Common Holiday Plumbing Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for your plumbing system. Between cooking big meals, hosting overnight guests, and all that extra dishwashing and laundry, your pipes are working overtime.

To keep your holiday stress-free (and your plumbing bill low), here are the most common holiday plumbing problems and simple steps to avoid them.

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains and Garbage Disposals

All that holiday cooking means grease, food scraps, and peels can easily end up down the drain — and your disposal can only handle so much.

Avoid it:

• Never pour grease, fat, or oil down the sink.

• Run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal.

• Toss fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, or turkey bones in the trash, not the disposal.

2. Backed-Up Toilets

With a full house, your bathrooms get extra use — and toilets are the first to feel it.

Avoid it:

• Remind guests to flush only toilet paper.

• Keep a plunger nearby for quick fixes.

• If a toilet gurgles or drains slowly, call a plumber before it overflows.

3. Slow Draining Showers and Sinks

Extra showers mean more soap scum and hair washing down drains, which can quickly cause slow drainage.

Avoid it:

• Use drain strainers in showers and sinks.

• Run hot water for a minute after each shower to clear residue.

• Schedule a routine drain cleaning before guests arrive.

4. Water Heater Trouble

Holiday guests mean more hot water use for showers, dishes, and laundry. If your water heater is old or undersized, you might find yourself running cold.

Avoid it:

• Flush your water heater before the holidays to clear sediment buildup.

• Set the thermostat to around 120°F for efficiency and comfort.

• Consider upgrading if your unit is more than 10 years old.

5. Garbage Disposal Jams

Extra food prep and cleanup can easily overwhelm your disposal.

Avoid it:

• Cut food scraps into small pieces before putting them in.

• Run plenty of water during use.

• Never grind bones, coffee grounds, or eggshells.

6. Frozen Pipes (for Gulf Coast Cold Snaps)

Even on the Mississippi and Louisiana coast, those rare 20–30° nights can cause pipes to freeze and burst.

Avoid it:

• Let faucets drip overnight during cold weather.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to keep pipes warm.

• Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls.

Stay Ahead of Holiday Plumbing Problems

A little prevention goes a long way during the holidays. Scheduling a pre-holiday plumbing inspection or drain cleaning can help catch issues early and keep your home running smoothly through the season.

When the unexpected happens, Cole’s Plumbing is here to help — serving homes and businesses along the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast with reliable, 24/7 plumbing service.