Plumbing System Survival Guide: Holiday Edition

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and food. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner, welcoming relatives from out of town, or throwing a festive party, your home’s plumbing system will be working harder than usual. With all the extra cooking, cleaning, and bathroom use, drains and toilets can quickly become overwhelmed-and the last thing anyone wants is a clogged sink or a backed-up toilet in the middle of a holiday gathering.

The good news? A little preparation and a few smart habits can go a long way toward keeping your plumbing running smoothly. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent holiday plumbing problems and enjoy a stress-free season.

1. Practice Preventative Plumbing Maintenance

Before guests arrive, take some time to make sure your drains are in good shape. If water has been draining slowly from your sinks, showers, or tubs, that’s a sign of a partial clog. Fixing it now can prevent an inconvenient backup later.

• Run hot water through all drains for a few minutes to flush out grease and soap buildup.
• Use a safe, enzyme-based drain cleaner (avoid harsh chemical products, which can damage pipes).
• Check bathroom sinks and tubs for hair buildup or debris. Remove it with a drain snake or a hair catcher tool.

For kitchens, especially those that see a lot of holiday cooking, it might be wise to have a plumber inspect or clean your main drain line if you’ve noticed any recurring slow drainage. Think of it as plumbing “spring cleaning” before the big rush.

2. Know What Should (and Shouldn’t) Go Down the Sink

One of the most common causes of holiday clogs is food waste that ends up where it shouldn’t-down the drain. Between meal prep, washing dishes, and cleaning up after guests, your kitchen sink is on double duty.

Here’s what to avoid putting down the drain or garbage disposal:

• Grease, fat, and cooking oil: These cool and solidify in your pipes, creating sticky blockages that catch other debris. Instead, pour grease into a disposable container and toss it once it hardens.
• Starchy foods: Items like pasta, rice, and potatoes swell with water and can form a thick paste in your pipes.
• Fibrous vegetables: Celery, corn husks, and onion skins can wrap around your disposal blades and jam the motor.
• Bones, fruit pits, and shells: These are too hard and can damage your disposal or jam the impeller.
• Coffee grounds and eggshells: Despite common myths, both can accumulate and form clogs.

If you do use a garbage disposal, run plenty of cold water while it’s operating and for several seconds afterward. This helps flush particles through the system. Alternatively you can also use a strainer on your sink to collect food debris and prevent any potential drainage clogs that debris could cause.

3. Prep Your Bathrooms

When you’re hosting guests, bathrooms get a lot more use-especially if you have only one or two. A little forethought can help prevent awkward plumbing emergencies.

Simple steps to get ready:

• Test your toilets for proper flushing: Make sure each toilet empties completely and refills quickly. If it’s slow or weak, try adjusting the flapper or float, or call a plumber to inspect the mechanism.
• Keep plungers accessible. It’s always better for a guest to fix a small clog discreetly than to have to ask for help.
• Place waste bins in every bathroom. This encourages guests to toss things like wipes, cotton pads, and tissues into the trash instead of the toilet.
• Stock up on toilet paper-but not too much at once. Too many sheets per flush can overwhelm your pipes, especially if your system is older.

If you have a guest suite or basement bathroom that isn’t used often, run water in the sink and shower before guests arrive. This helps refill the traps and prevent unpleasant sewer odours.

4. Remind Guests (Gently) What Not to Flush

Even well-meaning guests can accidentally cause plumbing problems if they’re unaware of what your pipes can handle. Many people assume that “flushable” wipes or hygiene products are safe, but most are not.

Here’s a quick refresher on what should never be flushed:

• Paper towels and “flushable” wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton balls, swabs, or pads
• Dental floss or hair
• Kitty litter, even if labelled flushable

Consider posting a small, polite sign near the toilet reminding guests what not to flush-especially if you have older plumbing or a septic system. It may feel a little awkward, but it can save you from a much worse situation later.

5. Space Out Showers and Laundry Loads

Hot water demand skyrockets when guests stay over. If your water heater and drainage system are working overtime, it can lead to slow drains and temperature fluctuations.

