Top 5 Plumbing Issues Homeowners Face During the Holidays (and How to Avoid Them)

Ah, the holiday season! Family, friends, delicious feasts…and the extra stress on your home’s plumbing. With all the cooking, cleaning, and increased household traffic, it’s no wonder plumbing issues tend to spike this time of year. The last thing you want is a clogged drain or a busted water heater to ruin the festive spirit!

That’s why we at Richter Plumbing have put together this list of the top 5 plumbing issues homeowners commonly face during the holidays, along with practical tips to help you avoid them. Let’s keep your home running smoothly so you can focus on what really matters – enjoying the holidays with your loved ones!

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains

Why It Happens: During holiday cooking marathons, kitchen drains take a serious hit. From gravy to greasy pans and even potato peels, many foods can wreak havoc on your drains if not disposed of properly. Grease, in particular, can harden and block pipes, creating a stubborn clog.

How to Avoid It:

• Dispose of Grease Properly: Pour cooking grease into a container, let it cool, and throw it in the trash instead of down the drain.

• Scrape Food Scraps: Clear plates into the garbage before rinsing them. Avoid dumping fibrous foods like celery or potato peels, which can easily clog pipes.

• Use a Drain Screen: Place a screen or strainer over your drain to catch food particles before they get a chance to slip down and cause trouble.

Quick Fix: If you do end up with a slow or clogged drain, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. This can help break up minor clogs.

2. Garbage Disposal Jams

Why It Happens: Let’s face it – garbage disposals are convenient, but they’re not invincible. Overloading your disposal or feeding it the wrong items, like bones, eggshells, or starchy foods, can lead to jams or even damage.

How to Avoid It:

• Feed in Small Batches: Avoid stuffing too much food into the disposal at once. Add small amounts and run cold water to help move things along.

• Know What NOT to Put Down: Bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, and fibrous veggies like celery are garbage disposal no-gos.

• Run Water Before and After: Let cold water flow for a few seconds before and after using the disposal to flush any leftover debris.

Quick Fix: If your disposal jams, don’t panic! Turn off the disposal, check for blockages, and use the reset button (typically located on the bottom). For more complex jams, give Richter Plumbing a call – we’re here to help!

3. Water Heater Failure

Why It Happens: With extra guests in the house, your water heater works overtime during the holidays. Long showers, increased laundry loads, and constant dishwashing can push your water heater to its limit, resulting in lukewarm water or even a full breakdown.

How to Avoid It:

• Turn Up the Temperature (Slightly): Before guests arrive, you can increase the temperature on your water heater by a few degrees (but don’t exceed 120°F to avoid burns).

• Space Out Showers and Laundry: Encourage household members to space out showers and other hot water usage to give the heater a break.

• Schedule a Maintenance Check: Having your water heater inspected and flushed of sediment before the holiday season can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of issues.

Quick Fix: If you do experience a sudden water heater issue, check the pilot light (for gas heaters) or the breaker (for electric ones). If it’s still not working, you may need a professional to take a look.

4. Toilet Clogs

Why It Happens: With guests using the bathroom more frequently, your toilets are under extra pressure. Extra toilet paper or improper items (like “flushable” wipes) can easily cause clogs, leading to a messy and inconvenient situation.

How to Avoid It:

• Place a Trash Bin Nearby: Make sure there’s a wastebasket in every bathroom for items that shouldn’t be flushed, like wipes, feminine products, and paper towels.

• Use Caution with Toilet Paper: Let guests know that they should use only as much toilet paper as necessary, especially if you have an older plumbing system.

• Keep a Plunger Handy: A plunger can often resolve minor clogs quickly, so make sure one is within reach.

Quick Fix: If a clog does occur, try using a plunger. If that doesn’t work, a plumbing auger (or drain snake) can help break up tougher blockages. And of course, Richter Plumbing is available for emergency assistance if needed!

5. Frozen Pipes

Why It Happens: In colder regions, pipes can freeze during the winter, especially if they’re exposed or poorly insulated. Frozen pipes not only block water flow but can also burst, leading to serious water damage and costly repairs.

How to Avoid It:

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use pipe insulation in areas like the garage, basement, or attic where pipes are more exposed to cold air.

• Keep a Trickle Running: During particularly cold nights, let a small stream of water flow from faucets. This can prevent freezing by keeping the water moving.

• Open Cabinet Doors: For pipes located under sinks, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate.

Quick Fix: If a pipe does freeze, try using a hair dryer to gently warm the pipe. Start from the faucet end and work your way back. Never use an open flame, as this can damage pipes and create a fire hazard. If the pipe bursts, shut off your water immediately and call us!

When to Call Richter Plumbing

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, plumbing issues can still crop up. That’s where Richter Plumbing comes in! We’re ready to handle any holiday plumbing emergency, from clogged drains to water heater malfunctions. Plus, we offer maintenance services to help you prevent these issues in the first place.

The holidays are stressful enough without having to deal with a plumbing disaster. Let Richter Plumbing be your go-to partner for keeping your home’s plumbing in tip-top shape this season!

Plumbing Issues FAQs

Q: Can I put any food scraps down the garbage disposal?A: Not all food scraps are disposal-friendly. Avoid fibrous veggies, bones, and grease, as these can clog or damage your disposal.

Q: What temperature should I set my water heater to during the holidays?A: Generally, 120°F is ideal, but you can increase it slightly to accommodate extra hot water demand. Just don’t go too high to avoid scalding risks.

Q: How can I tell if my pipes are at risk of freezing?A: Pipes in unheated areas like garages, attics, and exterior walls are most at risk. Insulating these pipes and keeping a trickle of water running during cold spells can help prevent freezing.

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Steal Your Holiday Cheer!

With a little preparation and the right tips, you can avoid most holiday plumbing headaches. But if something does go wrong, remember that Richter Plumbing is just a call away. Our team is here to handle any plumbing issues you encounter, so you can keep your holiday celebrations stress-free.

Happy Holidays, and may your drains stay clear, your water warm, and your festivities uninterrupted!