Nothing puts a damper on a holiday gathering faster than a plumbing problem, especially when the kitchen sink backs up right as you’re prepping the gravy. Every year, we receive a spike in emergency calls during Thanksgiving week, and most of them could have been avoided with just a little planning.
After over 45 years of serving families across San Luis Obispo, we’ve seen exactly what goes wrong this time of year. Here’s your go-to guide to avoid becoming that house calling a plumber mid-feast.
Why Plumbing Problems Spike During the Holidays
Holiday season = heavy home use.
More cooking. More dishes. More showers. More flushing. More garbage disposal use.
Even in San Luis Obispo’s mild climate, holiday gatherings can overload plumbing systems, especially in older homes or ones with aging fixtures.
The three biggest culprits?
🍗 Kitchen clogs
🚽 Toilet overload
🔥 Water heater failures
Let’s go through how to prevent them.
1. Protect Your Kitchen Sink & Garbage Disposal
Thanksgiving dinner is tough on disposals. Here’s what not to put down the drain:
🚫 Grease or cooking oil
🚫 Turkey skin or bones
🚫 Potato peels
🚫 Stringy veggies (celery, pumpkin guts, artichoke)
🚫 Rice or pasta (they expand!)
🚫 Coffee grounds
Do This Instead:
✔ Scrape plates into the trash first
✔ Cut scraps small before disposing
✔ Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal
✔ Run the disposal slowly (not everything at once!)
2. Don’t Stress Your Toilets
Holiday guests = double or triple flushes.
Common issues:
- Running toilets
- Weak flushes
- Clogs from excess toilet paper or “flushable” wipes
Prevention Tips:
✔ Fix running toilets now—even a small leak can turn into a clog under strain
✔ Keep a small trash can nearby for wipes and hygiene products
✔ Consider a gentle reminder in guest bathrooms (it works!)
3. Make Sure Your Water Heater Can Handle the Crowd
Extra guests mean extra hot water.
Signs your water heater may struggle:
- Takes too long to heat up
- Rumbling or popping noises
- Over 10 years old and never serviced
Quick Fixes:
✔ Set temperature to 120°F
✔ Flush sediment if it hasn’t been done recently
✔ If you’re hosting overnight guests—space out showers by at least 15 minutes
4. Do a Quick Pre-Holiday Plumbing Check
A fast inspection can save you a major headache:
🔍 Look under sinks for small leaks
🔍 Check for slow drains
🔍 Test toilets before guests arrive
🔍 Make sure your dishwasher is draining properly
If something feels “off,” now is the time to fix it—not Thursday morning while basting a turkey.
5. Know When to Call a Professional
If you notice:
⚠ Gurgling drains
⚠ Slow sink drainage
⚠ Water heater noises
⚠ Multiple clogged fixtures
—these are early signs of a potential failure.
Don’t wait for the emergency.
📞 We’re Here 24/7 for Holiday Emergencies
We’ve been serving San Luis Obispo homeowners for over 45 years, and we’re fully staffed and ready to help—even on holidays.
Whether you want a quick pre-holiday inspection or need emergency plumbing service, we’ll be there when you need us.
📞 Call us at 805.594.1020 to schedule a pre-Thanksgiving check-up or 24-hour emergency service.
Make this season stress-free, for you and your plumbing.