Holiday Plumbing Prep: Avoiding Stressful Breakdowns

Preparing for holiday guests should be about family, food, and fun — not scrambling to stop a flooded basement or an overflowing toilet. At Burger Plumbing, we see the same holiday plumbing issues again and again. A few low-effort checks can prevent many of them. Read through this guide, follow the quick steps, and keep our number handy for emergency plumbing help if you need it.

Holidays mean heavier use of kitchen sinks, dishwashers, and bathrooms. Grease, extra loads, and unfamiliar guests increase the odds of a clog or leak. This post gives clear, practical steps you can take, how to handle small problems yourself, and when to call for professional help.

Problem/Scenario

Holiday plumbing problems often follow predictable patterns. Knowing these scenarios helps you act fast.

• Kitchen buildup: Large meals mean more grease and food waste. Grease down the drain is the top cause of clogs during the holidays.
• Dish overload: Dishwashers run more often and can be pushed with bad rinse habits or old hoses.
• Guest bathrooms: More people using the toilets and showers increases clogs and slow drains.
• Weather-driven risks: Heavy rain or snowmelt can stress sump pumps and sewer lines.
• Delayed maintenance: Small issues that were ignored (a slow drain, a trickle under the sink) become emergencies under heavy use.

Real example: A family prepared a holiday dinner and poured pan drippings down the kitchen sink. The drain slowed all evening and finally backed up into the dishwasher, flooding the floor. With a quick pre-holiday check, a plumber could have identified the risk and suggested a grease-capture practice or a drain cleaning.

Key takeaway: Most holiday plumbing incidents are preventable with a short checklist and a plan.

Quick Safety Checklist

Use this checklist before guests arrive. Keep each item to under 30 minutes.

• Turn off water to outdoor hoses and irrigation if temperatures drop.
• Test the main water shutoff location so you can reach it quickly.
• Check under sinks for active leaks or water stains.
• Inspect visible sewer cleanouts for odors or backups.
• Verify sump pump power and alarm (if you have one).
• Confirm dishwasher and washing machine hoses show no cracks or bulges.
• Clear slow drains with a plunger or hand snake — don't reach blindly into drains.
• Keep basic tools and supplies: plunger, bucket, adjustable wrench, rubber gloves, and a flashlight.

Safety notes:

• Turn off power to an appliance before working on it. For electrical safety near water, follow guidance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and OSHA.
• If you smell gas or see major structural damage, evacuate and call the appropriate emergency services before contacting a plumber.

Kitchen prep — clean garbage disposal, inspect dishwasher hoses, avoid grease down drains, test sink drains 🍽️

The kitchen is the highest-risk zone for holiday plumbing issues. Follow these practical steps.

• Clean the garbage disposal

  • Turn off power at the switch. If safe and needed, flip the breaker.
  • Use tongs or pliers to remove visible debris — never put your hand inside.
  • Run cold water and a small amount of dish soap. Grind ice cubes and a lemon wedge to remove odors and sharpen blades.
  • If the disposal hums but won’t run, use the reset button under the unit. If that fails, stop and call a plumber.

• Inspect dishwasher hoses and run a short test cycle

  • Check both the hot water supply and drain hose for cracks, kinks, or signs of leaks.
  • Tighten loose hose clamps.
  • Run the dishwasher before guests arrive and check beneath and behind it for drips.

• Avoid grease down drains (grease is the primary holiday risk)

  • Let fat and grease cool and solidify, then scrape into a container, and dispose in the trash.
  • Use a grease jar in the kitchen for drippings you plan to discard later.
  • The EPA and many municipal wastewater authorities advise never pouring grease down the sink; it causes blockages in household plumbing and municipal sewer systems.

• Test sink drains and trap

  • Run both hot and cold water for a full minute. Watch for slow drainage.
  • If the sink fills slowly, clear it with a plunger or hand auger. If it remains slow, schedule a drain cleaning.
  • Inspect the P-trap (under sink) for leaks or loose slip nuts. Place a small bucket under the trap before loosening anything.

Dishwasher efficiency tips

• Scrape plates instead of rinsing under running water.
• Use full loads when recommended by the manufacturer to save time and reduce cycles.
• Use the air-dry or energy-saving setting to reduce heat, if your dishwasher recommends it.
• Regularly clean the dishwasher filter (per the owner’s manual).

