How to Prepare Your House and Plumbing for Entertaining During the Holidays

November 18, 2024

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations. Whether you're hosting a small dinner party or a large family gathering, making sure your home is ready for guests is key to enjoying the season. One aspect that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of holiday prep is the plumbing. With extra guests, cooking, and festivities, your plumbing system will likely face more stress than usual. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can avoid any plumbing disasters and ensure your home is ready for a smooth holiday season.

1. Inspect Your Plumbing System

Before the holiday rush kicks into full gear, it's a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your home's plumbing system. An annual inspection can identify any potential issues, like small leaks, clogged drains, or outdated pipes, that could cause problems down the road.

Key areas to check include:

  • Water Pressure: Low water pressure can be an annoyance when multiple people are using faucets and showers.
  • Water Heater: Make sure your water heater is in good working condition and capable of handling the demand for hot water. If you’re expecting lots of guests, consider turning up the thermostat on your water heater for a few weeks (just be sure it's not too hot, as it can scald).
  • Pipes and Hoses: Look for any exposed pipes, especially those in the attic, basement, or crawl space, which can freeze in cold weather. If you notice any signs of damage, it’s worth getting these fixed before the weather gets colder.

2. Clear Out Clogged Drains Before Guests Arrive

Clogged drains can cause headaches during the holidays, especially with extra food waste and bathroom use. If you’ve noticed slow-draining sinks or showers, now is the time to address the problem.

  • Kitchen Drains: Fat, grease and food scraps are the usual culprits in kitchen sink clogs. To prevent issues, use a sink strainer to catch any debris. Avoid pouring grease down the drain, and remind guests to throw food scraps in the trash rather than rinsing them down the sink.
  • Bathroom Drains: Hair is often the main cause of clogs in bathroom drains. Regularly clean your bathroom sink, shower, and tub drains to prevent blockages. You can also use a drain snake to remove any buildup. If you don’t want to deal with plungers or chemicals, consider calling a plumber to do a more thorough cleaning.

3. Test Your Toilets

Toilets can be a major source of stress when entertaining guests. Nothing is worse than a toilet that won’t flush or overflows during a party. To prevent this, give each toilet in your home a thorough test run in the days leading up to your gathering.

  • Flushing Test: Flush each toilet a few times to ensure it’s working properly. If you notice weak flushing or a toilet that takes too long to refill, there could be an underlying issue.
  • Check for Leaks: Look around the base of the toilet for signs of leaks or water damage. A leaky toilet can cause water damage to your floor, and that’s the last thing you want to deal with during the holidays.
  • Plunger Ready: Keep a plunger in easy reach in each bathroom just in case. You don’t want to be scrambling for a plunger when the inevitable happens.

4. Unclog the Garbage Disposal

The kitchen garbage disposal works hard during holiday cooking, so it’s important to give it some attention before you begin preparing your big meals.

  • Check for Obstructions: If your disposal is making strange noises or not grinding food efficiently, it may be clogged. You can often clear minor blockages by using the disposal’s reset button or using tongs to remove large objects.
  • Clean the Disposal: A stinky garbage disposal can sour the holiday mood. To freshen it up, run cold water through the disposal and then add some ice cubes. You can also use a little bit of baking soda and vinegar to clean and deodorize.
  • Be Mindful of What Goes Down: As you prepare meals, remind guests (or yourself) not to put fibrous vegetables, bones, grease, or large amounts of food scraps down the garbage disposal.

5. Prepare for Extra Laundry Loads

If you’re having overnight guests, that often means more laundry. Ensure your washing machine and dryer are ready for the extra load of towels, bedding, and clothes that may pile up during your holiday festivities.

  • Check for Leaks: Inspect the hoses connected to your washing machine for any signs of wear or leaks. A burst hose could flood your laundry room, so replacing old hoses with newer, more durable versions can save you a lot of headaches.
  • Lint Traps: Clean out the lint traps in your dryer to prevent potential fire hazards. Consider having your dryer vent cleaned as well to ensure proper airflow and efficiency.

6. Have Emergency Plumbing Supplies on Hand

It's always wise to be prepared for plumbing issues that may pop up unexpectedly during a holiday gathering. Having the right tools and supplies on hand can help you tackle minor problems before they become major headaches.

  • Plunger: Keep a plunger in the bathroom, especially near the toilet.
  • Drain Snake: A small hand-held drain snake can help clear minor clogs.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Stock up on drain cleaners, but use them sparingly—natural options like baking soda and vinegar are often gentler on your pipes.
  • Towels and Rags: Have plenty of towels or old rags available to clean up small leaks or spills.


Preparing your house and plumbing for holiday entertaining takes a little effort up front, but it can save you from stress and mishaps when your home is full of guests. By inspecting your plumbing, addressing potential issues before they escalate, and keeping your plumbing systems clean and in working order, you can focus on what really matters during the holidays—making memories with loved ones.

If you want to book an inspection or general service with us to prepare for the holidays ahead, please call us at (615) 708-5742! 


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