The holidays are a time for joy, family gatherings, and delicious meals, but they’re also one of the busiest seasons for plumbers. With guests using your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry more than usual, your plumbing system works overtime. Unfortunately, that often means clogged drains, overworked water heaters, and plumbing emergencies that can ruin your holiday cheer.

At Blessings Plumbing, we’ve seen it all when it comes to holiday plumbing mishaps. To help you prepare, here are the top five holiday plumbing emergencies we encounter and practical tips on how to avoid them.

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains and Garbage Disposals

Between cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, your kitchen plumbing sees more action during the holidays than any other time of year. All that extra grease, food waste, and dishwater can take a serious toll.

Common Causes:

• Grease and oil buildup. Pouring grease or oil down the drain causes it to harden and clog your pipes.
• Starchy foods. Potato peels, pasta, and rice can swell and block your disposal or pipes.
• Fibrous foods. Celery, pumpkin strings, and onion skins wrap around your disposal blades and jam the motor.

How to Prevent It:

• Dispose of grease properly. Pour used cooking oil into a disposable container and throw it away instead of pouring it down the drain.
• Feed the disposal slowly. Run cold water and feed small amounts of food at a time.
• Use a sink strainer. This simple tool can stop food scraps before they cause clogs.

If your sink starts backing up or your disposal stops working, don’t panic. Turn off the unit and call an emergency plumber in Virginia Beach right away to prevent damage.

2. Overworked Water Heaters

Hot showers are essential during the colder months, but with a house full of guests, your water heater may struggle to keep up. An overworked or poorly maintained unit can leave everyone shivering. Or worse, leak or fail altogether.

Common Signs of Trouble:

• Water turns cold quickly
• Strange noises coming from the tank
• Discolored or rusty hot water
• A noticeable leak around the base

How to Prevent It:

• Schedule a water heater inspection before the holidays. A professional plumber can flush sediment, check the thermostat, and ensure your system runs efficiently.
• Stagger showers and laundry. Give your water heater time to recover between uses.
• Consider upgrading. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to install a newer, energy-efficient model or even a tankless water heater for endless hot water.

3. Toilet Backups and Clogs

Nothing ruins a holiday gathering faster than a toilet that won’t flush. With guests using your bathrooms more often, even small plumbing issues can quickly turn into major backups.

Common Causes:

• Too much toilet paper
• Flushing non-flushable items like wipes, feminine products, or paper towels
• Low water pressure or partial drain blockages

How to Prevent It:

• Educate your guests politely. Consider placing a small sign reminding guests to flush only toilet paper.
• Keep a plunger handy. A quick fix can often prevent a bigger issue.
• Have your drains inspected. If you’ve had recurring toilet issues, your main sewer line might need cleaning.

If your toilet starts overflowing or multiple drains clog at once, that’s a sign of a deeper problem such as a sewer line blockage. That’s when you need to call Blessings Plumbing for emergency service before the situation worsens.

4. Leaky or Burst Pipes

Cold winter temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, which may burst and cause significant water damage. Even in Virginia Beach, temperatures can drop low enough to make pipes vulnerable.

Common Warning Signs:

• Low water pressure
• Frost on exposed pipes
• Strange smells coming from drains (indicating a partial freeze)

How to Prevent It:

• Insulate exposed pipes. Pay attention to pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Let faucets drip. A slow drip helps relieve pressure and prevents freezing.
• Keep cabinet doors open. Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks.
• Know where your shutoff valve is. In case of a burst, you’ll need to turn off the water immediately.

If you suspect a frozen or leaking pipe, contact an emergency plumber in Virginia Beach right away. The sooner you act, the less likely you’ll face major water damage and costly repairs.

5. Dishwasher and Washing Machine Drain Problems

With constant cooking, cleaning, and laundry during the holidays, your dishwasher and washing machine work overtime. Drainage issues in either appliance can lead to backups or leaks that spread quickly.

Common Causes:

• Soap scum or detergent buildup
• Food particles clogging the dishwasher drain
• Lint and debris clogging the washer’s hose or drain line

How to Prevent It:

• Clean filters regularly. Check and rinse your dishwasher and washer filters at least once a month.
• Run hot water before use. This helps clear buildup in the drain.
• Avoid overloading. Too many dishes or clothes can restrict water flow and strain your appliances.

If you notice slow drainage or water pooling around these appliances, it’s often an early sign of a clog that can back up into your sink or floor drains.

Keep the Holidays Merry with Preventive Plumbing Care

The holidays are meant for laughter, family, and good food, not emergency plumbing calls. With a little preparation and preventive care, you can avoid the most common holiday plumbing emergencies and enjoy a stress-free season.However, if the unexpected happens, Blessings Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced technicians are available to handle everything from clogged drains and leaky pipes to emergency plumbing repairs throughout Virginia Beach and surrounding areas. Contact us today!