The holidays bring joy, gatherings, and great food. They also bring something no homeowner wants. Plumbing problems. And they tend to show up at the worst possible time. When your family is in town. When the oven is running. When every bathroom is in use.

That is why December is one of the busiest months for plumbers in Atlanta. More people in your home means more strain on your drains, pipes, and water heater. Problems that were small in November suddenly turn big when the holidays hit.

Here are the top five plumbing emergencies we see this time of year and simple steps you can take to avoid a disaster.

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains

This is number one every December. Holiday cooking means grease, oils, potato skins, eggshells, pasta, and gravy. Most of that should never go down your drain. When it does, your pipes start to clog. Slowly at first. Then all at once.

Prevention tips:

• Keep grease in a container, not the drain.

• Run hot water for a few seconds after using the sink.

• Use the garbage disposal lightly.

• Avoid putting fibrous foods, coffee grounds, or starchy leftovers down the drain.

If the sink starts draining slowly, that is your warning sign. Catch it early and call True Plumbing before it fully backs up.

2. Garbage Disposal Jams

Holiday food prep pushes disposals past their limits. Bones. Fruit pits. Tough vegetable peels. These can jam or burn out the motor. When that happens, your kitchen can grind to a halt.

Prevention tips:

• Break food into small pieces before using the disposal.

• Run cold water the entire time.

• Never put fats or sticky foods in the disposal.

A humming noise without spinning usually means it is jammed. Do not reach your hand inside. Call a professional.

3. Toilet Clogs and Backup Issues

More guests means more bathroom use. And more chances for clogs. Wipes, too much toilet paper, and foreign objects often lead to backups.

Prevention tips:

• Place a small trash can in every bathroom.

• Ask guests to avoid flushing wipes.

• If a toilet starts to gurgle, stop using it and call True Plumbing.

A clog that keeps coming back is usually a deeper issue in the line, not just the toilet.

4. Water Heater Failure

Nothing stops a holiday gathering like running out of hot water. Cold showers. Slow dishwashing. Complaints from every direction.

Water heaters work harder in winter because the incoming water is colder. Older units struggle the most.

Warning signs:

• Water takes longer to heat

• Strange noises

• Rust colored water

• Sudden temperature changes

If you notice any of these, schedule a checkup before your guests arrive. A quick tune up now can prevent a major breakdown later.

5. Burst or Leaking Pipes

Atlanta might not be the coldest city, but we still get freezing nights in December. When this happens, pipes in uninsulated areas can freeze and crack. Once they thaw, water starts leaking fast.

Prevention tips:

• Let faucets drip during freezing weather

• Open cabinet doors so warm air reaches the pipes

• Insulate outdoor or exposed pipes

• Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots

If you ever see water where it should not be, shut off your main water valve and call us immediately.

How True Plumbing Helps You Stay Stress Free This Holiday Season

You have enough on your plate. Cooking. Shopping. Hosting. The last thing you should worry about is a plumbing emergency.

That is why True Plumbing offers:

• Fast, same day service

• Honest pricing

• Skilled technicians who fix the problem the right way

• Preventative inspections to keep your home running smoothly

A quick service call now can save you a major headache during the holidays.

Get Your Home Holiday Ready

If you want peace of mind before the big gatherings begin, schedule a winter plumbing checkup. We will make sure your drains, toilets, water heater, and pipes are ready for the season.

Call True Plumbing today or book online to get started.