As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, May kicks off the season of cookouts, pool parties, and out-of-town guests. Memorial Day weekend is often the first big gathering of the season—and nothing can disrupt a celebration faster than a clogged toilet, backed-up kitchen sink, or water heater that quits mid-shower.
If you’re hosting friends or family in Birmingham this May, now is the time to prepare your plumbing for the extra demand. Stephens Plumbing has helped homeowners all over central Alabama avoid holiday disasters with these simple but crucial prep steps.
1. Give Your Water Heater a Pre-Holiday Check
Extra guests mean extra hot water usage—especially for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. If your water heater is struggling to meet demand now, it may completely give out under the pressure of multiple users. Signs of a struggling unit include:
- Lukewarm or inconsistent water temperatures
- Strange banging or popping sounds
- Rusty or discolored water from hot taps
Schedule a maintenance flush to remove sediment buildup and restore efficiency. Don’t stop at the water heater—plumbing maintenance goes beyond hot water. Stay ahead of issues with a complete plumbing maintenance checklist.If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade—perhaps to a tankless model for unlimited hot water and energy savings.
2. Check Toilet Performance
Bathrooms get heavy use during holiday gatherings, and even a slightly weak flush or slow drain can become a full-blown clog under the strain. Avoid embarrassment and costly repairs with a quick toilet check:
- Test each toilet for weak flushing or slow refill
- Check for phantom flushing or continuous running
- Make sure each toilet has a plunger nearby
If your toilet is over 10 years old or frequently clogs, it may be time for a high-efficiency replacement that uses less water and flushes more effectively.
3. Kitchen Plumbing Prep for Cookouts
Your kitchen will be a hub of activity this Memorial Day. Before your sink backs up mid-burger prep, make sure it’s ready to handle the extra food scraps and water usage.
- Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous food scraps down the drain
- Run cold water before and after using the garbage disposal
- Check under the sink for signs of leaks or corrosion
- If your dishwasher is slow to drain, it may share a clogged line with your sink
A proactive cleaning or minor repair can prevent a bigger mess during your party. If you notice any standing water or unpleasant odors, give Stephens Plumbing a call before the guests arrive.
4.Think Beyond the Bathroom
If you have a guest room with an attached bathroom, now is the time to test it—especially if it hasn’t been used in a while.
- Run water in unused tubs, sinks, and showers to clear air from lines
- Check for leaks at faucets, under sinks, and around toilets
- Replace outdated showerheads or aerators with low-flow, high-pressure models
- Make sure drains are clear—slow tub drains are a common complaint
A quick once-over now saves you from answering late-night calls about a clogged sink or leaky toilet.
5. Prevent Emergency Plumbing Calls
Hosting a party is stressful enough. The last thing you want is a plumbing emergency that requires shutting off water mid-event. Take a few steps now to reduce your risk:
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is and test it
- Fix slow leaks before they become emergencies
- Don’t ignore gurgling drains or recurring clogs—these can be early warning signs of sewer line problems
- Schedule a pre-holiday inspection if you’ve had issues in the past
At Stephens Plumbing, we offer quick diagnostics and emergency services in Birmingham so you’re never left with a house full of guests and no running water.
6.Add Comfort with Upgrades
If you’re planning multiple summer gatherings, consider small plumbing upgrades that improve comfort and efficiency:
- Install a hot water recirculating pump for faster hot water at distant taps
- Add a dual-flush toilet for efficiency and versatility
- Upgrade kitchen faucets to touchless models for easier cleanup
We can recommend family-friendly, ADA-compliant, or water-saving fixtures tailored to your home’s needs and style. It can always help to have kitchen and bathroom upgrades to enhance your guests’ experience.
Conclusion
Holiday weekends should be about good food, laughter, and relaxing with loved ones—not scrambling to fix a backed-up drain or leaking faucet. With a few quick plumbing checks in May, you can enjoy your Memorial Day knowing your home is ready for anything.
Need help before the guests arrive? Stephens Plumbing in Birmingham, AL offers fast, affordable service for inspections, repairs, and upgrades. Call us today and enjoy peace of mind all summer long.
