The holidays are a time for family, food, and fun, but for your home’s plumbing and air conditioning systems, they can also be the most stressful time of the year! Between extra guests, big meals, and unpredictable Florida weather, your home’s comfort systems work overtime.
At All Star Plumbing and Air, we want your holidays to be filled with joy, not plumbing backups or broken AC calls. Here are our top Holiday Do’s and Don’ts to help you keep things running smoothly this season.
Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts:
Keep Things Flowing This Holiday Season!
With holiday meals and visiting guests, your kitchen and bathrooms are busier than ever. A few smart habits can prevent clogs, odors, and costly emergency calls.
✅ DO: Run cold water when using your garbage disposal.
Cold water helps solidify grease and keeps your disposal blades sharp and clean. Always run water for a few seconds before and after you turn it off.
✅ DO: Space out showers and laundry loads.
Your water heater needs recovery time. Stagger showers or washing machine cycles so you don’t run out of hot water mid-visit.
✅ DO: Know what can (and can’t) go down the drain.
Remind guests that only toilet paper should be flushed, no wipes, paper towels, or feminine products. These can cause major blockages.
✅ DO: Know where your main shutoff valve is.
If a leak or burst pipe occurs, you’ll be glad you know where to turn off the water fast.
🚫 DON’T: Pour grease, fat, or oil down the drain.
These cool and harden quickly, clogging your pipes. Pour cooled grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash instead.
🚫 DON’T: Overload your garbage disposal.
Foods like potato peels, rice, pasta, and coffee grounds can jam blades and clog your kitchen sink. Feed small amounts at a time with plenty of water running.
🚫 DON’T: Ignore slow drains or gurgling sounds.
These are early warning signs of buildup. Have them checked before the holiday rush, they won’t fix themselves.
AC Do’s and Don’ts:
Keep Guests Cool and Comfortable!
Even though it’s “winter,” South Florida homes still depend on the AC, especially when you’ve got a full house and the oven running all day. Your air conditioning system keeps humidity low and air fresh, so give it some TLC before guests arrive.
✅ DO: Change your air filter.
A fresh filter keeps your air clean and your system efficient. It also helps guests with allergies breathe easier.
✅ DO: Set your thermostat for comfort and efficiency.
Keep your thermostat around 74–76°F during gatherings. It’s a sweet spot for comfort while helping your AC run efficiently.
✅ DO: Check your vents and airflow.
Make sure no furniture, decorations, or Christmas trees are blocking your vents or returns, restricted airflow can cause uneven temperatures and strain your system.
✅ DO: Schedule a maintenance check.
If it’s been more than six months since your last AC tune-up, now’s the perfect time. Preventative maintenance can stop breakdowns before they happen.
🚫 DON’T: Turn off your AC completely.
Even when the weather cools, South Florida humidity can sneak in. Keep your system running on “AUTO” to control moisture and prevent that sticky feeling indoors.
🚫 DON’T: Forget about indoor air quality.
Between cooking, candles, and extra guests, your home’s air can get stuffy. Consider upgrading your filter or asking us about UV purification systems to keep the air fresh and healthy.
🚫 DON’T: Wait until something breaks.
Small issues can quickly become big (and expensive) ones during the holidays. A quick inspection now can save your celebration later!
Have additional questions? Always call the All Stars!
From clogged drains to sticky humidity, All Star Plumbing and Air is here to make sure your home stays comfortable and worry-free this holiday season. Our expert technicians are ready to handle everything from last-minute plumbing repairs to AC tune-ups and air quality improvements.
Stay merry, stay comfortable, and let the experts at All Star Plumbing and Air take the stress out of your home’s holiday prep. Call us today at 561-667-2900.