The holidays should be a time to relax, celebrate, and spend time with family, not to worry about unexpected plumbing problems. With more guests over and increased use of your plumbing system, December often sees the most leaks, clogs, and emergency calls.
A little prep work can make a big difference. By taking a few simple maintenance steps, you can greatly lower the chances of a plumbing problem ruining your holiday plans.
Here are five simple steps you can take now to ensure your home runs smoothly throughout the holiday season.
1. Give Your Garbage Disposal Extra Care
Holiday cooking can put a lot of stress on your disposal. From potato peels to leftover gravy, it all adds up. If the disposal gets overwhelmed, your drains might slow down or even clog.
A few quick reminders:
- Avoid putting stringy, fibrous foods like celery, onion skins, or corn husks down the disposal.
- Avoid starchy foods like rice or potatoes, as they can swell and cause blockages.
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help flush debris.
- If it starts to smell funny, grind a few ice cubes and citrus peels to freshen it up.
A well-maintained disposal reduces the chance of a kitchen backup during the holidays.
2. Protect Your Drains from Unwanted Guests
Having more people at home means you’ll have more showers, more hair down the drains, and a higher chance of pipes becoming slow or clogged.
A quick pre-holiday prep checklist:
- Install affordable mesh drain screens in showers and tubs.
- Keep a drain-safe cleaning product available to maintain flow (avoid harsh chemicals).
- Space out your showers when possible to allow your water heater time to recover.
- Ask guests not to flush wipes, cotton swabs, or anything other than toilet paper.
Small steps like these can help you avoid a last-minute bathroom emergency.
3. Identify Small Leaks Before They Turn Into Major Issues
Many homeowners have small leaks that they don’t notice until extra water used during the holidays makes the problem worse.
Take a few moments to:
- Check under sinks for any signs of moisture or water stains.
- Inspect around toilets for rocking or slow leaks at the base.
- Check your water heater for rust, leaks, or strange sounds.
- Listen for toilets that are running; they use water and can show that a part isn’t working right.
Detecting leaks early makes repairs simpler and prevents larger problems and disruptions later.
4. Get Your Water Heater Ready for the Holidays
During the holidays, your water heater works extra hard. With all the dishes, laundry, and showers one after another, it can easily get overwhelmed.
A few ways to improve its performance:
- Raise the temperature a bit—stay below 120°F.
- Flush the tank if it hasn’t been done recently to clear sediment buildup.
- Insulate exposed pipes to keep heat in during cold weather.
- If it’s older than 10–12 years, consider having it inspected before the holidays arrive.
A little attention now can prevent cold showers and unexpected breakdowns.
5. Know When to Reach Out to a Professional
Not every plumbing problem can be fixed with DIY repairs, and that’s okay. If you notice warning signs like gurgling drains, recurring clogs, foul smells, low water pressure, or sudden spikes in water bills, it’s better to call a licensed plumber sooner rather than later.
Calling a professional early can stop a small problem from becoming a holiday disaster.
Make Your Holidays Stress-Free
With a little prep, you can avoid most plumbing surprises and have a safe, comfortable, stress-free holiday season. If something does come up, Michael Runk Plumbing & Heating is ready to help so you can focus on celebrating instead of fixing problems.
Call us today to ensure your home remains comfortable, safe, and leak-free.