How to Prepare Your Plumbing for the Holidays: A Homeowner’s Guide

The holiday season is a busy time for homeowners. Between hosting family gatherings, preparing holiday meals, and welcoming overnight guests, your plumbing system often works harder than usual. The last thing you want is a clogged kitchen sink, an overflowing toilet, or a plumbing emergency interrupting your celebrations.


Fortunately, a little preparation can help prevent common plumbing problems and keep your home running smoothly throughout the holiday season.



At JF Denney, we help homeowners throughout the Kansas City area prepare their plumbing systems for the demands of the holidays. From addressing slow drains to inspecting pipes and repairing leaks, our experienced team can help you enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.

Cooking and Checking For Clogged Drains

1. Check for Slow Drains and Clogs

Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs often see increased use during the holidays. Cooking, cleaning, and accommodating extra guests can put additional strain on your drains.


A slow drain may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can indicate a developing blockage that could become a bigger problem when your household is busiest.


Before the holidays, take these steps:

  • Run water in your sinks, showers, and tubs to check for slow drainage.
  • Remove visible hair and debris from drain stoppers.
  • Avoid pouring grease, oil, and cooking fats down the kitchen sink.
  • Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.
  • Pay attention to gurgling sounds, recurring clogs, or unpleasant drain odors.
  • If a drain continues to clog or drains slowly despite your efforts, professional drain cleaning may help address the underlying problem before guests arrive.


JF Denney provides plumbing services to help Kansas City homeowners resolve drain issues and keep their plumbing working properly.

2. Keep Kitchen Drains Clear During Holiday Cooking

Holiday meals can be especially hard on kitchen plumbing. Grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, and other debris can accumulate in drainpipes, increasing the risk of clogs. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it is important to be mindful of what goes down your sink.


Protect your kitchen plumbing by:

  • Scraping food scraps into the trash or compost before washing dishes.
  • Collecting cooking grease in a disposable container and allowing it to cool before throwing it away.
  • Avoiding fibrous foods, such as celery, and other items that can cause problems in a garbage disposal.
  • Running cold water while using your garbage disposal, following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Avoiding chemical drain cleaners that may damage plumbing components.


If your kitchen sink frequently backs up, drains slowly, or produces persistent odors, consider having the drain inspected before your holiday gathering. A little attention now can help you avoid an inconvenient kitchen plumbing problem when you have a house full of hungry guests.

3. Inspect Toilets for Leaks and Running Water

When family and friends visit, your toilets will likely see more use than usual. A toilet that runs continuously, leaks around the base, or struggles to flush can quickly become a frustrating problem. Before hosting guests, check each toilet in your home for signs of trouble.

Look for:

  • Water running continuously after flushing.
  • Weak or incomplete flushes.
  • Water pooling around the base of the toilet.
  • Loose toilet handles or unusual noises.
  • Frequent clogs or slow refilling.



A running toilet can waste water and increase your utility bill. A leak around the base may indicate a failed seal or another plumbing issue that needs attention. If you notice these warning signs, scheduling a repair before the holidays can help prevent disruptions and keep your bathrooms ready for guests.

Leaky pipes

4. Check for Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Small leaks are easy to overlook during everyday routines, but they can become more noticeable when your plumbing system is used more frequently. Check the areas beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, around faucets, near exposed pipes, and around your water heater for signs of moisture.


Pay attention to:

  • Dripping faucets.
  • Damp spots beneath sinks.
  • Water stains on cabinets, walls, or ceilings.
  • Corrosion around pipe connections.
  • Unexpected puddles or musty odors.


Even a small leak can waste water and potentially cause damage if left unaddressed. Cold weather can also increase the risk of plumbing problems, particularly when pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. If you discover a leak, do not wait until after the holidays to address it. JF Denney can help identify plumbing problems and recommend appropriate repairs.

5. Prepare Your Pipes for Kansas City’s Winter Weather

Holiday preparations in the Kansas City area should include getting your plumbing ready for freezing temperatures. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to crack or burst. Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage, particularly when a pipe thaws and begins leaking.