Bathroom readiness — check toilet flappers, unclog slow showers, ensure spare supplies 🚿

Bathroom problems are disruptive and embarrassing with guests. Do these quick checks.

• Check toilet flappers and shutoffs

  • Open the toilet tank and inspect the flapper for wear or mineral build-up.
  • Test for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank; wait ten minutes. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper leaks.
  • Confirm the toilet shutoff valve (near the base) turns easily. If it’s stuck, consider a service call.

• Clear slow showers and tub drains

  • Remove the drain cover and clear visible hair and soap buildup with gloves.
  • Use a hand snake for clogs close to the drain. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners; they can damage pipes and fixtures.
  • For slow showers, check the showerhead. Mineral buildup can reduce flow. Soak it in vinegar if safe for the finish.

• Stock spare supplies

  • Keep a plunger and toilet auger handy in a closet or under the sink.
  • Have extra toilet paper, hand soap, and towels in an accessible spot.
  • Consider a small drain-clear kit in the guest bathroom.

• Temporary fixes for an overflowing toilet

  • Stop water flow: turn the toilet shutoff valve clockwise.
  • Scoop water out of the bowl into a bucket if needed.
  • Use a flange plunger (not a cup plunger) to clear obstructions.
  • If the flange plunger doesn't work, avoid flushing repeatedly. Call for help.

Sump and sewer awareness — test pumps before heavy storms, schedule a sewer inspection if recurring clogs occur 🌧️

Sump pumps and sewer lines are mission-critical during holiday storms. Check them in advance.

• Test your sump pump

  • Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump. It should run continuously until the pit is empty and then shut off.
  • Check the pump power source and battery backup, if you have one. Replace backup batteries if older than 3–5 years.
  • Clear debris from the pit to prevent clogging.

• Know the discharge point

  • Confirm the discharge pipe is clear and directed away from your foundation.
  • Remove obstructions like leaves or ice that could block flow in freezing conditions.

• Sewer line checks

  • Recurring slow drains or multiple fixtures backing up often signal a sewer line issue.
  • Schedule a sewer line inspection with a camera if you see consistent backups. A video inspection will reveal tree root intrusion, offsets, or collapse.
  • The International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local sewer authorities provide standards for sewer line maintenance; professional inspection helps you follow those guidelines.

• Prep for heavy rain or thawing snow

  • Keep floor drains clear.
  • Make sure valuables and holiday decorations are off basement floors or stored in waterproof bins.

Emergency plan — locate shutoffs, have plumber contact ready 🛠️

A simple emergency plan reduces panic and damage.

• Locate and label shutoffs

  • Main shutoff: know where the house main water valve is and how to turn it off.
  • Fixture shutoffs: locate quarter-turn shutoffs under sinks and behind toilets.
  • Water heater shutoff: know how to turn off the cold-water supply and how to shut off power or gas to the unit.
  • Sump pump power: know how to reset the circuit breaker and where the pump’s float switch is.

• Make a contact list

  • Keep Burger Plumbing’s phone readily available. Say the words "Emergency Plumbing near you" when calling so you get priority routed help if needed.
  • Have a local electrician and a home insurance contact on the list.

• Simple emergency steps

  • Stop the water flow at the nearest shutoff to limit damage.
  • Move towels or buckets to contain small spills.
  • If there’s active flooding and electrical outlets are near the water, shut off the main breaker before moving water. If you are unsure, do not touch electrical panels and call for help.

• Document and protect

  • Take photos of damage for insurance.
  • Remove electronics or valuables from affected areas if safe.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

When to tackle a problem yourself, and when to call Burger Plumbing.

DIY-friendly tasks

• Clearing small sink clogs with a cup plunger.
• Removing hair and visible debris from shower drains.
• Tightening a loose hose clamp on the dishwasher.
• Testing the sump pump and changing backup battery.
• Replacing an easily accessible faucet aerator or showerhead per the owner manual.

Call a pro — common signs

• Multiple drains slow or back up simultaneously.
• Gurgling toilets, sewage odors, or water backing up from floor drains.
• Visible leaks behind walls or ceilings, or water stains that keep growing.
• Repeated clogs after a short time following a DIY fix.
• Water heater leaks or lack of hot water with noises from the unit.
• High water bills with no visible cause (possible hidden leak).
• The main water shutoff is stuck or failing.

