Top Holiday Plumbing Disasters (And How to Avoid Them!)
The holidays bring joy, celebration, and whether you realize it or not, extra strain on your plumbing system. Between big meals, houseguests, and cold weather, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for plumbers. But there’s good news: Most holiday plumbing disasters are preventable with a little preparation and know-how.
Abel Plumbing wants your holiday season to be full of good memories, not surprise leaks and emergency calls. Here are the top plumbing mishaps we see this time of year and how you can keep them from happening in your home.
The Garbage Disposal Meltdown
Big holiday meals often mean bold attempts to cram everything down the disposal. Unfortunately, your disposal isn’t built for just anything.
Holiday culprits:
Potato peels
Pumpkin guts
Bones
Grease and fat
Stringy foods (celery, onion skins)
How to avoid problems:
Keep a bowl nearby for scraps that should go in the trash, not the disposal.
Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal.
Feed items in gradually - don’t dump everything at once.
If your disposal does jam, do not stick your hand inside. Turn off power and call Abel Plumbing for a safe fix.
Clogged Kitchen Drains
Even if you avoid disposal trouble, holiday cooking can still overload your sink pipes. Grease and fats solidify fast in cold weather!
How to avoid problems:
Pour leftover grease into a container, never the drain.
Use a sink strainer to catch food bits.
Run hot water with a little dish soap after large cooking sessions to keep lines clear.
If your kitchen drains or pipes do get backed up, Abel Plumbing can clear them quickly!
Overworked Toilets
Extra guests = extra flushes. During the holidays, toilets work harder than ever, and minor issues quickly turn into unwanted emergencies.
How to avoid problems:
Keep a plunger in every bathroom. Trust us, this prevents awkward moments for guests.
Remind visitors (especially kids!) that toilets are for toilet paper only.
If the toilet runs or fills slowly before holiday gatherings, schedule a quick tune-up. Small problems never fix themselves.
Running Out of Hot Water
If you’re hosting overnight guests, your water heater gets a workout. Too many back-to-back showers can lead to icy surprises.
How to avoid problems:
Stagger showers when possible (this can be a friendly house rule).
Turn your water heater up slightly - but never above 120°F for safety!
If your water heater is aging or can’t keep up with your everyday use, consider having Abel Plumbing check or replace it before guests arrive.
Frozen Pipes
Nothing puts a stop to holiday cheer like a burst pipe, and freezing temperatures make this a top risk.
How to avoid it:
Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when traveling.
Open cabinets under sinks on extremely cold nights to allow warm air in.
Let a small trickle of warm water run from faucets on exterior walls.
Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor spigots before the first hard freeze.
If a pipe does freeze, don’t try to thaw it with open flames! Call the professionals at Abel Plumbing to handle it safely.
Keep Your Holidays Merry (and Dry!) with Abel Plumbing
Taking a few preventative steps now can save you time, money, and stress throughout the holiday season. And if something unexpected does happen, the team at Abel Plumbing is here to help. Whether it’s a clogged drain, water heater issue, or frozen pipe emergency, we’ll make sure your home stays safe, warm, and functioning smoothly.
Need help preparing your home for holiday hosting?
Contact Abel Plumbing today to schedule a pre-holiday inspection or service call!