10 Plumbing Tips for the Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for all things festive, joy, family gatherings, and celebrations…But it’s also the season for plumbing repairs, as the holidays are some of the busiest times for plumbers. Thanks to added cooking, guests, and cold weather, plumbing issues tend to arrive during the most festive time of year. 

Want to be a prepared party host this year? Then, getting ahead of potential plumbing problems is vital. To help, we’ve compiled our ultimate guide to 10 holiday plumbing tips that’ll help you 

avoid disasters, and keep your home running smoothly during the holidays.

10 Holiday Plumbing Tips You Need to Know

Stay jolly and joyous this holiday season with these 10 holiday plumbing tips every homeowner needs to know. 

1. Be Mindful of Your Garbage Disposal

Let’s be honest. All garbage disposals work overtime during holiday meal prep. To help prevent clogs and breakdowns, here are some tips: 

• Never dispose of fibrous vegetables (like celery or potato peels), bones, coffee grounds, or grease down the disposal. 
• Run cold water while using the disposal and for 15-20 seconds afterward to flush food particles through the pipes.
• For a fresh scent, grind lemon or orange peels occasionally.

2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

It should come as no surprise that winter temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, and when too busy with holidays, you can miss the forecast that predicts them. To protect yourself, it helps to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces using foam pipe insulation or heat tape if you haven’t done so already.

On particularly cold nights, let faucets drip slowly to prevent freezing, and open kitchen bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. If you have water supply lines in the garage, consider insulating that, too, or keeping the door closed at the very least.

3. Prepare Your Water Heater

With holiday hosting comes more long, hot showers and the dishwasher running nearly constantly, putting your water heater into overdrive. If your water heater isn’t in top condition, this overuse could set it over the edge. Before the holiday rush arises, schedule a maintenance check. A plumber may recommend flushing the tank to remove built-up sediment or setting the temperature to 120°F for optimal performance and energy savings.

4. Establish Guest Guidelines

While it might feel awkward, setting clear bathroom guidelines for guests can prevent major plumbing issues. Place waste bins in obvious locations and consider posting gentle reminders about what shouldn’t go down the toilet. Only toilet paper should be flushed – no wet wipes (even if labeled “flushable”), cotton balls, or feminine products.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Drainage System

With increased shower and laundry usage, your drainage system will work harder than usual, too. To help, here are some simple tips you can follow: 

• Install drain strainers in showers and tubs to catch hair and debris. 
• Consider staggering showers and laundry loads to prevent overwhelming your system. 
• If you notice slow drainage, address it immediately before it becomes a major clog.

6. Master the Main Water Valve

Before your guests arrive, locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and ensure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it. In case of a plumbing emergency, quickly shutting off the water supply can prevent extensive water damage. Keep the valve area accessible and consider labeling it clearly.

7. Space Out Major Water Usage

During the holidays, your plumbing system handles more simultaneous demands than usual. Avoid running the dishwasher, washing machine, and multiple showers at the same time. This helps maintain proper water pressure and reduces strain on your pipes and water heater. Create a schedule for major water usage if necessary.

8. Be Smart About Kitchen Clean-up

Holiday meals generate lots of greasy pots and pans. Never pour cooking oil or grease down any drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. Wipe greasy dishes with paper towels before washing them. For stuck-on food, scrape plates into the trash rather than relying on the garbage disposal.

9. Keep Emergency Supplies Ready

Prepare for potential plumbing issues by keeping essential supplies on hand. Stock up on:

• A quality plunger for toilets and sinks
• A basic pipe wrench
• A snake or auger for minor clogs
• Plumber’s tape for minor leaks
• Contact information for a reliable emergency plumber

10. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

The best way to avoid holiday plumbing emergencies is to address potential issues before they become problems. Schedule a professional plumbing inspection several weeks before the holiday season. A plumber can identify and fix minor issues before they turn into major disasters during your holiday celebrations.

Holiday Plumbing Tips: Know When to Call a Professional

Many of the tips you’ve learned here are simple tips any homeowner can implement to protect their plumbing. While many plumbing issues can be handled DIY-style, it’s essential to know your limits and when to call a professional. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s wise to call a professional service like WaterWorks Plumbing to investigate your system: 

• Multiple clogged drains
• Sewage smells
• Water backing up into tubs or sinks
• No hot water
• Frozen pipes
• Water leaks

Proactive plumbing maintenance can help prevent recurring issues and help you enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your home’s plumbing system running smoothly during this festive time of year.

Stay proactive, be prepared, and enjoy a worry-free holiday season with properly functioning plumbing. After all, the last thing anyone wants during their holiday celebration is a plumbing crisis!

The Final Word: Holiday Plumbing Tips 

Of course, it’s not just wise to have a plumber on call for the holidays…it’s wise to have a trusted plumber at your disposal (pun intended!) year-round. WaterWorks Plumbing is proud to be the leading plumbing service in fabulous Ferndale and surrounding areas, for nearly 20 years. From Eastpointe to White Lake, Mt.Clemens to Clarkston, and everywhere in between, our expert team is responsible for regular maintenance, repairs, and preventative services. 

Get in touch to schedule a service or learn more. Before you go, check out even more educational guides and resources for all things plumbing prevention, DIY, and beyond!