While we can’t help you with the perpetually late in-laws, or the constantly bickering siblings when it comes to holiday gatherings, we can provide you with 3 easy ways to prevent common disasters.
3 Holiday Disasters to Avoid at Home
You definitely want your holiday festivities to go off without a hitch, so be sure to avoid these three disasters.
Problem 1: No heat
You want your holidays to be memorable. However, you don’t want your family and friends to remember that time when the heat went out, and you had to huddle together in a circle to stop yourselves from shivering. You can avoid the heat going out by doing these three things:
Changing the Air Filter
Filters should be replaced every 30 days. The newer (more efficient) filter should still be checked monthly and replaced when visibly dirty.
Checking the Thermostat’s Batteries
“Is the computer plugged in?” No one wants to hear this from the IT guy, but they ask for a reason! One of the most common no heating problems is the result of a dead thermostat!
Getting a Heating Inspection
Furnaces and heat pumps work better when they are regularly maintained. Annual maintenance gives you peace of mind and prevents simple problems from developing into catastrophes.
Problem 2: The Clogged Toilet
Low-flow toilets from the 90s are notorious for frequent clogs. It’s even worse during heavy use (multiple people sharing the same bathroom, not to mention guests). Consider getting a new toilet if you have an early low-flow model. Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet (we don’t have to mention the other thing). Always keep a plunger in the bathroom. It makes it easy for your guest to solve a simple problem, without embarrassment!
Problem 3: Clogged Kitchen Sink
Fats, cooking oils and grease are great for food, bad for drains. They harden in the pipes and cause clogs. It’s made even worse with cold temperatures. Over-reliance on garbage disposals also creates additional problems. Use strainers, and throw away items like carrots, pits, bones. peels, peach pits, bones or poultry skin down the drain. These can damage your garbage disposal, causing clogs.
