Last month we discussed prepping for the holidays. This month we will dive deeper into how to avoid a holiday emergency. Unfortunately, plumbing problems tend to strike at the worst possible times, especially when your home is full of guests and your system is working overtime. From clogged drains to overworked water heaters, the stress on your plumbing can quickly turn into a holiday disaster if you are not prepared.
The good news? With a little foresight and preventive care, you can avoid most plumbing emergencies and keep your holiday gatherings stress-free.
Common Holiday Plumbing Issues
Clogged Kitchen Drains and Garbage Disposals – Extra cooking means more grease, food scraps, and oils going down the drain. These can solidify and clog pipes, leading to backups. Overloaded Toilets – With more people in the house, toilets get used more often, increasing the chances of clogs or flushing mishaps.
Water Heater Strain – Guests mean extra showers, dishes, and laundry, putting added stress on your water heater.
Frozen Pipes (in colder climates) – If temperatures dip, unprotected pipes can freeze and burst—causing costly damage.
Tips to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies
- Be Drain Smart. Never pour grease, fats, or oils down the sink. Instead, collect them in a container and throw them away.
- Remind guests not to use the disposal for bones, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods like celery and potato peels.
- Place a small trash can in the bathroom to discourage guests from flushing wipes, cotton balls, or other non-flushables.
- Keep a plunger handy – just in case.
- Turn up your water heater a few degrees (but stay below 120°F to prevent scalding).
- Stagger showers and laundry loads to give it time to recover.
- Consider scheduling a maintenance check before the holidays.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or attics.
- On especially cold nights, open faucets to drip slightly and keep water moving. Also, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
When to Call a Professional
Even with preparation, plumbing surprises can still happen. If you notice persistent clogs, low water pressure, unusual noises from your pipes, or signs of leaks, it is best to call a licensed plumber before guests arrive. Preventive maintenance now can save you from a major holiday headache later. A plumber can also inspect your water heater, check for hidden leaks, and ensure your system is ready to manage the extra holiday demand without fail.
The holidays should be about family gatherings and festive cheer, not emergency plumbing repairs. By taking simple steps to protect your drains, toilets, water heater, and pipes, you will reduce the risk of problems and enjoy a stress-free season. And if an issue does arise, you will know when it is time to bring in a professional.
This season, set the stage for a worry-free celebration. With a little preparation, you will be free to focus on what truly matters, enjoying the company of friends and family.
To find out more information about finding a plumber in Southern California visit https://socalplumbers.com/.