How to Avoid Christmas Plumbing Disasters

The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter and cherished moments with family and friends. However, the added hustle and bustle of having guests over—combined with the added strain guests may put on your home’s plumbing system—can turn festive cheer into a messy nightmare.

From clogged drains to overworked water heaters, plumbing disasters are the last thing anyone wants during the holidays. With a little preparation and some smart habits, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid holiday headaches.

Prepare Your Plumbing System Before Guests Arrive

Extra visitors mean more water usage, showers and flushes, which can put your plumbing system to the test. Before the holiday rush, consider having your plumbing system inspected by a professional to ensure everything is in top shape. A quick maintenance check can identify potential issues like leaks, slow drains or low water pressure, giving you peace of mind as guests arrive.

If your water heater is on the older side or struggling to keep up with your current household demand, now might be the perfect time to upgrade to a more efficient model. Tankless water heaters, for example, provide hot water on demand and are ideal for homes expecting a surge in usage during the holidays.

Mind Your Garbage Disposal

The holiday season often means cooking large meals, and while your garbage disposal is helpful, it’s not invincible. Putting the wrong thing down your disposal can lead to clogs, jams or even damage to the unit.

You can help your garbage disposal continue functioning properly by:

• Avoiding Grease and Oil: Never pour cooking grease or oil down the disposal, as it can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages.
• Being Selective About What Goes In: Avoid putting fibrous foods (like celery or potato peels), coffee grounds, eggshells and bones into the disposal. These materials can cause clogs or dull the blades.
• Running Water Before and After Use: Always run cold water before turning on the disposal and let it run for a few seconds after shutting it off to flush out any remaining debris.

Keep Bathroom Drains Clear

With extra people in the house, bathroom drains can easily become clogged with hair, soap scum and other debris. Provide trash bins in every bathroom so guests can dispose of items like wipes, cotton swabs and tissues properly instead of flushing them. Additionally, consider using drain covers to catch hair and prevent buildup.

If you already have slow drains, don’t wait for a guest to notice. Use a simple DIY solution, such as pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water, to clear minor clogs. For more stubborn issues, it’s best to call a plumber.

Homeowners should ideally avoid harsh or caustic drain cleaners that can damage pipes and the environment.

Avoid Toilet Troubles

With a house full of guests, your toilets will get more use than usual, which increases the chances of a clog. To avoid this:

• Provide a Plunger: Make sure every bathroom has a plunger nearby for easy access in case of minor clogs.
• Remind Guests What Not to Flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products and paper towels should go in the trash.
• Check for Leaks: If your toilet runs constantly or has trouble flushing, address the issue before guests arrive to avoid further complications.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Winter temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, even with Tarrant County’s humid subtropical climate. Frozen pipes not only disrupt your water supply but can also burst and cause extensive water damage inside your home. You can prevent frozen pipes by:

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation on pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages or crawl spaces.
• Keep Faucets Dripping: On especially cold nights, let a small trickle of water flow from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Maintain Indoor Temperature: Keep your home’s thermostat set at a consistent temperature, even if you’re away for a few hours.

Plan for Hot Water Usage

The holiday season often means more showers, laundry, and dishwashing, which can stretch your water heater to its limits. If you’ve noticed inconsistent water temperatures or run out of hot water too quickly, it may be time to consider upgrading your water heater. A professional plumber can help you choose the right size and type of water heater to meet your household’s needs, so everyone gets a warm shower—even with a full house.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with the best preparation, plumbing emergencies can happen. Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located so you can quickly stop the flow of water in case of a major leak or burst pipe. Keep the contact information for a trusted plumber handy so you can get help quickly if needed.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday in Tarrant County

Avoiding Christmas plumbing disasters starts with preparation and knowing when to call in the experts. Whether you need a plumbing inspection, drain cleaning or a new water heater to handle the holiday rush, Tom’s Mechanical is here to help.

Contact us today or give us a call at 817-277-4493 to schedule your plumbing service and enjoy a stress-free holiday season!