The holiday season is filled with family, food, and festivities—but it’s also when your plumbing system works overtime. Between big meals, visiting guests, and extra dishwashing, your drains are under more strain than usual. So, if you’ve noticed a slow drain recently, you might be wondering: should you handle it yourself, or call in the professionals?
Let’s take a closer look at when a little DIY can help—and when it’s best to call the plumbing experts at Snellville Heating, Air and Plumbing to make sure your system is ready for the holidays.
Why Drains Slow Down During the Holidays
From kitchen prep to cleaning up after dinner, holiday cooking sends a lot more than just water down your pipes. Food particles, grease, and other debris can build up inside your plumbing, restricting water flow and leading to clogs. Bathroom drains may also see more use as guests come and go.
One of the biggest culprits this time of year? Potato peels.
They might seem harmless, but potato peels are a huge no-no for your drains. When they’re ground up by the garbage disposal, they form a starchy, glue-like paste that clings to the inside of pipes, trapping other debris along the way. Before long, that “small slowdown” can become a full-blown blockage.
Safe DIY Fixes for Minor Slowdowns
If your sink or tub is draining a bit slowly—but not completely clogged—you can try a few safe DIY steps before calling for help:
- Use hot water: Sometimes, a flush of very hot water can loosen grease or soap buildup in your pipes.
- Try a plunger: For sinks and tubs, a few firm plunges can dislodge small obstructions.
- Check the stopper or strainer: Hair and soap scum can build up here and are easy to clean out manually.
What to avoid: Skip harsh chemical drain cleaners. While they may promise quick results, these chemicals can damage your pipes and harm the environment.
If these gentle methods don’t restore your normal flow, it’s best to call in a professional before the problem worsens—especially as your plumbing sees heavier use during the holidays.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
Some signs indicate a deeper issue that DIY methods won’t fix. You should contact a licensed plumber if:
- Water drains very slowly, even after basic cleaning or plunging.
- You hear gurgling noises coming from your drains.
- Multiple drains in your home are clogged at once.
- There’s a foul odor coming from your sink or shower.
These symptoms could point to a clog deeper in your plumbing system—or even a problem with your main sewer line. Professional plumbers have specialized tools like drain snakes and hydro jetting equipment that can safely clear tough blockages without damaging your pipes.
Prevent Holiday Plumbing Problems
The best way to avoid emergency calls during the holidays is to be proactive:
- Dispose of food waste properly: Keep potato peels, grease, and fibrous vegetables out of your drain.
- Use a sink strainer: Catch debris before it goes down the drain.
- Schedule a pre-holiday plumbing inspection: A quick visit from your plumber ensures your system is clear and ready for guests.
Taking these simple steps can save you stress (and cleanup time) when the house is full and the kitchen is busy.
Keep Your Drains Clear and Your Holidays Cheerful
This holiday season, make sure your plumbing is ready for everything the festivities bring. A slow drain today could be tomorrow’s kitchen disaster—but it doesn’t have to be!
Your Comfort Is OUR Business. Call Snellville Heating, Air and Plumbing today to schedule your drain cleaning or plumbing service before the holiday rush!
770-982-9800
