Essential Holiday Plumbing Tips: How to Protect Your Home During the Busy Season

The holiday season brings warm gatherings, festive meals, and a full house—but it can also put major stress on your plumbing system. With kitchens running nonstop and bathrooms experiencing higher-than-usual traffic, it’s no surprise that plumbing emergencies spike this time of year.

One of the most common holiday plumbing problems? Improper disposal of grease, food scraps, and other materials that can clog drains or damage septic systems. The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly throughout the season.

Below are the top plumbing dos and don’ts to follow during the holidays to keep your pipes clear, your septic system healthy, and your celebrations stress-free.

Be Careful About What Goes Down the Kitchen Drain

When holiday cooking is in full swing, your kitchen sink and garbage disposal work overtime. Being mindful of what you put down the drain is one of the easiest ways to prevent clogs and backups.

Do: Dispose of Fats, Oils & Grease Properly

Grease solidifies as it cools, sticking to the inside of your pipes and eventually causing stubborn blockages.
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool in a container, seal it, and throw it in the trash.

Don’t: Overuse Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals aren’t designed to handle all food waste—especially large or fibrous items like:

• Potato peels

• Poultry skin

• Stringy vegetables

• Bones

• Starches (rice, pasta, etc.)

Toss larger scraps in the trash or compost when possible. This not only protects your plumbing system but also helps prevent unnecessary strain on your septic system.

Educate Guests on Proper Bathroom Use

With more people using your bathrooms, the risk of toilet clogs increases. A little guidance goes a long way.

Do: Remind Guests About What NOT to Flush

Only toilet paper should go down the toilet. Even products labeled “flushable,” such as wipes or certain hygiene items, can cause clogs.

Place a small, clearly visible wastebasket in each bathroom to encourage proper disposal.

Do: Mention Drain-Safe Practices

Let guests know not to pour oily or greasy beauty products down sinks. A quick reminder can prevent major plumbing headaches later.

Stay Prepared: Have a Trusted Plumber on Call

Even well-maintained plumbing systems can experience issues—especially during high-use periods like holidays.

Don’t: Ignore Warning Signs

Call a plumber immediately if you notice:

• Slow drains

• Gurgling noises

• Bad odors coming from sinks or drains

These symptoms often indicate a developing clog or septic issue.

Do: Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection

A professional inspection helps identify potential problems before they disrupt your holiday plans. At Wind River Environmental, our experts can ensure your plumbing and septic systems are ready to handle increased seasonal demand.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season With a Healthy Plumbing System

By following these simple holiday plumbing tips—being mindful of what goes down your drains, educating guests, and addressing early warning signs—you can keep your home running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Need help preparing your plumbing or septic system for the holidays? Wind River Environmental is here 24/7 to keep everything flowing smoothly.