Top Plumbing Tips to Keep the Holidays Stress-Free

The holiday season is full of cheer, but it’s also when your plumbing system sees more use – and more chances for unexpected problems. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner or a house full of guests, a plumbing emergency is the last thing you want.

These simple plumbing tips can help you avoid clogs, cold showers, and unexpected repairs, so your holidays stay merry and stress-free!

1. Schedule Maintenance Before Guests Arrive

The last thing you need during the holidays is a major clog, sewer backup, or water heater failure. Unfortunately, plumbing issues have a knack for showing up at the worst possible time. Scheduling pre-party maintenance is the best way to ensure your plumbing system is ready for the extra demand.

Preventative Inspection

A licensed plumber can check your pipes for leaks, make necessary repairs, and ensure your system is operating smoothly. If you live in an area where temperatures drop, they can also recommend pipe insulation or freezing prevention tips to avoid burst pipes and water damage.

Water Heater Maintenance

With more showers, dishes, and laundry, your water heater will be working overtime. A plumber can flush your water heater to clear out sediment buildup, ensuring you have steady hot water and good water pressure throughout the season. This simple step helps prevent cold showers and extends the lifespan of your system.

Drain Maintenance

If you’ve noticed slow drains, now’s the time for drain cleaning. Clearing out grease, debris, and buildup ahead of time will prevent messy backups and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly when it matters most.

2. Avoid Clogged Drains and Toilets

Clogged drains and toilets are two of the most common plumbing problems during the holidays, thanks to extra food scraps, debris, and toilet use. To avoid them, be sure to:

• Install covers in sinks, showers, and bathtubs to catch food particles, hair, and other clog-causing debris.
• Remind guests to keep bones, vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and large food scraps out of the garbage disposal. Always run cold water when using the disposal to keep things moving.
• Place a friendly reminder near the toiler to avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products – even if they say “flushable.”

3. Manage Increased Water Usage

The holidays mean more cooking, cleaning and showering, which can spike your water bill and strain your plumbing. Keep things under control by:

• Taking shorter showers, and encouraging guests to do the same.
• Running the dishwasher and washing machine only with a full load.
• Using a basin or filling the sink to wash dishes instead of letting the water run continuously.
• Checking for leaks ahead of time – fixing them will save water and prevent damage.

4. Know What to Do in an Emergency

Have a clogged toilet? Use a plunger to clear simple blockages. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes.

Is your garbage disposal jammed? Turn it off immediately, clear any visible obstructions with tongs (never your hands), and hit the reset button underneath the unit.

Burst pipe or leak? Turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage and call for emergency plumbing services.

Call Covenant Plumbing for Fast Holiday Help

If the worst happens and you need a quick fix, Covenant Plumbing is here to help. Whether it’s a clogged drain, a water heater issue, or a burst pipe, our team will get your plumbing back on track – fast.

Call (309) 340-1403 for reliable, friendly service this holiday season.