With Christmas just around the corner, households across Melbourne are busy preparing for the festive season. While decorations, gifts, and food often take centre stage, it’s also a time to make sure your home is ready to handle the extra demands of holiday gatherings. Whether it’s ensuring your hot water system is up to the challenge or making sure your kitchen plumbing is in good shape, a little preparation goes a long way in avoiding any holiday hiccups.
Hot Water Systems: Keep the Showers Hot
Christmas in Melbourne often means hosting family and friends, which can put added strain on your hot water system. Nobody wants cold showers, especially during the festive period. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to check your hot water system ahead of time:
- Schedule a Service: Get your hot water system checked and serviced before the holidays. This will help identify any issues that could lead to a sudden breakdown, ensuring you have enough hot water for everyone.
- Temperature Check: Make sure your thermostat is set to an optimal temperature (typically around 60°C) to provide enough hot water while also keeping energy bills under control.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your hot water system or need help preparing, our Hot Water Services page has more information on how we can assist.
Kitchen Plumbing: Ready for the Christmas Feast
The kitchen is the heart of Christmas celebrations, and with extra cooking comes extra stress on your kitchen plumbing. From washing dishes to preparing meals, your sink and dishwasher are going to be working overtime:
- Avoid Blockages: Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoid pouring cooking oils, fats, and grease down the sink as they can harden and cause blockages. Instead, dispose of them in a sealed container in the bin.
- Check for Leaks: A small leak can turn into a big problem, especially when you have a full house. Make sure taps are not dripping and the under-sink pipes are secure.
- Garbage Disposal: If you have a garbage disposal, make sure it’s in good working order. Avoid putting fibrous food like potato peels or onion skins down it, as these can easily jam the blades.
Bathroom Plumbing: Extra Guests, Extra Demands
With more people in the house, the bathroom is going to see a lot more use. Now is the time to address any lingering issues:
- Fix Slow Drains: A slow-draining shower or sink can be an annoyance at the best of times, but during the holidays, it can quickly become a problem. Clear drains now to avoid any frustration later.
- Toilet Care: Make sure everyone knows not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Items like wipes, tissues, and cotton buds can easily cause blockages, leading to a very inconvenient situation during Christmas.
Gas Appliances: Cooking and Heating Safety
Many homes in Melbourne rely on gas appliances for cooking the Christmas feast or keeping the home warm during unpredictable weather. Here are some tips to make sure your gas appliances are ready:
- Service Your Gas Appliances: Get your gas stove, oven, and heater checked by a licensed gas fitter to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently. This helps avoid any sudden issues just when you need them most.
- Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, it’s important to act immediately. Turn off the gas at the meter and call a licensed gas fitter. Regular checks are crucial to ensuring the safety of your home.
Our Gas Fitting Services cover all aspects of gas safety, including inspections and repairs, so you can have peace of mind during the festive season.
Outdoor Plumbing: Preparing for Summer Gatherings
Melbourne weather during December can be quite varied, but it’s often warm enough for outdoor gatherings. If you’re planning a Christmas BBQ or a backyard celebration, make sure your outdoor plumbing is ready:
- Check Garden Taps: Make sure all outdoor taps are working correctly, especially if you plan to use hoses for cleaning or filling up a paddling pool.
- Inspect Sprinklers: If you have a garden irrigation system, check for leaks or broken heads. This can save water and ensure your garden looks great for any holiday entertaining.
Need Help Before Christmas?
The lead-up to Christmas is always busy, but taking the time to ensure your plumbing and gas systems are ready will save you stress and hassle during the festivities. At Any Hour Plumbing & Gas, we’re here to help with all your plumbing and gas needs—whether it’s a quick check-up or an emergency repair, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re in Melbourne and need a hand preparing your home for the holidays, reach out to us. We’re always just a call away, ready to help make your Christmas as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.