The 12 Plumbing Problems of Christmas (And How to Avoid Them)

Nothing Says “Happy Holidays” Like a Backed-Up Toilet…NOT. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, togetherness, and way too many cookies—not emergency plumbing calls. But when the house is full of guests and your plumbing system is working overtime, even a small issue can snowball into a full-blown disaster.

So in the spirit of the season (and keeping your holidays stress-free), we present to you: The 12 Plumbing Problems of Christmas… and how to avoid them.

1. On the first day of Christmas, my plumber said to me…

“Don’t pour grease down the sink, please!”
Roasting a turkey or making bacon for brunch? That leftover grease does not belong in the drain. Let it cool and toss it in the trash instead.

2. On the second day of Christmas…

Two clogged sinks
Food scraps, coffee grounds, and soap buildup can all lead to slow-draining sinks. Use a strainer and run hot water after doing dishes to help prevent clogs.

3. On the third day of Christmas…

Three guests showering
Your water heater can only do so much. Try spacing out showers and setting a timer to keep hot water flowing for everyone.

4. On the fourth day of Christmas…

Four flushes fail
Toilets take a beating during the holidays. Remind guests what not to flush (no wipes, no feminine products, no “flushable” anything) and keep a plunger handy—just in case.

5. On the fifth day of Christmas…

Five golden rings… in the tub drain
Hair, soap scum, and other gunk can build up quickly. Use a drain cover to catch hair and clean it out regularly.

6. On the sixth day of Christmas…

Six leaky faucets
Even a small drip can waste gallons of water over time. If your faucet is leaking, it might be time for a washer replacement—or a visit from your favorite plumber.

7. On the seventh day of Christmas…

Seven loud pipe noises
Banging or rattling pipes (aka “water hammer”) could be a sign of loose pipes or water pressure issues. Don’t ignore the sounds of plumbing panic.

8. On the eighth day of Christmas…

Eight guests dishwashing
Extra dishes = extra strain on your kitchen sink and garbage disposal. Run the disposal before and after use with cold water to keep things moving smoothly.

9. On the ninth day of Christmas…

Nine low-pressure showers
If your shower feels more like a drizzle, mineral buildup could be to blame. A quick vinegar soak can help clear clogged showerheads.

10. On the tenth day of Christmas…

Ten frozen pipe threats
In colder areas, frozen pipes are a real risk. Let faucets drip slightly overnight and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas…

Eleven mystery smells
If your sink smells more naughty than nice, it could be food waste or a dry P-trap. Try flushing the drain with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas…

Twelve frantic phone calls
Last-minute plumbing emergencies are no one’s favorite holiday tradition. The best way to avoid them? A pre-holiday plumbing checkup!

Make a List, Check It Twice… and Call Arrow Plumbing Before It’s Crisis Time in San Diego, CA and Beyond

The holidays should be spent relaxing with loved ones—not Googling “why is my toilet gurgling.” A little planning and a few smart habits can go a long way toward keeping your plumbing in tip-top shape through the season.

But if something does go wrong? Don’t worry—we’re just a phone call away and ready to help.

Wishing you happy holidays, clear drains, and zero surprise leaks! Contact us today!