Top 5 Holiday Plumbing Emergencies

Nothing ruins a holiday family gathering quite like standing ankle-deep in sink water while your family asks if you have a plunger.

Extra cooking and increased bathroom usage can really put added strain on your plumbing system. It’s no wonder why the holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for plumbers.

We’ve seen it all: gravy-coated garbage disposals to showers that shut off mid-rinse. We have included a list of the most common holiday plumbing emergencies and how to avoid them this season.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

Potato peels, stuffing scraps, and those “just a few” coffee grounds really bog down your garbage disposal.

How you can avoid it:

• Never pour grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous veggies (like celery or pumpkin guts) down the disposal
• Never run cold water while using your garbage disposal
• Always feed food scraps in slowly - never all at once

Call us if: The disposal hums but doesn’t grind, has a terrible smell, or water begins backing up into the sink.

The Overflowing Toilet

It’s not rocket science. More guests = more flushing. Our toilets can only handle so much holiday excitement before they tap out.

How you can avoid it:

• Always keep a plunger handy to take care of simpler clogs
• Never send “flushable wipes,” paper towels, or feminine products down the toilet
• Remind kids that toilet bowls are not a place for toys to take a swim

Call us if: You’ve attempted to solve the issue with a plunger twice and the issue continues to return, it could mean you have a deeper clog in your sewer line.

The Leaky Faucet

We don’t see many frozen pipes in Arizona, but we do see a lot of old fixtures put under heavy holiday use. A simple slow drip could turn into a steady stream fast.

How you can avoid it:

• Check for leaks before guests arrive
• Tighten any loose handles and watch for dripping spouts
• When traveling, turn off your main water supply to prevent any leaks while you are away

Call us if: The leak doesn’t stop after tightening your pipes or if you notice significant amounts of water pooling under cabinets.

Slow and Smelly Kitchen Sink

Grease, oil, and excessive leftovers can cling to the inside of your pipes. Over time, they can cause slow drainage and awful smells.

How you can avoid it:

• Pour cooled grease into a can or jar and dispose of it in the trash instead of down the drain
• Use strainers whenever possible to catch food bits
• Run warm water and a bit of dish soap after heavy cleaning sessions to rinse away any residue

Call us if: You have attempted using a plunger and your sinks are still draining slowly or if that “mystery smell” just won’t disappear.

The Guest Shower Stops Working

Water pressure issues or water heater problems can pop up if your plumbing isn’t used to multiple showers back-to-back.

How to avoid it:

• Ask your guests to stagger their showers by 10-15 minutes
• Flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup
• Schedule an inspection if your water heater is older than 10 years

Call us if: You run out of hot water too fast or if the pressure suddenly drops. This could mean a failing water heater or there could even be an issue in the plumbing line.

Quick Holiday Plumbing Checklist

We recommend walking through your home before guests arrive to give your plumbing a quick check-up. Always make sure:

• Toilets are flushing properly
• Drains are running smoothly
• Check for leaks under the sink
• Garbage disposal spins smoothly