How to Prevent Common Holiday Plumbing Problems Before Guests Arrive

How Can Homeowners Prevent Plumbing Problems During the Holidays?

Holiday gatherings often place more strain on household plumbing systems than usual. More guests, extra cooking, increased dishwasher use and higher bathroom traffic can all contribute to clogged drains, slow sinks and toilet backups.

The best way to prevent holiday plumbing emergencies is to identify potential issues before guests arrive. Checking drains, understanding what should never go down sinks or toilets, and knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply can help reduce the risk of unexpected disruptions during holiday celebrations.

This guide explains the most common holiday plumbing problems, what causes them, and what homeowners can do to prepare.

Clear Your Clogs and Keep Them Clean

Your sinks, drains and toilets will likely be working overtime over the holidays – make sure they’re clear of clogs and in good working order well in advance.

Toilet: Remember to never flush anything down the toilet except toilet paper – baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towel, even Q-tips, don’t seem like they can cause problems but they can create a damming effect, building up and blocking pipes and causing your toilet to clog or overflow.

Bathtub: When it comes to your bathtub, a few hairs don’t seem like something that could cause a problem but, over time, strands of hair get caught and build up in nasty clumps that slow down water drainage to a crawl. Remove and clean your shower stopper regularly or buy a small mesh basket to gather stray hair, which you can clear on a regular basis.

Kitchen sink: When cooking your holiday meals – or any meals anytime – avoid pouring cooking oil, fat or grease and other food debris down your sink. Grease can solidify in your pipes and cause a serious clog. And seemingly little bits of meat, vegetables, rice or pasta thrown down the drain will only make matters worse.

Upgrade Outdated Plumbing Fixtures

Before the holidays – or anytime really – it’s a great idea to replace your old and inefficient plumbing fixtures, like faucets and showerheads. Not only is it a quick way to give your kitchen or bathroom a refreshed and updated look, new fixtures can also help ensure your plumbing stays in good working order all year round.

Where Is Your Home’s Main Water Shut-Off Valve?

Many homeowners know where individual fixture shut-off valves are located but are less familiar with the main water shut-off valve.

Knowing where this valve is located can help reduce water damage if a pipe bursts, a toilet overflows or an appliance leak occurs.

Every member of the household should understand:

• Where the main shut-off valve is located
• How to operate it safely
• Which fixture have separate shut-off valves

This information can be especially valuable during holidays when service providers may experience higher call volumes.

What Homeowners Often Overlook Before Leaving for Holiday Travel

If you’re travelling during the holidays, plumbing preparation is just as important as securing doors or adjusting thermostats.

Before leaving:

• Check for dripping faucets or leaking supply lines
• Inspect areas under sinks for moisture
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
• Consider shutting off the home’s water supply during extended absences if appropriate for your home’s plumbing setup.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check the home periodically during long trips.

When Reliance® Can Help

Some plumbing issues can be addressed through routine maintenance and prevention. However, persistent clogs, sewer backups, or leaking pipes or fixtures that aren’t operating properly may require service.

Reliance has been helping Canadian homeowners for more than 60 years and offers plumbing support across Ontario through British Columbia. Homeowners can access 24/7/365 live phone support and soon as same day repairs, including yes – holidays!