Between trying to juggle deadlines, school events, and getting the house ready for holiday visitors, your home’s plumbing probably isn't going to be at the top of your list. But it goes without saying that a toilet that won't flush or a shower that suddenly runs cold can make things a whole lot more stressful when you've got a house full of guests.

Thankfully, you don't need to spend an entire weekend crawling around under the house checking every pipe. A quick once-over of your plumbing before your guests arrive can help you spot problems before they turn into emergencies, giving you time to get the repairs sorted out before your friends and family arrive.

Start With the Bathrooms Your Guests Will Use

The bathrooms that get the most use are usually the ones in your guest rooms, so start there on your plumbing checklist. Flush each toilet and make sure the water refills properly. Listen out for water that keeps running after you've flushed, which can be a sign of a faulty part inside the toilet.

Run the taps and shower, and check for drips and any changes in water pressure. Take a look under the sink for any signs of water damage or leaks.

If you’re inspecting a bathroom that hardly ever gets used, run the taps and flush the toilet before your guests arrive, too. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends flushing infrequently used water outlets every now and then to clear out any standing water in the pipes.

Make Sure Your Hot Water Is Ready for Guests

Hosting over the holidays often means more showers, extra laundry, and plenty of washing up. Before guests arrive, check around your water heater for signs of leaks and notice whether your hot water runs out sooner than usual.

If you’ve spotted a problem, arrange an inspection before the house gets busy. The local Military Plumbing Rockwall team can check your water heater and recommend any repairs needed to keep hot water available throughout the holiday period.

Get Repairs Sorted Before the Calendar Starts Filling Up

If you spot a problem, it’s smart to schedule a plumbing inspection before your guests arrive. Plumbers can get busy over the holidays, and leaving a problem until the last minute will only end up adding to your stress.

And don't worry too much about fixing any minor cosmetic issues! Focus on the things that can affect safe water use or will impact your guests the most, like working toilets, drainage, and avoiding a leak. The EPA's WaterSense home maintenance guidance explains how to check common household fixtures for leaks and why you should address them quickly.

Even if your schedule is already packed, you can carry out a quick plumbing check in just a few minutes on a spare afternoon. Work through your home’s bathrooms and kitchen, check the water heater, then deal with any warning signs before your guests arrive. With any luck, one less thing will be on your stress list as the holiday rush begins.