Plumbing

The holidays are busy, joyful, and often a little chaotic. Extra cooking, more showers, and a steady flow of guests all push your plumbing much harder than usual. That pressure can turn small issues into major problems if you aren’t prepared.

With a little planning, you can protect your home from clogged drains, backed-up sinks, and cold-water surprises. And when something does go wrong, Perry Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is on call at any hour to help you get things under control fast.

Below are practical steps you can take right now to keep plumbing emergencies off your holiday list.

1. Give Your Kitchen Sink Some Extra Attention

Holiday meals create grease, scraps, and heavy sink use. Tucson’s hard water adds even more strain since mineral buildup narrows drain lines over time.

What You Can Do

• Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing.
• Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it away.
• Keep pasta, rice, and potato peels away from the drain since they swell inside pipes.
• Run cold water for several seconds before and after using the disposal.

DIY Fix

If water begins to drain slowly, pour a kettle of hot water into the sink. Follow with a cup of baking soda, then a cup of vinegar. Let it react, then flush again with hot water.

If water rises back into the sink or your disposal hums without spinning, stop and call for help. Forcing it can burn out the motor.

2. Prevent Bathroom Drain Trouble Before Guests Arrive

More guests mean more showers and more flushing. That can expose slow drains or hidden clogs.

What You Can Do

• Place inexpensive mesh screens over shower and sink drains.
• Remind guests that wipes, cotton balls, and hygiene products belong in the trash.
• Space out showers so your water heater can recover.

DIY Fix

For a slow shower drain, a small hand snake often clears hair near the surface. If the clog returns quickly or there is a foul odor, the blockage is deeper than DIY tools can reach.

3. Prepare Your Water Heater for Heavy Use

Tucson’s winter nights are cool enough to make your water heater work harder. Extra laundry, extra dishes, and long holiday showers only add to the load.

What You Can Do

• Drain a few gallons from the tank to clear loose sediment.
• Set the thermostat to 120 degrees for safe and steady hot water.
• Listen for popping or rumbling since it can signal buildup in the tank.
• Check the area around the base of the heater for moisture.

DIY Fix

If hot water runs out faster than usual, spread out showers and dishwasher cycles. If you notice rumbling or if there is water leaking from the tank, stop and call. Tank issues can escalate quickly.

4. Protect Outdoor Hose Bibs During Cold Snaps

Cold nights in November and December can catch homeowners off guard.

What You Can Do

• Disconnect all hoses.
• Install inexpensive hose bib covers.
• Check exposed pipes for worn insulation and replace it when needed.

DIY Fix

If a spigot drips, tighten the packing nut or replace the washer inside the handle. If you see cracking, corrosion, or moisture on the wall nearby, call for repair before damage spreads.

5. Use Your Garbage Disposal Wisely

Holiday cooking pushes garbage disposals to their limit. When overloaded, they clog drains and sometimes shut down entirely.

What You Can Do

• Feed scraps slowly.
• Avoid stringy vegetables such as celery or onion skins.
• Do not grind turkey bones or large leftovers.
• Keep cold water running for several seconds before and after grinding.

DIY Fix

If the disposal shuts off, press the small red reset button on the bottom. If it trips again or only hums, turn it off and call for help.

6. Know When to Bring in a Professional

Some plumbing issues are safe for DIY fixes. Others are not. Call Perry when you notice:

• Water backing up into other drains.
• A leak anywhere in the home.
• A sudden loss of hot water.
• Gurgling from multiple drains.
• A foul smell coming from sinks or tubs.

Holidays are never a convenient time for plumbing stress. Perry offers 24/7 emergency service so you never have to wait until morning when something goes wrong.

FAQs

Why do plumbing issues get worse during the holidays?

Cooking, parties, travel, and guests increase water use. That extra load exposes weak spots in your plumbing that may not show up the rest of the year.

How can I avoid clogged drains when cooking for a crowd?

Throw grease in the trash, scrape plates well, and keep starchy or stringy scraps out of the disposal. Running cold water while grinding also helps push debris through the line.

What is the easiest way to keep my toilet from clogging?

Place a small trash can next to the toilet and remind guests that wipes and hygiene products should never be flushed. Keeping a plunger nearby is also helpful.

Can pipes freeze in Tucson?

Yes, although it is less common than in other parts of the country. Freezing usually affects outdoor spigots or pipes with little insulation. Hose bib covers offer simple, low-cost protection.

When should I call a plumber instead of trying a DIY fix?

Call right away if there is standing water, a leak, a burst pipe, sewage odor, or if a clog keeps returning. Perry offers round-the-clock support during the holidays.