Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests
Practical Indoor Plumbing Tips for Buffalo & Western New York Homes
Hosting family and friends during the holidays brings joy, laughter, and much heavier use of your home’s plumbing system. From guest bathrooms to kitchen sinks, showers, and laundry areas, everything works harder when your home is full.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we help homeowners across Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg prepare their indoor plumbing for guests so small issues don’t turn into holiday disruptions. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your home comfortable, clean, and stress-free.
Here are practical indoor plumbing tips to help you get guest-ready.
1. Test Every Toilet Before Guests Arrive
A toilet that works “most of the time” can quickly become a problem when guests are using it regularly.
Before hosting:
• Flush every toilet multiple times
• Check for slow refilling
• Listen for running water
• Ensure the handle works smoothly
Fixing minor toilet issues early prevents overflows and awkward situations for guests.
2. Check Guest Bathroom Sinks and Showers
Guest bathrooms often go unused for months, which can allow issues to go unnoticed.
Inspect for:
• Slow-draining sinks or tubs
• Dripping faucets
• Weak water pressure
• Leaks under cabinets
Clear minor clogs and address leaks ahead of time to avoid water damage and inconvenience.
3. Make Sure You Have Enough Hot Water
More showers, more dishwashing, and more laundry mean your water heater will be working overtime.
Prepare by:
• Testing hot water recovery time
• Adjusting the water heater temperature if needed
• Checking for leaks or corrosion
• Flushing sediment from the tank if recommended
If your hot water runs out quickly, Gideon’s Plumbing can assess whether maintenance or an upgrade is needed.
4. Prevent Drain Clogs in High-Use Areas
Holiday guests often use sinks differently than you do, increasing the risk of clogs.
Reduce problems by:
• Placing drain screens in bathroom sinks
• Avoiding flushing wipes or hygiene products
• Keeping trash bins clearly visible
• Labeling what should not go down drains
These simple steps protect your plumbing and keep drains flowing smoothly.
5. Inspect Under-Sink Cabinets and Exposed Pipes
Leaks often start small and worsen with increased use.
Check under sinks for:
• Dampness or water stains
• Loose supply lines
• Corroded shutoff valves
• Signs of previous leaks
Catching problems early can prevent water damage during busy holiday gatherings.
6. Prepare Laundry and Utility Areas
Guests may use laundry facilities or pass through utility spaces.
Take time to:
• Inspect washing machine hoses
• Clean lint traps and drains
• Ensure floor drains are clear
• Secure loose plumbing or wiring
Well-maintained utility areas reduce the risk of leaks and flooding.
7. Review Shutoff Valves and Emergency Plans
Knowing how to shut off water quickly can save your home in an emergency.
Before guests arrive:
• Locate your main water shutoff valve
• Make sure it turns easily
• Inform another adult in the home where it is
• Keep Gideon’s Plumbing contact information handy
Preparation allows for fast action if an issue arises.
8. Schedule an Indoor Plumbing Checkup
A professional inspection is the best way to ensure your plumbing is ready for increased holiday use.
A Gideon’s Plumbing indoor inspection includes:
• Toilet and faucet testing
• Drain flow evaluation
• Leak detection
• Water heater inspection
• Pipe condition assessment
We proudly serve Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg with excellent service and dependable plumbing solutions.
Welcome Guests With Confidence This Holiday Season Preparing your home for guests means more than tidying up. It means ensuring your plumbing system can handle the extra demand. With a little planning and professional support, you can avoid disruptions and focus on enjoying time with family and friends.
Gideon’s Plumbing is the plumbing company Buffalo homeowners trust for reliable repairs, seasonal maintenance, and expert indoor plumbing service.
Call Gideon’s Plumbing today to prepare your home’s plumbing for holiday guests throughout Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg.