Plumbing Tips for Hosting Guests Over the Holidays

October 31, 2025

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner or opening your Sommers Point home to overnight guests, your plumbing system will be working overtime.

From extra showers and laundry loads to dishwashing and cooking, the increased water usage can put real stress on your pipes, drains, and fixtures. The last thing any homeowner wants is a plumbing mishap disrupting the holiday cheer.

With a little preparation and a few smart habits, courtesy of Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly all season long. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid clogs, leaks, or breakdowns when entertaining guests.

Be Proactive With Drain Care

Holiday cooking is one of the biggest culprits behind clogged drains. Between fats, oils, grease, and food scraps, your kitchen sink is at risk for buildup that can quickly block pipes. To avoid a major headache:

Dispose of grease properly: Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Instead, let it cool, then collect it in a disposable container to throw away.
Use a sink strainer: A simple mesh strainer will catch food particles before they enter the drain, reducing the risk of clogs.
Run hot water after use: After using your sink, flush it with hot water to help keep pipes clear of residue.

In bathrooms, extra showers and handwashing can also increase the likelihood of hair and soap scum buildup. Using drain screens in tubs and sinks is a low-cost way to keep things flowing.

Remind Guests What Not to Flush

With more people in your Sommers Point home, it’s important to remember that toilets can only handle toilet paper and human waste. Items like wipes (even if labeled “flushable”), cotton balls, tissues, and feminine hygiene products should never be flushed.

Consider keeping a small trash can in every bathroom with an extra liner, making it easy for guests to dispose of these items without creating plumbing problems. A polite sign or reminder can also help prevent accidental clogs.

Space Out Showers and Laundry Loads

If you’re hosting overnight guests, your water heater and drains will be working harder than usual. Taking back-to-back showers or running the washer and dishwasher at the same time can overwhelm your plumbing system.

Stagger shower times: Allow at least 15 minutes between showers to give your water heater time to recover and maintain consistent hot water.
Plan laundry wisely: Try to do laundry loads in the morning or late evening when fewer people are showering or using sinks.
Use energy-efficient settings: Many modern appliances offer eco-modes that use less water, reducing strain on your system.

These small adjustments can go a long way in avoiding low water pressure and ensuring everyone has the hot water they need.

Protect Your Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal can be a lifesaver during meal prep and cleanup, but it isn’t designed to handle everything. To keep it running smoothly during the holidays:

Avoid hard or fibrous foods: Items like bones, coffee grounds, celery, and corn husks can jam or dull the blades.
Cut large scraps: Break food into smaller pieces before running the disposal to prevent overload.
Run cold water: Always run cold water for 20–30 seconds before and after using the disposal to wash food particles down the line.

If your disposal starts making unusual noises or jams, turn it off immediately to prevent further damage and contact a plumber if needed.

Check for Leaks Before Guests Arrive

Even small leaks under sinks or around toilets can become bigger issues when plumbing systems are under stress. Before guests arrive, take a few minutes to:

Inspect pipes under sinks for drips or water stains.
Check toilets for wobbling or constant running.
Look around water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers for signs of moisture.

Catching leaks early means you can address them before the holiday rush, saving you from potential water damage or emergency repairs in Sommers Point.

Know When to Call a Professional

Even with preparation, plumbing problems can still happen—especially when extra demand is placed on your system. If you notice slow drains, gurgling pipes, or water backing up, don’t ignore it. These are warning signs that could lead to bigger issues if left untreated.

Having a trusted plumber’s contact information on hand before the holidays ensures you won’t be scrambling if a problem arises. Many local plumbing companies also offer preventative inspections, which can give you added peace of mind before hosting a big crowd.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday

Your plumbing might not be the first thing you think about when planning holiday festivities in Sommers Point, but taking steps to prepare can make all the difference. By being proactive with drain care, protecting your water heater, and practicing smart habits in the kitchen and bathroom, you can minimize the risk of unexpected issues.

That means more time spent enjoying holiday traditions, laughter, and good food—and less time worrying about clogs, leaks, or running out of hot water. If you run into problems or want to do some preventative maintenance, reach out to Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 609-875-2758 or by request service online today.