Is the Kitchen Plumbing Ready for the Holidays?

Making Sure the Kitchen Can Handle Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

The holidays are fast approaching, and that means it’s time for festive decorations, fireside cozying, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. A whole lot of delicious food…which means a whole lot of cooking. It may seem like the oven and stovetop is where all the action is, but the whole operation would grind to a halt without the true workhorse – the kitchen sink.

Between washing hands, washing dishes, rinsing fruits and veggies, and disposing of food scraps, the kitchen sink gets plenty of use during the holidays, especially with all of the added volume and extra family members contributing to the feast. Here are a few ways to ensure the festivities don’t get derailed by any pesky kitchen plumbing issues.

How To Tell if a Faucet Needs Replacing

There are a few telltale signs that a faucet is in bad shape. The most obvious indicator is a leak.  If the spigot drips when the water is turned off or water leaks from the faucet base or the lever handle when the water is turned on, it likely means that a valve, O-ring, or washer has been damaged by corrosion or become worn.

If there are rust stains or cloudy water spots on or around the faucet, there’s probably a small internal leak, which can cause big trouble if left unattended. Similarly, crusty buildup on the spigot means that mineral deposits are accumulating inside the faucet, which can cause valves to seize and break.

Repairing individual components may solve some problems temporarily, but in most cases, faucets that exhibit these symptoms had better be replaced. It may even save money in the long run; the cost of all those little repairs and replacement parts can add up over time.

Win Over Fussy Relatives With a Kitchen Sink Upgrade

Is that old, beat-up kitchen sink an easy target for nitpicky relatives or in-laws? A fancy new sink basin can not only drastically improve a kitchen’s aesthetic value, but it can also make life easier. A deeper basin means more space for washing those larger pans and baking sheets; stainless steel, fireclay, and cast iron sinks are easier to keep clean than older porcelain models – and with virtually no chance of ugly cracks or chips. 

Less expensive than most homeowners think, a tough, spacious, and beautiful kitchen sink can make all the difference for a happy kitchen – it’ll stand up to drops, dings, dish piles, and even intense but well-meaning scrutiny.

Garbage Disposal vs. Thanksgiving Dinner Prep

The kitchen can be a pretty chaotic place during the holidays, and there’s nothing like a clogged kitchen sink to push it over the edge. Older garbage disposals can only handle so much at once, and with the greater volume of food waste involved in preparing holiday feasts, a clog is just a few extra eggshells or celery stalks away.

If the home’s garbage disposal is more than eight years old, its performance is almost certainly not what it used to be, and it may be worth replacing. Newer disposals are relatively inexpensive and can pack quite a punch – some higher-end models employ 1-horsepower motors, which can handle just about anything but bones. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult a plumber to see if the disposal is up to the task – before the holiday cooking season begins.

About Reeves Family Plumbing

Reeves Family Plumbing has proudly served Dallas, Texas, since 1960. As a family-owned and operated business, they are committed to honesty, safety, and outstanding workmanship. They provide 24/7 emergency service and a satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call Reeves Family Plumbing today for expert kitchen plumbing services in Dallas.

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