Clogs in your plumbing system are frustrating any time of the year. However, when you have special Valentine’s Day plans, the last thing you want is plumbing problems disrupting the occasion. There are several steps you can take to help prevent kitchen and bathroom clogs this Valentine’s Day. Our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in Port St. Lucie, FL, can assist with plumbing maintenance and perform a routine inspection to help ensure your system is operating properly.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down Kitchen Drains

Many items that go down kitchen drains are better off in the trash. Rich foods and holiday meals often involve grease, oil, butter, and cooking fats. These substances can cool and solidify inside pipes, contributing to buildup over time. Other items like vegetable scraps, potato peels, pasta, rice, fruit peels, and coffee grounds can also accumulate and restrict water flow.

High-quality drain strainers can help prevent food particles from accidentally going down the drain. Make sure your current strainer fits properly and doesn’t have large gaps that allow debris to pass through. Emptying and cleaning it regularly helps maintain proper drainage.

Avoid Flushing Incorrect Items

Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing other items can increase the risk of clogs and plumbing issues.

While some products are labeled “flushable,” many wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, makeup wipes, tissues, and other hygiene products do not break down as easily as toilet paper and may contribute to blockages. Feminine hygiene products and cat litter should also be disposed of in the trash. Even thicker or plush toilet paper can take longer to dissolve, so using a moderate amount can help reduce the chance of clogs.

Posting friendly reminders in the bathroom about what should and shouldn’t be flushed can help prevent issues before and during Valentine’s Day gatherings.

Providing a visible bathroom trash can for guests and household members makes proper disposal easier and more convenient.

Safeguard Shower Drains

Hair, soap residue, conditioner, bath products, and pet fur commonly contribute to shower drain clogs. Over time, these materials can combine and restrict water flow.

If your shower drain cover has larger openings, switching to a strainer with smaller holes may help catch more debris. Disposable or removable drain screens are another option. These can be replaced regularly to help reduce buildup and maintain drainage.

Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

A professional plumbing inspection can help identify potential issues before they become larger problems. During the appointment, technicians may check for visible leaks, test water pressure, inspect fixtures, and evaluate the condition of your water heater and other plumbing components.

Being home during the inspection allows technicians to access key areas and discuss any findings with you directly. If repairs are recommended, addressing them promptly can help prevent further damage and additional costs.

Scheduling an inspection a few weeks before Valentine’s Day can give you flexibility for follow-up services if needed and help ensure your plumbing system is functioning properly before hosting guests.

Conduct Self-Inspections

In addition to professional inspections, performing routine self-checks can help you catch minor concerns early. Slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds, or unusual odors may indicate developing clogs.

While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners, these products are often only effective for minor buildup and can be harsh on pipes, especially older plumbing. Frequent use may increase wear on certain pipe materials. Instead, contacting a licensed plumbing professional can help ensure clogs are cleared safely and effectively.

Install Smart Water Leak Detectors

Smart water leak detectors can provide early alerts if moisture is detected in areas such as under sinks or near appliances. While clogs don’t always cause leaks, backed-up water or increased pressure in compromised plumbing systems may contribute to moisture issues in some cases.

These devices can send notifications to your smartphone if water is detected, helping you respond more quickly. Consider placing detectors near water-using appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, and refrigerator.

Care for Your Garbage Disposal

Unpleasant odors from a garbage disposal can affect your kitchen environment during special occasions. Running cold water while operating the disposal helps flush debris through the system more effectively.

Grinding small amounts of ice may help dislodge residue from the disposal chamber. For deodorizing, citrus peels can freshen the unit, though they should be used in moderation and with running water. Avoid placing fibrous foods, large bones, grease, or excessive food waste into the disposal to help prevent clogs and mechanical strain.

Plan for a Plumbing Emergency

If a clog occurs in your kitchen or bathroom, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can help limit potential water damage. Individual shut-off valves near sinks and toilets can also be useful for isolating a specific fixture.

Keeping a plunger accessible in each bathroom and having absorbent towels or rags available can help you respond quickly to minor overflows. If a plumbing emergency occurs, contacting a licensed plumbing professional is the safest course of action. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in Port St. Lucie, FL, offers emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues.

Don’t let plumbing concerns interfere with your Valentine’s Day plans. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in Port St. Lucie, FL, provides inspections, repairs, and professional plumbing solutions. Book services through our website or contact our team today to schedule an appointment.