The holidays are one of the busiest times of year for your plumbing system. With extra guests staying in your home, more meals being cooked, and higher water usage overall, your drains are under far more stress than usual. At Ernie’s Plumbing, we see a sharp increase in clogged drain calls during the holidays—and in many cases, the problems could have been avoided with a little preparation.
If you’re planning to host friends or family this season, following these tips will help you prevent holiday drain clogs, protect your plumbing system, and avoid an unexpected emergency when your house is full.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Kitchen Sink
Holiday cooking is one of the biggest contributors to clogged drains. Between big meals, leftovers, and constant dishwashing, kitchen drains work overtime.
Grease, fats, and cooking oils are especially dangerous. Even if they go down the drain as liquids, they cool and solidify inside your pipes, coating the walls and trapping food particles. Gravy, sauces, and grease-heavy foods behave the same way and can create stubborn blockages quickly.
Starchy foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes also cause trouble. These foods expand when exposed to water and can form thick, glue-like clogs inside your pipes. Coffee grounds and eggshells are another common issue—they don’t break down easily and tend to collect in pipe bends.
To prevent problems, scrape plates into the trash before rinsing and pour grease into a disposable container instead of down the sink. This one habit alone can drastically reduce your risk of holiday clogs.
Use the Garbage Disposal Correctly
Garbage disposals are helpful, but they’re often misunderstood. Many homeowners assume disposals can handle anything, which isn’t true—especially during the holidays.
Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps solidify grease so it can be chopped up and flushed through the system instead of sticking to the pipes. Feed food scraps slowly, rather than dumping everything in at once, and avoid overloading the unit.
Certain foods should never go into the disposal, including fibrous vegetables like celery and corn husks, potato peels, onion skins, bones, and large quantities of leftovers. These items can jam the disposal or clog the drain line beyond it.
Using your disposal properly is one of the easiest ways to prevent holiday drain clogs in the kitchen.
Remind Guests What Not to Flush
With more people using your bathrooms, toilets are another common source of holiday plumbing problems. Many clogs happen simply because guests aren’t familiar with what should—or shouldn’t—be flushed.
Toilets are designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Items like wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, and tissues do not break down properly and can quickly cause backups.
A simple way to prevent issues is to place a visible trash can in each bathroom and politely remind guests to dispose of non-flushable items there. This small step can save you from a messy and stressful situation.
Install Drain Strainers in Sinks and Showers
With more people showering, washing hands, and using sinks, hair and debris build up faster than usual during the holidays. Drain strainers are an inexpensive and effective way to stop clogs before they start.
Use strainers in kitchen sinks to catch food particles and in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs to catch hair and soap residue. Make it a habit to clean them out daily when you have guests staying over.
This simple preventative step keeps debris out of your pipes and helps maintain smooth drainage throughout the season.
Schedule Preventive Drain Cleaning Before Guests Arrive
One of the most effective ways to prevent holiday drain clogs is to start the season with clean pipes. If your drains already run slowly or clog occasionally, increased holiday usage can push them over the edge.
Professional drain cleaning removes grease, buildup, and debris that household methods can’t reach. At Ernie’s Plumbing, we often recommend preventive drain cleaning before the holidays, especially for homes that host large gatherings or do a lot of cooking.
This proactive approach helps ensure your plumbing system can handle the extra demand without unexpected backups or overflows.
Pay Attention to Early Warning Signs
Your plumbing system often gives warning signs before a major clog occurs. Ignoring these signs during the busy holiday season can lead to bigger problems at the worst possible time.
Watch for slow-draining sinks or tubs, gurgling sounds from drains or toilets, foul odors coming from pipes, or water backing up when multiple fixtures are used. These are all indicators that a clog is forming somewhere in your system.
Addressing these issues early can prevent a full blockage and save you from needing emergency service during a holiday gathering.
Be Mindful of Outdoor Drains and Sewer Lines
Holiday plumbing issues don’t always start inside the home. Leaves, debris, and cooler weather can affect outdoor drains and sewer lines as well.
Make sure outdoor cleanouts and drains are clear of leaves and debris, especially after fall storms. If you have large trees near your sewer line, root intrusion can also contribute to holiday backups when water usage increases.
If you’ve experienced sewer issues in the past, a professional inspection before the holidays can help prevent unpleasant surprises.
Enjoy the Holidays Without Plumbing Problems
The holidays should be about spending time with loved ones—not dealing with clogged drains or emergency plumbing calls. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk and keep your plumbing system running smoothly all season long.
If you’d like help preparing your home or want to schedule preventive drain cleaning, Ernie’s Plumbing is here to help homeowners throughout Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Contact us today to get your plumbing holiday-ready and enjoy peace of mind throughout the season.
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