Why call a pro

• Technicians use camera inspection tools to find sewer problems without digging.
• Leak detection equipment locates hidden leaks under slabs and behind walls.
• Professional repair often prevents a small issue from becoming a costly emergency.

What Pros Do On Arrival

A typical professional response during a holiday call:

• Rapid assessment
  • Our certified techs start with a quick visual inspection to find the source and scope of the problem.
• Isolate the issue
  • They shut off relevant valves to stop additional water damage.
• Temporary stabilization
  • Apply a temporary fix (like a clamped hose or a quick plug) so you can use spaces safely while we plan permanent repairs.
• Diagnostics and testing
  • Use electronic leak detection, thermal imaging, or sewer cameras as needed.
• Explain findings and options
  • Provide clear options with likely timelines, tools needed, and typical time ranges to complete the work. No surprises.
• Prioritize safety
  • Follow safety guidance, including turning off electricity when water is present and following OSHA-style safe work practices.
• Follow-up and prevention
  • Recommend follow-up maintenance, and in many cases offer to schedule a less-busy-time appointment to complete permanent repairs.

All Burger Plumbing technicians are certified and follow local plumbing codes and best practices. If you call for emergency plumbing, mention any safety concerns (gas smell, exposed wiring, major flooding) so dispatch can prepare appropriately.

Prevention & Maintenance

Small regular efforts reduce the chance of holiday disasters.

Monthly

• Run the garbage disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.
• Check under sinks for early signs of leaks.
• Run slow drains with hot water to break up light buildup.
• Test your sump pump with a bucket of water.

Quarterly

• Inspect washing machine hoses and dishwasher hoses for bulges or cracks.
• Clean dishwasher filters and check the drain connections.
• Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or mineral buildup.

Yearly

• Schedule a professional drain cleaning if you have a history of slow drains.
• Have a licensed technician inspect your water heater and test temperature-pressure relief valves.
• Consider a sewer camera inspection if you have trees on the property or older sewer pipes.

Preventing grease clogs

• Never pour grease or oil down sinks.
• Use a grease jar, and wipe pans with paper towels before washing.
• For heavy cooking periods, consider placing a grease-catcher in the kitchen and emptying it into the trash.

Backflow and water quality

• Check if your area requires backflow prevention testing. Backflow prevention devices protect potable water from contamination and are often required by local codes.
• For information about pollutants and proper disposal, refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on household hazardous waste and grease.

Filtration and pressure

• If guests complain about low pressure, check faucet aerators and showerheads for buildup.
• If pressure problems persist, a professional can check pressure-reducing valves and overall system pressure.

Preventative maintenance reduces emergency calls and often saves money and stress in the long run.

Costs & Time Factors

Below are typical ranges and time factors to help you plan. Costs vary by location, severity, materials, and access. These are general ranges for budgeting only.

• Simple drain unclog (plunger, hand snake): Time 15–60 minutes. Typical range: $75–$300.
• Drain cleaning with motorized auger or hydro-jet: Time 1–3 hours. Typical range: $200–$800.
• Minor leak repair under sink (replace trap, tighten fittings): Time 30–90 minutes. Typical range: $100–$400.
• Water heater repair (thermostat, heating element): Time 1–3 hours. Typical range: $150–$700.
• Sump pump replacement: Time 1–4 hours. Typical range: $300–$1,200 (includes unit cost).
• Sewer camera inspection: Time 1–2 hours. Typical range: $200–$600.
• Sewer line repair or replacement: Time a few days depending on trenching and permits. Typical range: $1,000–$10,000+ depending on length and method.

Time factors

• Accessibility: Easy access under a sink is quicker than working behind cabinets or in crawl spaces.
• Weather: Severe weather can delay non-emergency work.
• Parts availability: Specialty parts may add wait time.
• Permits: Major sewer or water main work can require permits and inspections, adding days to the timeline.

When calling Burger Plumbing for emergency plumbing, ask for an estimated arrival window and a clear explanation of likely time on-site for triage versus permanent repair.

