Common Plumbing Issues During the Holiday Season and How to Avoid Them!

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains

Leaking and Clogged Kitchen Drain

The Problem:

Holiday cooking often means pouring grease, oils, and food scraps down the sink, leading to stubborn clogs.

Prevention Tips:

• Dispose of grease in a container, not your drain.

• Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps.

• Run hot water for a few minutes after using the garbage disposal to help clear any buildup.

2. Garbage Disposal Overload

Emergency Garbage Disposal Repair

The Problem:

Hosting a feast can overload your garbage disposal, especially with tough items like bones or fibrous vegetables (e.g., potato peels).

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid putting hard or fibrous items down the disposal.

• Feed scraps gradually, not all at once.

• Run cold water while using the disposal to prevent overheating.

3. Toilet Trouble

The Problem:

With extra guests, your toilets may experience frequent use, increasing the risk of clogs and malfunctions.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep a plunger handy.

• Remind guests to only flush toilet paper.

• Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes.

4. Water Heater Strain

The Problem:

Extra showers and dishwashing can overwork your water heater, leaving you with cold water when you need it most.

Prevention Tips:

• Spread out showers to give your water heater time to recover.

• Turn up the water heater slightly (but no higher than 120°F).

• Consider scheduling a water heater maintenance check before the holidays.

5. Frozen Pipes

The Problem:

Colder weather increases the risk of pipes freezing, especially if outdoor or exposed pipes are not properly insulated.

Prevention Tips:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas.

• Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate.

• Let faucets drip slightly during freezing weather to prevent pressure buildup.

When to Call a Plumber

Despite your best efforts, some issues may require professional help. If you experience:

• Persistent clogs or backups,

• Water heater failures,

• Frozen or burst pipes,

don’t hesitate to call a trusted plumbing professional to resolve the issue quickly.

At Bethel Plumbing,

we’re here to ensure your holiday season is stress-free. From preventative maintenance to emergency repairs, we’ll help you keep your plumbing system in top shape. Contact us today to schedule a service or get ahead of potential holiday headaches!