The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and hearty meals—but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for plumbing emergencies. With more guests, more cooking, and more strain on your home’s plumbing system, problems can arise when you least expect them.
That’s why it pays to plan ahead and make sure your plumbing is in top shape before the festivities begin. If you need expert help, a trusted plumber in Skokie, IL can ensure your home’s pipes, drains, and fixtures are ready to handle the holiday rush.
1. Kitchen Sink Clogs
Between cooking large meals and cleaning up afterward, your kitchen sink takes a beating during the holidays. Grease, food scraps, and starchy foods like mashed potatoes and pasta can quickly create stubborn clogs in your drains. The best way to avoid this mess is to prevent it—never pour fats or oils down the drain, and scrape plates into the trash instead of the sink.
Before the season starts, consider having your drains professionally cleaned by our expert team. Preventive drain and sewer cleaning clears buildup before it causes trouble, keeping your sink flowing freely through every feast.
2. Overworked Toilets
Holiday guests mean more frequent toilet use, which can push older or partially clogged systems to their limit. The last thing you want is an overflow during a family gathering. Encourage guests to use modest amounts of toilet paper, and remind kids not to flush anything other than toilet paper. If your toilet has been slow or making gurgling sounds, don’t ignore it—schedule a quick inspection before the holidays to catch small issues early.
3. Garbage Disposal Issues
Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle everything that comes out of the kitchen. Hard bones and fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks) can jam or dull the blades, while grease and oil can cause buildup. Always run water when using the disposal and feed food in slowly. When in doubt, toss waste in the trash or compost bin instead. Taking care of your disposal helps prevent inconvenient jams and costly repairs during your busiest cooking days.
4. Hot Water Problems
With guests showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry, your water heater works overtime during the holidays. If it hasn’t been maintained in a while, sediment buildup could reduce its efficiency, lower water pressure, or even cause it to stop heating properly. Annual water heater maintenance by our professional plumbers keeps it running reliably and ensures you have plenty of hot water for all your holiday needs.
5. Frozen Pipes
As temperatures drop in Illinois, frozen pipes become a real threat—especially for outdoor or poorly insulated lines. To avoid a burst pipe (and the water damage that comes with it), disconnect and store garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and insulate pipes in unheated areas like garages and basements. Taking these simple steps now can prevent major wintertime headaches later.
This holiday season, let our team help you relax and enjoy your time with family and friends. From preventive drain cleaning to water heater tune-ups and pipe protection, we’ll make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for anything the season brings. Because peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself this year.
For expert help from a plumber in Skokie, IL, contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance!