How to Keep Your Pipes Smelling Fresh During the Holidays

The holidays are all about delicious food, festive gatherings, and making memories — not mysterious plumbing odors! Between all the cooking, cleaning, and extra guests, your drains and pipes work harder than ever this time of year. Unfortunately, that can lead to unwanted smells coming from your sinks, showers, or garbage disposal.

Here’s how to keep your pipes smelling fresh and your home welcoming all season long.

1. Keep Food Scraps Out of the Drain

When cooking big holiday meals, it’s easy for food debris, grease, and oils to slip down the drain — but that’s a recipe for odors (and clogs). Avoid pouring fats or cooking oils into the sink. Instead, let grease cool and throw it in the trash.
Even small bits of food can cling to the inside of your pipes and start to rot, creating unpleasant smells. If you have a garbage disposal, always run cold water while using it to help flush debris away.

2. Clean Your Garbage Disposal Naturally

Your garbage disposal can trap food particles, leading to sour smells. To freshen it up:

• Drop in a few ice cubes and lemon peels, then turn on the disposal for 30 seconds.

• Follow with a rinse of baking soda and white vinegar to help break down buildup and neutralize odors.
  This eco-friendly trick helps keep your disposal clean and your kitchen smelling fresh — without harsh chemicals.

3. Flush Out Bathroom Drains

Guest showers and sinks that don’t get used regularly can sometimes smell musty or “sour” when water evaporates from the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the drain). That small amount of water is what blocks sewer gas from escaping.
Before your guests arrive, run water for a minute or two in every bathroom sink, tub, and shower. It refills those traps and prevents odors from sneaking up through the drains.

4. Use a Drain Cleaner — the Right Way

Skip harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipes. Instead, use an enzyme-based or natural cleaner once a month. These products break down organic waste safely and help maintain a clean, odor-free drain system.
If you notice recurring smells even after cleaning, it might be time for a professional drain cleaning to remove buildup deeper in the line.

5. Maintain Proper Venting

If you’ve noticed gurgling sounds, slow drains, or persistent odors, your plumbing vent may be blocked. Vent pipes allow sewer gases to escape through the roof — but leaves, debris, or even a bird’s nest can cause problems. A licensed plumber can inspect and clear the vent to ensure your system breathes properly.

6. Freshen Up with a Simple Maintenance Routine

Once a week during the holidays:

• Run hot water down each drain for a few minutes.

• Pour a ½ cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar.

• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with more hot water.

This simple habit helps keep your drains clean and odor-free — and it’s safe for all types of plumbing.

Keep Your Home Festive, Not Funky

Your guests will notice the smell of fresh-baked cookies — not stinky drains — when your plumbing is in top shape. A quick seasonal drain cleaning and a few preventative habits can make all the difference.

If you’re dealing with persistent drain odors or slow drains, it might be time to call in the pros.

Cole’s Plumbing proudly serves Bay St. Louis and the Mississippi Gulf Coast with professional drain cleaning and plumbing maintenance. We’ll make sure your home smells fresh and your drains flow perfectly before your guests arrive.

📞 Call us today to schedule your pre-holiday plumbing tune-up!