Don’t Let These Plumbing Issues Ruin Your Holiday Season!

The holiday season is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and creating cherished memories. However, nothing can put a damper on the festive spirit quite like unexpected plumbing problems. From clogged drains to water heater failures, plumbing issues during the holidays can be inconvenient, stressful, and costly if left unaddressed. At Keith Lawson Services, we want to help you enjoy a smooth and worry-free holiday season by ensuring your plumbing is in top shape.

Here are some common plumbing issues to watch out for—and how to prevent them from turning your holiday joy into frustration.

1. Clogged Drains and Garbage Disposals

Holiday meals often mean preparing more food than usual, which leads to more food waste being sent down the drain. Unfortunately, this can overwhelm your drains and garbage disposal, causing clogs and backups at the worst possible time. Food scraps like grease, coffee grounds, potato peels, and bones are notorious for clogging drains, making it difficult to clean up after large holiday feasts.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid putting food scraps down the drain; instead, scrape plates into the trash or compost.
• Use a drain strainer to catch debris and prevent it from entering the pipes.
• Run cold water through the garbage disposal for at least 30 seconds before and after use to keep the blades sharp and the unit clear.
• Schedule a professional drain cleaning before the holidays if you know your drains are prone to clogging.

2. Water Heater Issues

Few things are more frustrating during the holidays than running out of hot water when you have a house full of guests. Extra showers, increased laundry, and dishwashing can put a strain on your water heater, leading to inconsistent hot water or even complete failure. If your water heater is older or hasn’t been maintained recently, it’s more likely to encounter problems when demand increases.

Prevention Tips:

• Have your water heater inspected and maintained before the holiday rush. A professional can flush the tank, check for any signs of wear, and ensure it’s operating efficiently.
• Consider upgrading to a larger or more energy-efficient water heater if your current unit struggles to meet your family’s needs.
• For an immediate fix, ask your guests to space out showers to avoid overwhelming the system.

3. Frozen Pipes

In colder climates, frozen pipes can become a serious concern during the winter months. Although Tallahassee doesn’t frequently experience freezing temperatures, a sudden cold snap can still cause exposed pipes to freeze, leading to cracks or bursts. A burst pipe can result in flooding, water damage, and a major disruption to your holiday plans.

Prevention Tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and attics to protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Keep a small trickle of water running from faucets during extremely cold nights to prevent pipes from freezing.
• If you’re traveling during the holidays, set your thermostat to at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing while you’re away.

4. Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Leaky faucets and running toilets may seem like minor issues, but they can quickly become significant problems during the holidays when your home sees increased usage. A small leak can lead to higher water bills, and a running toilet can become an annoying background noise during holiday festivities.

Prevention Tips:

• Address any leaks or running toilets as soon as you notice them. Even a small drip can waste gallons of water over time.
• Schedule a professional plumbing inspection before the holiday season to catch and repair small problems before they escalate.

5. Sewer Line Backups

A sewer line backup is perhaps the worst plumbing issue to experience during the holidays. It’s not only unsanitary but can also make your home unlivable until the issue is resolved. Warning signs of a sewer backup include slow drains, gurgling noises from the toilet, and foul odors coming from the drains.

Prevention Tips:

• Don’t pour grease, oils, or fats down the drain as they can harden and clog the sewer line.
• If you have older pipes, consider a professional sewer line inspection to check for any blockages or damage.
• Schedule regular maintenance to keep your sewer line clear and functioning properly.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Don’t let plumbing issues ruin your holiday festivities! The best way to avoid these common problems is by scheduling preventative maintenance before the holiday season gets into full swing. At Keith Lawson Services, our team of experienced plumbers is ready to help you keep your home’s plumbing system in peak condition. We offer everything from drain cleaning and water heater maintenance to full plumbing inspections, ensuring you have one less thing to worry about during the holidays.

Contact Us

For all your plumbing, HVAC, and home comfort needs this holiday season, give us a call at 850-562-2600 or visit keithlawson.com.

Keith Lawson Services is an American Standard Customer Care Dealer having served the Tallahassee area for more than 44 years. We have the tools and expertise to take care of all your plumbing and HVAC needs!