It’s the holiday season—time for togetherness, good food, and plenty of laughs. Your home is buzzing with family and friends, the aroma of a roast beast fills the air, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is on repeat. But as Clark Griswold can attest, hosting for the holidays can bring more than its fair share of surprises.

While you’re busy making memories, your drains and sewer system are working overtime. More people mean more flushing, more dishwashing, and more chances for something to go wrong. The good news? A little preparation can go a long way toward avoiding those dreaded holiday plumbing disasters—no Cousin Eddie RV moments required.

Holiday Drain Nightmares: What Can Go Wrong

Your drains face plenty of challenges during the holidays. Here are some of the most common culprits:

The Bathroom Back-Up: With so many guests using the facilities, your sewer line can become overwhelmed. One flush of a so-called “flushable” wipe or a personal hygiene item, and suddenly you’ve got a clogged toilet on your hands.
Grease Gone Wild: Preparing holiday feasts often means more fats, oils, and grease (FOG) finding their way into the kitchen sink. These cool and solidify inside your pipes, creating nasty blockages that can stop your sink—and your cleanup—cold.
The Slow Shower Shuffle: Extra showers can strain your bathroom drains, especially if hair, soap scum, or other debris has been building up all year. Before long, your peaceful rinse might turn into an unexpected foot bath. Remember Uncle Frank belting out "Cool Jerk" in the shower? Imagine that scene—but with ankle-deep water and far less holiday cheer.
Sewer Line Surprises: If you live in an older home or an area prone to tree root infiltration, extra usage can spell trouble for your sewer line, potentially causing backups that no one wants to deal with during dessert.

Preventing Holiday Drain Disasters

You can’t control what every guest does, but with a little preparation, you can set your drains and sewer line up for success:

1. Subtle Reminders for Guests

Talking to guests about bathroom habits can be awkward, so let a humorous holiday note do the work for you. Try placing one of these in your bathroom:

“Pretty paper, pretty bows,
Flush only TP and that which flows.”
"Let it flow, let it flow—just TP, you know!"
“Don’t be a Grinch to our pipes, we plea,
Flush only what’s natural—and flush only TP!”
"Be merry, be bright, and help pipes stay clear—
Flush only TP while you’re visiting here!"

Pair the note with a small, lined trash can to ensure other items have a proper place.

2. Be Proactive in the Kitchen

The kitchen is ground zero for drain disasters during the holidays. Keep your sink in good shape by:

Avoiding FOG Build-Up: Pour grease into a container, let it cool, and toss it in the trash. Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain.
Using a Sink Strainer: This simple tool catches food particles before they can clog your pipes.
Being Mindful of Your Garbage Disposal: While great for small scraps, disposals can’t handle fibrous or starchy items like coffee grounds, potato peels, or rice. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them.

3. Prepare Your Sewer Line

Your sewer line is the backbone of your home’s plumbing system. Before the holiday rush, consider:

Scheduling a Drain Cleaning: High-velocity water jetting clears blockages and keeps your pipes running smoothly.
Inspecting Your Sewer Line: With advanced video technology, Zoom Drain can check for root infiltration or buildup and resolve issues before they escalate.
Investing in Preventative Maintenance: Regular maintenance ensures your drains and sewer system are always ready for extra holiday traffic.

When the Unexpected Happens

Even with the best preparation, emergencies can strike. If your drains start to back up or your sewer system can’t keep up, don’t panic—Zoom Drain’s 24/7 emergency services are just a call away. Whether it’s a slow drain, a clog, or a full-blown sewer line issue, we’ll have everything flowing again in no time.

This holiday season, the only thing worse than coal in your stocking is a clog in your drain. Let Zoom Drain take the stress out of hosting. With a few simple steps and support from our expert team, you can avoid plumbing pitfalls and focus on what matters most: family, friends, and festive memories. Because nothing should stand in the way of your holiday cheer.

Get Your Life Flowing Today!™

Essential Drain & Sewer Tips for a Hassle-Free Holiday Season