The Holiday Plumbing Checklist Every Homeowner Needs

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations—but it’s also one of the busiest times for your home’s plumbing. With extra cooking, more guests, and higher water usage, small plumbing issues can quickly turn into major headaches. For homeowners along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, where older homes and coastal plumbing challenges are common, taking proactive steps can save you from costly emergencies. This comprehensive holiday plumbing checklist ensures your home stays stress-free and running smoothly throughout the season.

1. Inspect Your Toilets
Toilets are the workhorses of your home, and they see extra use during holiday gatherings. Check for:

• Slow flushing or frequent running

• Leaks around the base or tank

• Loose or damaged components inside the tank

Repairing these issues early can prevent overflows and flooding, especially during large holiday dinners.

2. Clear Slow Drains
Kitchen and bathroom sinks often clog faster during holidays due to increased usage. Prevent backups by:

• Using a drain strainer to catch food, hair, and debris

• Running hot water and a natural drain cleaner (like baking soda and vinegar) weekly

• Avoiding pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink

3. Test Your Water Heater
Guests mean more showers, baths, and dishwashing. Ensure your water heater is up to the task:

• Check the temperature setting (around 120°F is safe and efficient)

• Inspect for leaks or corrosion

• Flush the tank if sediment buildup is visible, which can affect heating efficiency

4. Inspect Exposed Pipes
Winter along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast can bring occasional cold snaps. Protect your pipes by:

• Insulating pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, and garages

• Sealing drafts near pipes to prevent freezing

• Keeping a small trickle of water running in vulnerable pipes during extremely cold nights

5. Check Your Garbage Disposal
Holiday cooking often means heavier use of your garbage disposal. Keep it running smoothly by:

• Running cold water while grinding food

• Avoiding fibrous or starchy foods that can clog blades

• Cleaning it with a mixture of ice cubes and salt or citrus peels

6. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
Even in coastal areas with mild winters, outdoor plumbing needs attention:

• Turn off and drain outdoor faucets and irrigation systems to prevent damage

• Check hoses for cracks or leaks

• Ensure pool or hot tub plumbing is winter-ready

7. Know Your Shut-Off Valves
Emergencies happen. Make sure you and your family know how to:

• Shut off the main water supply

• Operate individual shut-off valves for toilets, sinks, and appliances

Quick access can prevent serious water damage during a holiday mishap.

8. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
If your plumbing hasn’t been inspected recently, the holidays are the perfect time. A licensed plumber can:

• Identify hidden leaks or corrosion

• Inspect sewer lines and septic systems

• Ensure your plumbing is ready for increased holiday usage

The holidays should be a time of celebration, not plumbing stress. By following this comprehensive checklist, homeowners along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast can prevent common plumbing emergencies and ensure their homes are ready for family, friends, and festive gatherings. A little preparation now can save you from costly repairs, water damage, and unwanted interruptions during the most wonderful time of the year.