Prep Your Kitchen Drains for Heavy Holiday Use

During the holiday season, your kitchen transforms into the heart of the home—roasting turkeys, simmering sauces, baking pies, and feeding hungry guests. But all that festive cooking can take a toll on your plumbing. Grease, peels, and other food scraps can quickly turn a cheerful kitchen into a clogged and messy nightmare.

Clogged drains don’t just slow things down—they can cause overflows, bad odors, or full-on backups when you need your kitchen working the most. Taking a few preventative steps now can save you from costly emergency calls later.

Holiday Kitchen Drain Tips to Keep Things Flowing Smoothly

1. Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

• Hot grease turns solid when cooled, creating thick layers inside pipes that attract other food debris.

• For small amounts of grease or oil:

  • Wipe pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing to prevent residue from entering your plumbing system.

2. Avoid Rinsing Problematic Scraps into the Sink

Certain holiday ingredients are known as pipe-cloggers. Avoid rinsing the following into the drain or garbage disposal:

• Fibrous items: celery, onion skins, corn husks

• Starchy items: potato peels, pasta, rice

• Sticky or stringy foods: pumpkin pulp, egg shells, fruit rinds

3. Use a Sink Strainer or Drain Catcher

• Place a mesh sink strainer over your kitchen drain to catch food particles before they wash away.

• Empty the strainer into the trash frequently, especially while cooking large meals.

• Strainers are inexpensive, easy to use, and highly effective for preventing holiday clogs.

4. Operate Your Garbage Disposal the Right Way

If you plan to use your garbage disposal:

• Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal.

• Feed food waste gradually—don’t dump large amounts all at once.

• Let the water run for at least 15 seconds after turning off the disposal to help flush the line.

• Avoid using the disposal for bones, grease, or fibrous peels, which can jam the blades or clog the pipes.

Protect Your Bathroom Plumbing from Guest Overload

When the holidays roll around, your home becomes a hub of activity—and your bathrooms often bear the brunt of it. With more people flushing toilets, taking showers, and washing hands, your plumbing is working harder than usual. If your system isn’t prepared for the increase in usage, even small issues can quickly turn into inconvenient or embarrassing problems.

From surprise clogs to low water pressure, guest overload can stress plumbing that’s not used to round-the-clock use. Taking a few preventive steps now will help avoid awkward moments and urgent service calls later.

How to Prep Your Bathrooms for Holiday Traffic

1. Inspect All Toilets for Warning Signs

Before guests arrive, walk through each bathroom and check:

• Slow flushing: May indicate a developing clog in the line.

• Weak water flow or gurgling: Could point to venting issues or partial obstructions.

• Leaking around the base or handle: Minor leaks can become major when toilets are in constant use.

2. Educate Guests on What Not to Flush

Many plumbing emergencies stem from people flushing items that don’t belong in the toilet.

Remind your guests to only flush toilet paper, and consider the following:

• Place a small wastebasket in each bathroom for:

  • Wet wipes

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Cotton balls or pads

  • Paper towels and tissues

3. Install Drain Covers in Showers and Tubs

Hair buildup is one of the most common causes of slow drains—especially in guest bathrooms that don’t get frequent use.

To prevent blockages:

• Use mesh or silicone drain covers to catch hair and debris.

• Clean the covers regularly during extended visits.

• If your drain is already slow, get it cleared professionally before guests arrive.

4. Keep a Plunger in Every Bathroom

It may not be glamorous, but a plunger can be a holiday hero.

• Make sure each bathroom has a clean, easy-to-find plunger.

• Place it in a visible but discreet spot, such as beside or behind the toilet.

• Consider labeling it for guests unfamiliar with the setup.

Give Your Water Heater a Holiday Checkup

During the holidays, your water heater becomes one of the most important appliances in your home—even if you don’t realize it. From extra showers and handwashing to dishwashing and cooking, your hot water supply will be working overtime to keep up with demand. If your water heater is underperforming or nearing the end of its lifespan, you could be facing cold showers or dish-filled sinks at the worst possible moment.

Before holiday guests arrive and stress your plumbing system, it’s wise to give your water heater some much-needed attention. A simple seasonal checkup can prevent surprises and ensure your system runs safely and efficiently through the busy weeks ahead.

Water Heater Prep Tips for a Warm, Worry-Free Holiday

1. Flush the Tank to Remove Sediment

• Over time, minerals from Bakersfield’s water supply settle at the bottom of your tank, creating sediment buildup.

• This sediment:

  • Reduces energy efficiency

  • Causes rumbling or banging noises

  • Leads to overheating or shortened unit lifespan

2. Check the Temperature Setting

• The ideal temperature setting is 120°F (49°C):

  • Hot enough for showers, dishwashing, and comfort

  • Cool enough to reduce scalding risk—especially for children and seniors

  • More energy-efficient than higher settings

3. Inspect for Rust, Leaks, or Corrosion

• Take a few minutes to visually inspect your unit for signs of trouble:

  • Rust-colored water from the tap may indicate corrosion inside the tank.

  • Water pooling at the base could signal a leak or failing pressure relief valve.

4. Know the Age of Your Water Heater

• Most traditional water heaters last 8 to 12 years depending on brand, maintenance, and usage.

• If your unit is nearing that range and hasn’t been regularly maintained:

  • Consider a proactive replacement before the holiday rush.

Make your plumbing one less thing to stress about this season. Contact The Plumbing Doc to schedule your holiday prep appointment today!Proudly serving Bakersfield, CA and surrounding areas

[https://www.theplumbingdoctorbakersfield.com]