When It’s an Emergency

Call for emergency plumbing if you see any of these signs:

• Active flooding inside the house.
• Sewage backing up into sinks, toilets, or floor drains.
• A burst pipe spraying water.
• Rapidly spreading water stains on ceilings or walls.
• The main water shutoff valve is leaking or broken.
• Gas smell combined with a plumbing issue near a water heater or appliance (call gas company first if you smell gas).

If an emergency occurs:

• Shut off the nearest water source if safe to do so.
• Move people and valuables out of harm’s way.
• Call Burger Plumbing for Emergency Plumbing near you immediately, and tell the dispatcher it's an emergency so you get prompt assistance.

FAQ

Q: Can I put grease in the trash if I put it in a container? A: Yes. Let grease cool and solidify, then transfer to a disposable container or jar and place in the trash. The EPA and most local wastewater agencies advise against sending grease down household drains.

Q: My toilet keeps running after I jiggle the handle. Is that an emergency? A: A running toilet wastes water and can be fixed quickly, but it is not usually an emergency unless it’s overflowing. Try replacing the flapper or adjusting the chain. If the flapper is old or warped, call a technician to replace it.

Q: How often should I have a sewer camera inspection? A: If you have frequent clogs, live near many trees, or own an older home, consider a camera inspection every 1–3 years. Otherwise, inspect when you notice signs like slow drains, odors, or surface sinkholes. A camera inspection helps plan repairs and avoid unexpected failures.

Q: Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners? A: Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and finishes, and they are hazardous to handle. They also may not work on major clogs like tree roots. Use mechanical methods (plunger, auger) or call a pro. For safety guidance, consult Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) resources.

Local/Seasonal Considerations

Timing and risks vary by local weather and holiday patterns. Consider these seasonal pointers.

• Cold climates (winter holidays)

  • Watch for frozen pipes. Drain outdoor lines and insulate exposed pipes.
  • Keep a slow trickle of water in faucets during deep freezes to prevent freezing in long runs.
  • Check sump pump discharge lines for ice blockages.

• Rain-prone regions (late fall/early winter or spring holidays)

  • Test sump pumps before heavy rains.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts to keep roof runoff away from foundations.
  • Check for poor grading near your home that could direct runoff toward the foundation.

• Coastal or tree-heavy neighborhoods

  • Tree roots can intrude into older sewer lines, especially during drought or heavy growth seasons. Schedule a camera inspection if you have persistent or recurring backups.
  • High tidal areas may experience sewer backflow; consider asking us about backflow prevention options.

Timing recommendations

• Run these checks 7–10 days before guests arrive. That gives time to schedule a service if you find an issue.
• If a big storm is forecast during the holiday, test your sump pump and consider bringing valuables off the basement floor.
• If you notice a slow drain or small leak during the last-minute prep, don’t ignore it — small issues can escalate quickly under heavy use.

Local resources

• For household hazardous waste (like grease disposal guidance) refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) household waste recommendations.
• For code and permit questions, consult your local building department and the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

Trust & Seasonal Offers

At Burger Plumbing we know holiday timing is tight. Our certified techs are on standby during high-demand periods for emergency plumbing calls. Ask about seasonal inspection offers for pre-holiday plumbing checks and sewer camera inspections — availability may be limited during peak times.

Testimonials

• "Burger Plumbing checked our garbage disposal and patched a slow leak just days before Thanksgiving. No mess, no panic. Fast and professional." — Maria R.
• "We tested our sump pump after heavy rain and found a failing backup battery. They replaced it quickly and saved our basement from water damage." — Kevin L.

Note: Seasonal promotions and inspection offers may vary by time and location. Call or message our team for current availability.

Final checklist — 15 minutes to a safer holiday

• Locate main shutoff and label it.
• Test sump pump with a bucket.
• Run dishwasher once and inspect hoses.
• Clean garbage disposal: ice + lemon, and check reset button.
• Test every sink and shower for slow drainage.
• Put out a plunger and a bucket in a known spot.
• Pack a list with Burger Plumbing’s number for quick reach.

A small investment of time now can prevent a holiday disaster. If you notice anything suspicious or have a recurring issue, call for Emergency Plumbing near you and ask for prioritized help.

Need help or prefer a pro to inspect before the holiday rush? Our certified technicians are available for prioritized appointments and emergency service. We’ll walk you through the options and help you choose the right next step.

Call Burger Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  1-877-778-5124 .