The holidays are a time for family, feasts, and festive cheer, but they can also put your home’s plumbing to the test. Between large meals, frequent dishwashing, and extra guests using the sinks and showers, your drains take on far more than they do the rest of the year. Without preparation, that extra demand can quickly lead to clogs, slow drains, and even backups at the worst possible time.
At W.F. Hann & Sons, we help homeowners across Northeast Ohio keep their plumbing systems running smoothly through the busy season with proactive maintenance and professional drain cleaning.
Common Holiday Drain Problems
Grease Buildup
Cooking oils, butter, and turkey drippings are some of the worst offenders when it comes to holiday drain clogs. Even if you rinse them down with hot water, grease cools and solidifies inside your pipes, collecting food debris and eventually forming a stubborn blockage. Instead of sending fats down the drain, pour them into a disposable container and toss them in the trash once cooled.
Food Scraps
When preparing big meals, it’s easy to forget that even small bits of food can cause trouble. Peelings, coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and fibrous vegetables like celery and potato skins can all create dense clogs that no garbage disposal can handle. Always scrape plates and pans into the trash or compost before rinsing them.
Increased Water Usage and Overflow
With guests showering, washing hands, and running the dishwasher more often, your plumbing system is under heavier demand. That added use can strain older pipes and reveal hidden issues like partial blockages or weak flow.
How to Prepare Your Drains
Install Strainers
A simple but effective measure, drain strainers catch food scraps and debris before they enter your pipes. They’re inexpensive, easy to clean, and make a big difference in preventing clogs during heavy use.
Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning
Before hosting a house full of people, consider having a licensed plumber inspect and clean your drains. At W.F. Hann & Sons, our technicians use advanced tools to clear buildup and restore full water flow. Professional drain cleaning not only prevents holiday emergencies, but it also helps extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Avoid Pouring Fats or Oils Down the Sink
Cooking grease is the biggest holiday drain enemy. Keep a “grease jar” or old can nearby to collect leftover fat instead. This simple habit protects your drains and helps prevent costly service calls.
When to Call a Professional for Clogged Drains
If your sink or shower drains slowly, gurgles, or backs up when multiple fixtures are in use, it’s time to call in the experts. Persistent odors, frequent clogs, or standing water indicate a deeper issue that DIY methods won’t fix. Our experienced plumbers can identify the problem quickly and perform the right service, whether it’s using a drain auger to free a localized clog or hydro jetting a main drain line. Acting early can save you from major plumbing disruptions during your holiday gatherings, such as a pipe break that requires sewer line repair.
Keep Your Drains Flowing This Holiday Season
The best way to enjoy the season stress-free is to make sure your plumbing system is ready for it. Since 1907, W.F. Hann & Sons has been helping homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio prepare their homes for every season with dependable plumbing, heating, and cooling services.
We’re fully licensed and insured, and we back our work with upfront pricing and free estimates on replacement quotes. Our background-checked technicians are available 24/7 for emergencies, and we proudly offer financing options along with military, veteran, and senior discounts.
Contact W.F. Hann & Sons today to schedule your professional drain cleaning and ensure your plumbing is ready for guests, good food, and great memories!
