to see if the clog loosens.
Tip: Avoid putting food scraps, grease, or oils down the drain, as these are common culprits of holiday drain clogs. If your sink is already draining slowly, it may be time to call in our experts for a thorough drain cleaning.
2. Give Your Garbage Disposal Some TLC
If you’re preparing large meals, your garbage disposal will be working overtime, so it’s essential to make sure it’s in good shape. Remember to run cold water while using it, and avoid tossing in tough items like bones, fibrous vegetables, or coffee grounds. A well-maintained disposal will reduce the chances of an unexpected jam.
If your disposal has been acting up, let our team at 1st Home & Commercial Services inspect and replace it with a new one before you’re knee-deep in holiday meal prep. A quick service check now can save you time and stress later.
3. Check Your HVAC System
Nothing sets the tone like a warm, cozy home during the holidays. If your heating system hasn’t been checked in a while, now’s the perfect time for a tune-up. For just $79.99, our technicians can inspect and adjust your HVAC system to ensure it runs efficiently and safely throughout the winter season.
By proactively tuning up your system now, you’ll gain peace of mind that your home will stay warm and cozy for your guests all season long. Regular maintenance also prolongs the life of your HVAC system, which means fewer headaches down the road.
4. Fix Any Wobbly or Leaky Toilets
With guests spending more time in your home, your bathrooms will likely see some extra traffic. A wobbly toilet or a leaky seal can quickly turn into a bigger problem if left unaddressed. If your toilet rocks back and forth or has a persistent leak, it’s a good idea to get it repaired now.
Our plumbers can stabilize and secure your toilet, preventing potential water damage and ensuring it’s guest-ready for the holidays. Don’t wait until you’re hosting to realize there’s an issue—let us handle it now!
5. Address Any Lingering Plumbing Issues
Holiday hosting can reveal plumbing issues you might have overlooked—whether it's a faucet with low water pressure, a minor leak under the sink, or an overdue water heater flush. Your water heater works overtime in the colder months, and regular maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently. Flushing your water heater annually helps remove sediment build-up that can reduce its lifespan and efficiency, ensuring you have consistent hot water when you need it most.
Addressing these maintenance issues now can help you avoid holiday hiccups and enjoy your time with loved ones.
Ready to Host? Let Us Help You Get There
Hosting should be about enjoying time with family and friends, not worrying about maintenance problems. By taking care of these essential tasks now, you’ll have the peace of mind to focus on what really matters this season.
1st Home & Commercial Services is here to help get your home holiday-ready. Contact us today, and make this holiday season the most seamless, stress-free one yet!