The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, but they can also bring unexpected plumbing issues. Extra guests, large meals, and cold weather all put additional stress on your home’s plumbing system. A clogged drain or overflowing toilet can turn a joyful celebration into a stressful situation. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas get-together, knowing what to do during a plumbing emergency will help you stay calm and protect your home.
Why Plumbing Problems Are So Common During the Holidays
Plumbing systems work harder than usual during the holiday season. Kitchens handle more cooking grease, food scraps, and dishwashing, while bathrooms see heavier use as guests visit and stay overnight. Cold Montana weather also increases the risk of frozen pipes and leaks.
Even a well-maintained plumbing system can struggle under these conditions. Activities like rinsing leftover food down the sink or running multiple laundry loads back-to-back can strain your pipes. When you add in guests who may not be familiar with your home’s plumbing quirks, the likelihood of an emergency goes up significantly.
1. Clogged Kitchen Sink Drains
A clogged kitchen sink is one of the most common plumbing emergencies during the holidays. Cooking grease, vegetable scraps, and bits of food can easily slip into the drain and build up inside the pipes, restricting water flow.
If the drain slows or stops completely, avoid using chemical drain cleaners. They contain harsh ingredients that can corrode your pipes and release unpleasant fumes. Instead, try a plunger or a mix of hot water and dish soap. If the clog remains, call for professional drain cleaning. Our team uses augers or hydro jetting to remove buildup safely and completely, preventing future clogs.
To prevent sink clogs, scrape food into the trash, collect grease in a container instead of pouring it down the drain, and use a strainer to catch small debris.
2. Garbage Disposal Jams
Garbage disposals make cleanup easier, but they’re often pushed to their limits during the holidays. Guests may put items in the disposal that it isn’t designed to handle. Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and onion skins can tangle around the blades, while bones, fruit pits, and pasta can jam the motor.
If your disposal stops working, turn it off and unplug it before checking for obstructions. Never reach inside the unit. Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris, then press the reset button at the bottom of the disposal. If it still won’t run, a technician can inspect it, clear deeper blockages, or recommend repair or replacement.
To avoid jams, run cold water while using the disposal and for a few seconds afterward. Avoid placing hard, stringy, or expandable foods like rice and pasta in the unit.
3. Clogged Toilets and Backed-Up Drains
With more people in your home, bathrooms get extra use. Toilets clog easily when flushed too often or when non-flushable items like wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products go down the drain. These materials don’t break down like toilet paper and can block pipes quickly.
If your toilet clogs, use a plunger that seals the drain opening completely and push firmly to create suction. If the water level rises too high, turn off the shut-off valve behind the toilet to prevent overflow. If multiple drains in your home are slow or backing up, the issue may be in your main sewer line. In that case, a professional inspection with a camera can locate and clear the blockage safely.
To prevent clogs, remind guests to flush only toilet paper and waste, and place a small trash bin nearby for everything else.
4. Water Heater Problems
Nothing disrupts holiday comfort like running out of hot water. Water heaters often struggle to keep up when several showers, dishwashers, and laundry cycles run back-to-back. Sediment buildup inside the tank can also reduce heating efficiency if it hasn’t been flushed recently.
If hot water runs out quickly, space out showers and chores to give the heater time to recover. Check the thermostat and set it around 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the best balance of comfort and efficiency. Popping noises or rumbling sounds may indicate sediment buildup or worn parts. Our technicians can flush the tank, inspect components, and recommend repairs or upgrades. Tankless water heaters are an excellent option for households that need continuous hot water with better energy efficiency.
5. Frozen or Burst Pipes
Montana’s winter temperatures make frozen pipes a real concern. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands and creates pressure that can cause the pipe to burst, leading to significant water damage.
To prevent freezing, insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Open cabinet doors under sinks during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate, and let faucets drip slightly overnight to keep water moving. If a pipe freezes, shut off the main water supply and open nearby faucets to relieve pressure. Use gentle heat, such as a hair dryer or warm towels, to thaw the pipe slowly.
If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off the water and call for professional help. Our plumbers can repair the damage, inspect for additional weak spots, and help you take preventive measures for future cold snaps.
6. Leaky Faucets and Fixtures
While a small drip may seem harmless during the holidays, it can waste gallons of water over time and signal a worn-out washer or corroded valve. Tightening connections or replacing worn components can often stop the leak. If it continues, our technicians can identify whether corrosion or internal damage is the cause and recommend the best repair.
Keeping the Holidays Stress-Free
The best way to avoid a plumbing emergency during the holidays is to schedule a preventive inspection before your guests arrive. Our team at Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can check your drains, pipes, and water heater to ensure they’re ready for heavy seasonal use. We’ll also identify small issues before they become big problems. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1986, Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is your trusted partner for reliable plumbing maintenance and repairs.
Contact us today to prepare your home for a worry-free holiday season.
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