Help protect your plumbing during cold weather:

  • Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as garages, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls where accessible.
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
  • Shut off and drain outdoor faucets where your plumbing setup allows it.
  • Seal gaps around openings where cold air can reach pipes.
  • Keep your home heated during cold snaps, even when traveling.
  • Open cabinet doors beneath sinks on exterior walls during extreme cold when appropriate, allowing warmer indoor air to circulate.


If you plan to travel during the holidays, take precautions to reduce the risk of frozen pipes while you are away. If a pipe freezes, never use an open flame to thaw it. If you suspect a pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply if it is safe to do so and contact a qualified plumber.

Checking For Hot Water.

6. Make Sure Your Water Heater Is Ready for Extra Demand

Hot water is essential during the holidays. From showers and laundry to washing dishes after a large meal, your water heater may need to work harder than usual. If your water heater is already struggling to keep up, hosting overnight guests could make the problem more noticeable.


Before the holiday rush, watch for these warning signs:

  • Hot water runs out faster than usual.
  • Water takes longer to heat.
  • You hear unusual popping or rumbling noises.
  • You notice leaks or moisture around the unit.
  • Hot water has an unusual appearance or odor.


Not every water heater issue requires replacement. Depending on the problem and the condition of the unit, maintenance or repairs may be sufficient. JF Denney can help assess water heater concerns and determine whether service, repair, or replacement is the most appropriate option for your home.


If you are considering an upgrade, a tankless water heater may be worth exploring. JF Denney offers Rinnai tankless water heater solutions for homeowners interested in an alternative to traditional tank-style systems. Proper sizing and installation are important to ensure the system can meet your household's hot water needs.

7. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is Located

A plumbing emergency can happen even when you have taken precautions. Knowing how to shut off your home's main water supply can help limit water damage if a pipe bursts or a major leak develops.


Before guests arrive:

  • Locate your main water shutoff valve.
  • Make sure household members know where it is.
  • Check that the area around the valve is accessible.
  • Familiarize yourself with how the valve operates, without forcing it if it is stuck.


You should also know how to shut off the water supply to individual toilets and sinks when those fixtures have accessible shutoff valves. Taking a few minutes to identify these controls can make a significant difference if a plumbing problem occurs during a busy holiday gathering.

8. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance Before Guests Arrive

One of the easiest ways to reduce holiday plumbing stress is to address potential problems before your home fills with visitors.


If you have noticed recurring clogs, unexplained leaks, low water pressure, or inconsistent hot water, consider scheduling professional plumbing service before the holiday season gets underway. A plumber can evaluate the issues you have noticed, identify potential causes, and recommend repairs or maintenance based on your home's needs.


JF Denney can help Kansas City homeowners with plumbing concerns such as:

  • Drain cleaning and recurring clogs.
  • Leaky faucets, pipes, and plumbing fixtures.
  • Toilet repairs.
  • Water heater service and replacement.
  • Plumbing repairs and troubleshooting.
  • Other residential plumbing issues that can interfere with your holiday plans.


Addressing known problems early can help you avoid last-minute surprises and enjoy a more comfortable home throughout the season.

Enjoy the Holidays With Help From JF Denney

The holidays should be about spending time with family and friends, not dealing with unexpected plumbing problems. Preparing your plumbing system ahead of time can help reduce the risk of inconvenient clogs, leaks, and other common issues.

Whether you need help with a slow drain, a leaking pipe, a toilet that will not stop running, or a water heater that is not keeping up, JF Denney is here to help homeowners throughout the Kansas City area. Do not wait until a minor plumbing issue becomes a major disruption. Contact JF Denney to discuss your plumbing concerns and schedule service before the holiday rush.



Make plumbing preparation part of your holiday checklist, and enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.

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Why You Should Choose JF Denney

For more than 60 Years, JF Denney has been a top leader in plumbing and HVAC in the Kansas City Area. Being a family-owned and local company, we are committed to sending our trustworthy technicians to provide top-notch service to our customers and saving them money where it counts the most. Contact JF Denney for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs -- We work hard to earn your referral!