The "Chaos Week" Survival Guide: Preventing Disasters When Your Routine Goes Out the Window

The countdown is on. The kids are officially on winter break, the in-laws are flying in, and your calendar is packed with parties and last-minute shopping runs. It’s the most wonderful time of the year... but it’s also the most dangerous week for your home.

At Apex Restoration, we call this "Chaos Week."

Disasters happen when we are distracted. When you have a house full of guests, or when you're rushing out the door to catch a flight, safety checks often get skipped. This week, we are combining our top tips for plumbing, fire safety, and travel prep into one essential survival guide to keep your holidays disaster-free.

1. The "Full House" Plumbing Stress Test

Your plumbing system is about to go from "normal usage" to "max capacity" overnight. A system that works fine for a family of four can fail catastrophe when you add three houseguests and kids home 24/7.

• The "Flushable" Wipe Trap: With guests trying to be helpful with cleanup, the risk of wet wipes going down the toilet skyrockets. Wipes do not disintegrate. They snag on roots in your main line, causing sewage to back up into your basement shower or floor drain. The Fix: Put a visible trash can in every bathroom.

• The Morning Shower Marathon: In older Utah homes, drain lines can be slow. Four back-to-back showers can overwhelm the main line. The Fix: Space showers out by 15 minutes to let the drains clear.

• The Grease Mistake: Never put holiday cooking grease down the disposal. It solidifies and causes major clogs. Pour it into a can and throw it in the trash.

2. "Candle Amnesia" and The Distracted Cook

When the house is chaotic, it’s easy to lose track of open flames.

• The Candle Risk: We love holiday candles, but in a house full of excited kids and pets, they are a major hazard. A wagging tail or a tossed wrapping paper ball can knock a candle over in seconds. The Fix: Switch to battery-operated LED candles for high-traffic areas. If you use real ones, never leave the room while they are burning.

• The "Simmering" Stove: You put cider on the stove to simmer, then run upstairs to wrap a gift. Twenty minutes later, the pot is dry and smoking. The Fix: Set a timer on your phone (not the microwave, which you might not hear) every time you turn a burner on.

3. The "Rushing Out the Door" Checklist

Whether you are leaving for a week-long vacation or just rushing out for a 4-hour holiday party, the "exit" is where mistakes happen.

• The Thermostat Check: If you are leaving town, do not turn your heat off to save money. If the house gets too cold, pipes in exterior walls will freeze and burst. Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F.

• The Main Water Shut-Off: This is the ultimate peace of mind. If you are leaving for more than 24 hours, turn off the main water valve to your home. If a pipe bursts or a toilet supply line fails while you are gone, this ensures it only leaks a cup of water, not 10,000 gallons.

• The "Phantom" Load: Unplug your Christmas tree and holiday lights before you leave the house. Electrical shorts in dried-out trees are a leading cause of devastating holiday fires.

What to Do if Disaster Strikes

If you come home to a flooded basement or a sewage backup, stop.

1. Don't Touch: Sewage is a biohazard.

2. Don't Wait: Mold begins to grow in 24-48 hours.

3. Call Apex: We are open 24/7, even on holidays. We handle the cleanup, the drying, and the insurance claim so you can get back to your family.

Slow down, take a breath, and do a quick safety check before you rush into the festivities. A little awareness keeps the holidays happy and dry.