Colorado Springs, Colorado (NAPSI) - Ah, the holidays! They’re a time filled with family, friends, large parties and the inevitable holiday entertaining stress. While more guests and big holiday meals can put a serious strain on a home’s plumbing system, a plumbing emergency should be the last thing you need to worry about during a festive gathering.

Did you know that the day after Thanksgiving is the single busiest day of the year for Roto-Rooter’s residential plumbers? North America’s No. 1 plumbing repair and drain service company sees, on average, a 47 percent increase in incoming calls on that day compared to an average Friday.

This holiday season, avoid embarrassing overflow disasters and flushing money down the drain by following these tips to help keep your bathroom pipes flowing properly and freely.

1. Don’t be a victim of the lingering flush: Do you hear water running in your toilet tank for an extended time after a flush? If so, then your toilet may be leaking and wasting up to 200 gallons of water daily! Stop jiggling the handle and pick up the phone for a professional, like your local Roto-Rooter plumber.

2. The secret’s in the TP: Use the appropriate amount of toilet paper. Charmin’s re-engineered design allows for easier breakdown of toilet tissue, giving your bathroom pipes a break so you can truly enjoy the go.

3. Don’t plunge your life away: If a toilet requires plunging on a regular basis, this could mean there is an obstruction down the drainpipe. It may even be a symptom of a bigger problem farther down the sewer line. Have someone take a look.

4. Toilets do not get better with age: If your toilet was made before 1994, it is probably costing you a fortune in water and it’s time for an upgrade. Newer toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush and the newest low-flow designs provide the same amount of flushing power as old 3.5-gallon models. An efficient, new toilet will conserve water and save you money month after month.

5. Don’t let the outside in: Be sure to disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected, water in the hoses can freeze and expand, causing faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to freeze and break.

If you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, please visit www.RotoRooter.com or call (800) ROTO-911 [(800) 768-6911].

To learn more about Charmin and find out which option is right for you, please visit Facebook.com/Charmin or Twitter @Charmin.