The holiday season is all about gathering with family, hosting friends, and enjoying festive meals, but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for plumbers. With extra guests, more cooking, and colder Minnesota temperatures, your plumbing system is under more stress than usual.
At BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we see the same holiday plumbing problems pop up every year in Eden Prairie homes. The good news? Many of them are preventable with a little preparation. Here’s what to watch for, and how to avoid a plumbing emergency during the holidays.
1. Garbage Disposal Clogs After Big Holiday Meals
Holiday cooking puts garbage disposals to the test. Between potato peels, stuffing scraps, and leftover grease, disposals often become overloaded.
Common causes include:
- Grease, fats, and oils
- Fibrous foods like celery or corn husks
- Starchy foods such as potatoes and pasta
- Large amounts of food at once
How to avoid it:
- Scrape plates into the trash, not the disposal
- Never pour grease down the sink, let it cool and throw it away
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal
- Feed food slowly instead of all at once
If your disposal hums, drains slowly, or stops working altogether, it’s time to call a professional.
2. Backed-Up Drains from Increased Use
With guests staying over, your sinks, showers, and toilets get far more use than usual. This added demand can expose existing clogs or slow drains that weren’t obvious before.
Holiday drain trouble often comes from:
- Food debris in kitchen drains
- Excess toilet paper and “flushable” wipes
- Hair and soap buildup in bathroom drains
How to avoid it:
- Remind guests only toilet paper goes in the toilet
- Use drain strainers in sinks and showers
- Schedule professional drain cleaning before the holidays if you’ve noticed slow drains
Preventative drain cleaning can save you from a messy backup at the worst possible time.
3. Water Heater Running Out of Hot Water
Extra showers, laundry, and dishwashing can push your water heater past its limits, especially if it’s older or already struggling.
Warning signs include:
- Running out of hot water quickly
- Water that’s lukewarm instead of hot
- Strange noises from the tank
How to avoid it:
- Spread out showers when possible
- Avoid running the dishwasher and laundry at the same time
- Have your water heater inspected or flushed before the holidays
BWS can assess whether your current water heater is keeping up or if repairs are needed to get you through the season.
4. Frozen Pipes During Minnesota Cold Snaps
Eden Prairie winters are unpredictable, and holiday cold snaps can cause pipes to freeze, especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas.
High-risk areas include:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Garages
- Exterior walls
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
How to avoid it:
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate
- Maintain consistent indoor temperatures, even when traveling
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold
Frozen pipes can burst quickly, leading to serious water damage if not addressed immediately.
5. Sewer Line Issues from Holiday Overuse
Holiday gatherings can overload sewer systems, especially if there are existing issues like tree root intrusion or pipe deterioration.
Signs of sewer trouble include:
- Multiple drains backing up at once
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Sewage odors in the home
How to avoid it:
- Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products
- Don’t pour grease or food scraps down drains
- Schedule a sewer camera inspection if your home has a history of backups
Catching sewer problems early can prevent a major disruption during holiday celebrations.
Why BWS Is Eden Prairie’s First Call for Holiday Plumbing Problems
Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours, and they certainly don’t wait for the holidays to end. That’s why Eden Prairie homeowners trust BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for fast, reliable service when it matters most.
Whether you need preventative maintenance before guests arrive or emergency plumbing help during a holiday gathering, our team is ready to help keep your home comfortable and stress-free.
Get Ahead of Holiday Plumbing Problems
A little preparation now can save you from major plumbing headaches later. If you’ve noticed slow drains, water heater issues, or concerns about frozen pipes, schedule service with BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.
We’re proud to be the local team Eden Prairie homeowners count on, especially during the busy holiday season.
