The holidays are a time for family, food, and festive gatherings — not clogged drains and cold showers. But let’s face it: when your home fills with guests, your plumbing system works overtime.
From extra showers to nonstop dishwashing, even the most reliable plumbing can feel the pressure. A little preparation now can save you from stress later — so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the season.
1. Give Your Drains a Pre-Holiday Checkup
Before your guests arrive, make sure your drains are flowing freely.
- Test every sink and shower — slow drains are a red flag.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage pipes.
Jake’s Tip: If you notice a drain that’s slow, don’t wait. A quick professional cleaning can prevent a holiday backup (and the embarrassment that comes with it).
2. Make Sure Your Water Heater Can Keep Up
Nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than running out of hot water mid-shower.
- Flush your water heater to clear sediment buildup.
- Check the temperature setting — 120°F is ideal for efficiency and safety.
- Consider a maintenance visit if it’s been over a year since your last service.
Jake’s Tip: If you’re hosting guests, space out showers by 15 minutes to give your water heater time to recover.
3. Remind Guests What Not to Flush
We love our guests — but sometimes, they don’t know your plumbing like you do. Remind them (politely!) that only toilet paper belongs in the toilet. No wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products — even if they say “flushable.”
Jake’s Tip: Keep a small wastebasket visible in every bathroom to avoid accidental clogs.
4. Protect Your Kitchen Sink and Disposal
The kitchen is the heart of the holidays — but also a plumbing hotspot.
Avoid putting these down the disposal:
- Grease or cooking oil
- Potato peels
- Coffee grounds
Bones or fibrous foods (like celery)
Jake’s Tip: Run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal to help flush food waste away cleanly.
5. Don’t Forget About Your Refrigerator & Ice Maker
If your fridge has a water line for ice or filtered water, now’s the time to check it.
- Make sure the water line is securely connected and leak-free.
- Replace the filter if it’s overdue.
Jake’s Tip: A small leak under the fridge can quietly waste hundreds of gallons of water and damage the flooring underneath with little to no warning. Check it before guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Plumbing
1. Why do I get slow drains during the holidays?
Extra cooking and more guests mean more fats, oils, and soap going down your pipes. Cold temperatures also cause grease to harden faster — leading to slow drains and backups. Regular cleaning or a pre-holiday inspection keeps your drains ready for anything.
2. My garbage disposal smells — what can I do?
Try grinding ice cubes and lemon peels to clean the blades and freshen the smell. If odors persist, buildup may be deeper in the line — that’s when a quick professional cleaning helps.
3. Why does my water pressure drop when multiple fixtures are running?
This can happen when your plumbing system is under heavy use. Check for partially closed shut-off valves or sediment in your water heater. If it happens often, your home may need a pressure-balancing valve.
4. What should I do if my toilet keeps running or clogs easily?
A running toilet wastes water and drives up your bill. Replacing a flapper or fill valve is an easy fix — but if it’s clogging repeatedly, it could signal a partial blockage deeper in the line. Call Jake Miller Plumbing before it becomes a full backup. We’ll get it fixed fast — fair price, no hidden fees.
5. Can Jake Miller Plumbing do pre-holiday plumbing checks?
Absolutely! We offer Holiday Plumbing Prep Services that include:
- Water heater inspection
- Drain and toilet checks
- Kitchen disposal cleaning
- Leak detection
- Water pressure test
Fast Service. Fair Price. Family Values. That’s what makes us your Plumber for Life.
Make Your Holidays Stress-Free (and Clog-Free)
The holidays should be filled with laughter, not plumbing problems. Whether you’re hosting family from out of town or planning a big dinner, Jake Miller Plumbing is here to help your home handle the extra load.
📞 Call 317-861-8334 or visit jakemillerplumbing.com to schedule your Holiday Plumbing Prep today.
Because the only thing that should overflow this season… is your holiday cheer.
