The holiday season brings family gatherings, extra cooking, overnight guests, and increased use of your plumbing system. Unfortunately, it also brings a higher risk of clogged drains, backed-up toilets, and unexpected plumbing emergencies.
At Charlotte Plumbing Masters, we provide professional drain cleaning services throughout Charlotte and recommend preparing your plumbing system before the busy holiday season begins.
Place Wastebaskets in Every Bathroom
Holiday gatherings often mean more people using your bathrooms than usual. One of the most common causes of toilet backups during the holidays is guests flushing items that should never go down the toilet.
Items that commonly cause blockages include:
- Paper towels and napkins
- Personal hygiene products
- Baby wipes and cleaning wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Cigarette butts
Placing wastebaskets in every bathroom can help prevent embarrassing and messy plumbing problems.
Avoid Extra-Soft Toilet Paper
Extra-soft and heavily quilted toilet paper may be comfortable, but it does not always break down as easily as standard toilet paper.
During periods of heavy bathroom use, these products can contribute to drain clogs and toilet backups. One-ply or septic-safe toilet paper is generally a safer option for busy households during the holidays.
Install Hair Catchers in Showers and Tubs
When you have overnight guests, showers are used more frequently and additional hair and soap residue can quickly accumulate inside your drains.
Simple drain strainers or hair catchers can help prevent large clogs from developing and reduce the likelihood of needing emergency plumbing service.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Before the Holidays
If your drains have been slowing down or clogging occasionally, the holidays are not the ideal time to ignore the problem. Increased usage can easily turn a minor issue into a major backup.
Professional plumbing maintenance and drain inspections before the holiday season can help identify developing problems and keep your plumbing system operating properly.
Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
Holiday meals often generate large amounts of cooking grease, oils, and food debris.
Although grease may appear harmless when it is hot, it quickly cools and hardens inside pipes, creating stubborn clogs and restricting water flow.
Instead of pouring grease into the sink, allow it to cool and dispose of it in the trash.
Know When to Call a Professional
If you experience recurring clogs, sewage odors, slow drains throughout the home, or a complete backup during the holidays, prompt professional attention may help prevent more serious damage.
Addressing small problems before guests arrive can provide peace of mind and help ensure your holiday celebrations are not interrupted by plumbing emergencies.
FAQ
Why do plumbing problems increase during the holidays?
Holiday gatherings often mean more cooking, more guests, and increased use of plumbing fixtures, placing additional stress on your drains and sewer system.
Can cooking grease really clog pipes?
Yes. Grease hardens inside pipes and is one of the most common causes of kitchen drain clogs.
Should I have my drains cleaned before the holidays?
If you already have slow drains or recurring clogs, professional cleaning before the holidays can help prevent inconvenient plumbing emergencies.
Do hair catchers really help prevent clogs?
Yes. They help prevent hair and soap residue from accumulating inside shower and bathtub drains.
What should I do if a drain backs up during a holiday gathering?
Stop using the affected fixture and contact a professional plumber if the blockage does not clear or begins affecting multiple drains.