The holidays are an exciting time for many households in Lubbock, TX. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting friends, or simply enjoying some well-deserved downtime, one thing is certain: your home is about to get busier. With more people around, the demand on your plumbing system increases—showers, sinks, toilets, and dishwashers all work overtime. While the holidays bring joy, they can also bring unexpected plumbing headaches if you’re not careful.
The climate in Lubbock, characterized by hot summers and relatively mild winters, might not seem like it has much impact on your plumbing, but you’d be surprised. The dry environment and the mineral-rich water common in this area can affect your pipes and drains. While you may not think about plumbing maintenance as part of your holiday preparations, taking a few preventive steps can help you avoid clogs and backups during the busiest time of year.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through several practical holiday plumbing tips that will help keep your pipes flowing smoothly, ensuring you spend more time with loved ones and less time dealing with plumbing issues.
1. Why Holiday Plumbing Issues Are Common
Holidays come with increased foot traffic in your home, whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing larger-than-usual family meals. This puts added pressure on your plumbing system, which can lead to issues such as clogged drains, backed-up toilets, and sluggish sinks.
High Usage Means More Pressure on Pipes
During the holidays, your plumbing system is expected to handle more than usual—more cooking, more dishwashing, more toilet flushing. For example, Lubbock households, on average, see a 25% increase in water usage during the holidays. In most cases, your plumbing can manage the extra demand, but if there’s an underlying issue, like a partial clog or a weakened pipe, the added usage can exacerbate the problem.
Grease, Food, and Holiday Meals
A significant contributor to holiday plumbing issues is cooking. The large meals prepared during this season—especially in Texas, where brisket, fried foods, and savory casseroles dominate holiday menus—can spell disaster for your kitchen drains. Grease, fats, and food particles can easily accumulate in your pipes, leading to slow drains or full-on clogs.
In fact, 47% of all plumbing service calls during the holiday season nationwide involve kitchen drain issues, with grease being the number one culprit.
2. How to Prevent Kitchen Drain Clogs
Your kitchen is a hub of activity during the holidays, and as such, it’s one of the most likely places for clogs to develop. Preventative maintenance here can save you from major plumbing issues.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
It’s tempting to pour grease and oils from cooking down the drain, but this is one of the leading causes of kitchen clogs. When grease cools, it hardens and sticks to the sides of your pipes, narrowing the passage and making it easier for debris to build up. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash.
Use a Drain Catcher
Installing a drain catcher can help keep food particles, especially larger ones, from entering your plumbing system. Even if you have a garbage disposal, a drain catcher can prevent bits of food from clogging up the pipes. Remember, disposals are great, but they aren’t invincible—they are best used for small, soft food particles rather than large amounts of waste.
Run Hot Water Regularly
Running hot water down your drain after washing dishes can help break up any residual grease and prevent it from solidifying. A good rule of thumb is to run hot water for about 30 seconds after each use of your sink, especially during holiday meal prep and cleanup.
3. Preventing Bathroom Plumbing Problems
With guests staying over or visiting, your bathroom will see a lot of extra use. Clogged toilets, slow drains, and insufficient hot water are common issues. Here’s how you can prepare:
Be Mindful of What You Flush
Toilet clogs are a common holiday plumbing issue, often caused by improper flushing. Remind your guests—and children especially—that only toilet paper should be flushed. Items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and tissues may seem flushable, but they don’t dissolve as easily and can cause blockages.
Lubbock residents experience frequent sewer line clogs due to foreign objects being flushed. On average, plumbers respond to 15-20% more sewer line clogs in the area during the holiday season.
Keep a Plunger Handy
Even if you’re careful, accidents happen. Keeping a plunger in each bathroom ensures that minor clogs can be dealt with quickly without causing a bigger mess. Plus, guests will appreciate not having to call you for help if they run into an issue.
Stagger Shower Times
Your water heater will be working overtime if you have extra guests staying at your home. To avoid running out of hot water or putting unnecessary strain on the water heater, stagger shower times and encourage shorter showers. Another option is to raise the temperature on your water heater slightly to accommodate the increased demand, but be cautious—anything above 120°F can scald.
4. Outdoor Plumbing Concerns in Lubbock
While Lubbock’s winter climate is milder than in other parts of the country, freezing temperatures do occasionally occur. Even a single night of freezing temperatures can spell trouble for your outdoor plumbing if you’re not prepared.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
If you’re not planning to use your outdoor hose during the winter months, it’s a good idea to disconnect it and store it away. Leaving hoses connected can lead to water freezing in the pipes, which can cause them to burst. This is a common issue in areas like Lubbock, where homeowners might not expect sudden temperature drops.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
For outdoor faucets or any exposed plumbing, pipe insulation is crucial. This simple step can prevent freezing and ensure you won’t have to deal with burst pipes or water damage during the holiday season.
5. Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection
The best way to ensure your plumbing is ready for the holiday season is to schedule a professional inspection. A plumber can identify any potential issues—whether it’s a slow drain, a weakened pipe, or a malfunctioning water heater—before they become a bigger problem.
Why Choose Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C for Your Inspection?
At Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, we understand the unique plumbing challenges Lubbock residents face, from hard water buildup to freezing temperatures. Our team of experienced professionals can thoroughly inspect your plumbing system, offer maintenance tips, and provide any necessary repairs to keep your home running smoothly throughout the holidays.
6. Emergency Plumbing Services During the Holidays
Even with the best preparation, plumbing emergencies can happen. A backed-up toilet during your holiday party or a broken pipe on Christmas Eve is every homeowner’s nightmare. That’s why it’s essential to know who to call when the unexpected happens.
Leaky’s Plumbing Is Here When You Need Us
Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C offers 24/7 emergency services, so you can rest easy knowing help is just a phone call away. Whether it’s a clogged drain, a leaky pipe, or a malfunctioning water heater, we’re here to provide fast, reliable service.
For Plumbing Services in Lubbock, TX, Contact Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C Today
The holiday season should be a time of celebration, not stress. By taking a few preventive steps and being mindful of how you use your plumbing, you can avoid the most common issues that arise during this busy time of year.
If you do run into trouble or want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for the holidays, contact Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C. With our expert knowledge and friendly service, we’ll make sure your holidays stay merry and bright—without the worry of clogs or backups.
Call us today to schedule your holiday plumbing inspection or to learn more about our emergency services. At Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, we’re committed to providing Lubbock homeowners with reliable, professional plumbing services, no matter the season.