Plumbing Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday With a Full House

The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and making memories—but they can also put added pressure on your home’s plumbing system. With more people using your kitchen and bathrooms, even small issues can quickly turn into major inconveniences. Fortunately, a few simple preparations can help you avoid unexpected plumbing problems and keep your home running smoothly throughout the festivities.

Here are the top tips to ensure your holiday stays joyful—and clog-free.

Check Your Plumbing Before Guests Arrive

If you’re hosting this season, it’s a good idea to give your plumbing a quick inspection before the big day. Start with the basics:

• Look under sinks for signs of leaks – Moisture, stains, or warped cabinetry can indicate a slow leak that needs attention before it gets worse.
• Test faucets and drains – Make sure water flows smoothly and drains without pooling. Slow drains often signal buildup that can worsen during heavy holiday use.
• Check toilet flushing performance – A weak flush can become a big problem when more people are using the bathroom. Ensuring everything is working properly now can save you from embarrassment later.

These small checks help you catch early signs of trouble and prevent larger issues during your holiday gathering.

Protect Your Kitchen Sink During Holiday Cooking

The kitchen is the center of holiday activity—and one of the most common places for plumbing problems. With cooking, cleaning, and nonstop use, the risk of accidentally clogging the drain increases. To keep your kitchen running smoothly, avoid putting the following items down the sink:

• Grease, oil, and fats – These cool and solidify in pipes, creating stubborn clogs.
• Stringy or fibrous foods – Items like celery, onion skins, pumpkin pulp, and corn husks can wrap around components and block drains.
• Coffee grounds – They may appear harmless, but they build up and create dense blockages.
• Poultry skins and food scraps – These should go in the trash, not the sink.

Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s best to keep most holiday food waste out of the drain to avoid clogs and backups.

Help Bathroom Plumbing Handle the Holiday Traffic

With more guests in the house, your bathroom plumbing works harder than usual. A few small steps can help prevent issues:

• Keep a small trash bin visible so guests aren’t tempted to flush wipes or other items.
• Place an extra toilet paper roll within reach to avoid panic situations.
• If you have a guest bathroom you rarely use, run the water and flush the toilet a few times before guests arrive to ensure everything is functioning properly.

These simple habits help reduce strain on your system and prevent accidental blockages.

Know When to Call a Professional

Even with proper preparation, plumbing issues can still happen—especially during high-demand days like holiday gatherings. If you notice persistent slow drains, recurring clogs, low water pressure, or leaks that appear suddenly, it’s best to call a professional before the problem worsens.

Fast action can prevent water damage and ensure your home is ready for guests. A licensed plumber can inspect the issue, provide a quick fix, and give you peace of mind before the celebration begins.

Enjoy a Smooth, Stress-Free Holiday With Barrs Plumbing Inc.

Don’t let plumbing problems interrupt your holiday fun. For fast, reliable service and expert solutions, contact Barrs Plumbing Inc. today.