The holidays bring joy, laughter, and lots of good food—but they also bring extra stress to your plumbing system. Between cooking big meals, entertaining guests, and more frequent bathroom use, it’s easy for pipes to get overloaded. Grease, food scraps, and oils can sneak down the drain, where they quickly build up and cause blockages.
And when the weather cools down, these substances harden even faster, making clogs more stubborn. Without some preventive care, a festive night could turn into an unexpected plumbing emergency. Luckily, a few smart habits can keep your drains clear and your celebrations running smoothly.
Avoid Kitchen Clogs During Holiday Cooking
Holiday meals often mean more dishes, more prep, and more strain on your kitchen drains. To keep things flowing:
- Never pour grease or oil down the sink. Let them cool, then pour into a container and throw it in the trash.
- Scrape plates before rinsing. Food scraps, pasta, and peels belong in the garbage or compost.
- Be careful with your garbage disposal. Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, or corn husks can tangle the blades or clog your pipes.
Running cold water before, during, and after using your disposal helps flush small bits through the system. You can even toss in a few ice cubes occasionally to sharpen the blades and clean away residue.
Guest Traffic = More Plumbing Stress
If you’re hosting guests this holiday season, your home’s plumbing will be working overtime. Extra showers, toilet flushes, and sink use all add up, increasing the chance of clogs.
To keep things running smoothly:
- Remind guests what not to flush—no wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products.
- Keep a plunger handy in each bathroom.
- For younger guests, make sure toys and wrappers stay far from the toilet!
A polite sign or quick note in the guest bathroom can go a long way toward avoiding awkward plumbing mishaps.
Cold Weather Can Make Clogs Worse
Covina doesn’t see freezing winters, but cooler temperatures can still affect your pipes. When grease cools down, it hardens faster, sticking to the inside of your pipes and trapping other debris. For homes in colder spots or those with exposed outdoor plumbing, insulation is a smart investment—it protects pipes from temperature swings and improves overall efficiency.
If you haven’t already, check that your outdoor spigots and pipes are insulated before temperatures dip. It’s a small step that helps prevent bigger problems later.
The Right Way to Dispose of Grease
Pouring grease down the sink is one of the biggest causes of kitchen clogs. Instead, try these easy alternatives:
- Wipe before washing. Use paper towels to remove grease from pans before rinsing.
- Save and toss. Collect cooled grease in an old can or jar, then throw it away.
- Go green. Some local recycling centers accept used cooking oil—check your community programs.
These simple habits prevent sticky, smelly clogs and keep your pipes happy through the busiest cooking season of the year.
Keep Your Drains Clean with Easy Maintenance
A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to preventing clogs. Every couple of weeks, flush your sink drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. This natural cleaner helps break up buildup without harsh chemicals.
You can also use drain strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair and debris before they reach the pipes. They’re inexpensive, easy to clean, and incredibly effective at preventing blockages—especially when you have guests over.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection
If you’re expecting a house full of family and friends, a quick plumbing inspection before the festivities can save you from last-minute surprises. A professional plumber can:
- Check for leaks or slow drains
- Inspect pipes for buildup or corrosion
- Ensure your garbage disposal and water heater are in top shape
At Flash Plumbing Inc, our team uses advanced tools, like video camera inspections, to spot problems early and prevent them from escalating. It’s the best way to make sure your home is ready for the holiday rush.
Clean Your Pipes After the Holidays
Once the decorations come down and the guests head home, it’s a great time to schedule a post-holiday drain cleaning. This removes any buildup or residue left behind from heavy use. Professional hydro-jetting clears stubborn grease and food debris, leaving your plumbing system fresh and flowing freely.
Regular maintenance after the holidays helps extend the life of your plumbing—and keeps future clogs at bay.
Know When to Call a Professional
Even with the best prevention, some clogs need expert attention. If you notice:
- Water backing up in multiple drains
- Persistent slow draining
- Gurgling sounds or foul odors
…it’s time to call in the pros. The licensed plumbers at Flash Plumbing Inc have the experience and equipment to handle any clog safely and efficiently, keeping your home running smoothly all season long.
Keep Your Home Clog-Free with Flash Plumbing Inc.
The holidays should be about spending time with loved ones—not dealing with plumbing problems. At Flash Plumbing Inc., our mission is to ensure your home remains clog-free and fully functional when you need it most. For homeowners, we offer drain cleaning solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require a pre-holiday inspection or a post-festivity cleanup, our experienced team is here to assist. Contact us today to schedule your service and enjoy the peace of mind that professional care provides.
Call Flash Plumbing Inc. at (626) 869-2284 or send us a message online.