To avoid issues:

• Stagger showers. Wait at least 10–15 minutes between uses to give your water heater and drains time to recover.
• Spread out laundry loads. Doing multiple loads back-to-back can strain your drainage system. Try washing clothes or linens during off-peak times.
• Check your water heater settings. Make sure it’s set to a safe but efficient temperature-typically around 49–54°C (120–130°F).

If you frequently run out of hot water during busy times, it may be worth asking your plumber about a tankless water heater or larger storage tank for future upgrades.

6. Keep an Eye on the Main Drain Line

During the holidays, extra showers, toilet flushes, and kitchen use all funnel into the same main drain line. If that line is partially blocked by tree roots, grease, or debris, the added strain can push it over the edge-resulting in a messy and expensive backup.

Early warning signs of a main drain issue include:

• Gurgling sounds in sinks or toilets
• Water backing up into tubs or showers when another drain is used
• Foul smells coming from floor drains

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a drain inspection before your guests arrive. Plumbers can use a camera to check the main line and clear it with professional tools if necessary.

7. Avoid Pouring Grease Down Outdoor Drains

Holiday cooking often produces more grease and oil than usual, especially if you’re roasting meat or deep-frying. Pouring that leftover fat outside or down a basement drain might seem harmless, but it can solidify in outdoor pipes during cold weather, leading to blockages.

Instead:

• Collect cooled grease in a disposable container (like an empty soup can).
• Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing.
• Dispose of grease in your garbage once it’s solidified.

This simple habit prevents clogs and protects your local sewer system as well.

8. Use Drain Strainers in Sinks and Showers

With extra guests comes extra hair, soap residue, and food particles going down your drains. Drain strainers are inexpensive and incredibly effective at preventing buildup. Use them in:

• Kitchen sinks: to catch food scraps.
• Bathroom sinks: to trap hair and toothpaste residue.
• Showers and tubs: to prevent hair clogs.

Empty strainers frequently to maintain good flow. It’s a small step that can save you from a costly service call.

9. Deal with Small Clogs Early

If you notice slow drainage, bubbling sounds, or water pooling in sinks, don’t wait until it becomes a full blockage. Try these quick fixes first:

• Use a plunger (sink plungers are different from toilet plungers-make sure you have both).
• Try a drain snake or auger to remove minor clogs.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode pipes and harm the environment.

If the problem persists, call a plumber before guests arrive. It’s much easier to fix a small clog than deal with an overflowing sink or toilet mid-party.

10. After the Holidays: Give Your Plumbing a Post-Party Check-Up

Once your guests have gone home and the house is quiet again, take a few minutes to check for any signs of wear and tear:

• Make sure all drains are flowing freely.
• Look under sinks for signs of moisture or slow leaks.
• Listen for gurgling sounds or slow-to-refill toilets.

This post-holiday check helps you catch small problems early, before they become big ones. If anything seems off, it’s a great time to schedule a professional plumbing inspection or routine maintenance appointment.

Final Thoughts

The holidays should be about laughter, good food, and spending time with loved ones-not dealing with clogged drains or overflowing toilets. By taking a few preventative steps and staying mindful of what goes down your pipes, you can avoid most common plumbing mishaps.

Remember: your plumbing system is like the host behind the scenes-it keeps everything running smoothly so the celebration can go on without interruption. Treat it with care, and it’ll return the favour all season long.

If you’re concerned about your plumbing before your next big gathering, consider scheduling a quick pre-holiday inspection. A little peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself (and your guests).

No Plumbing Issue Is Too Big For The Super Plumber!

At The Super Plumber, our team of licensed plumbers are ready to spring into action in cities across Canada including Victoria, Vancouver, Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. In addition to 24/7 emergency plumbing service, we specialize in installation and repair of drains, sewers, water lines, sump pumps, water heaters and water filtration systems. If you need a plumbing super hero contact The Super Plumber to save the day!