December in Fort Wayne is filled with gatherings, laughter, and extra houseguests — but it’s also one of the busiest times for plumbing systems. Between constant bathroom use, heavy kitchen cleaning, and increased laundry loads, your home’s water and sewer lines experience far more demand than usual. Without proper preparation, that holiday cheer could quickly turn into plumbing panic. Here’s how to keep your drains, pipes, and sewer lines running smoothly throughout the season.
- Why the Holidays Put Extra Pressure on Plumbing
The influx of guests means more water usage across every fixture in your home — from showers and toilets to sinks and dishwashers. If your system already has minor issues like partial clogs or slow drains, this surge in activity can push it over the edge.
Common Holiday Plumbing Stressors:
✅ Consecutive toilet flushes causing sudden pressure surges.
✅ Grease buildup in kitchen drains from festive cooking.
✅ Back-to-back showers draining your hot water supply.
✅ Laundry and dishwasher cycles running simultaneously.
✅ Older sewer lines struggling to handle heavy wastewater flow.
Fort Wayne Note: Many Fort Wayne neighborhoods with aging sewer systems — especially those built before the 1980s — are more vulnerable to blockages during high-use periods like the holidays.
- Preparing Bathrooms for Increased Use
Guest bathrooms often go unused for much of the year, leading to dry traps, weak flush mechanisms, or slow drains that only become apparent once company arrives.
Bathroom Prep Checklist:
✅ Flush toilets and run sinks regularly before guests arrive.
✅ Refill P-traps with water to block sewer odors.
✅ Stock each bathroom with a plunger and trash can.
✅ Check for leaky faucets and fix loose handles.
✅ Remind guests to flush only toilet paper — no wipes or paper towels.
Pro Tip: Add a small sign in the bathroom as a gentle reminder about what not to flush — it prevents embarrassment and keeps your sewer line clear.
- Kitchen Drains Under Holiday Pressure
From gravy to grease, the kitchen becomes the epicenter of holiday plumbing problems. Food particles and oils solidify quickly in cold weather, creating perfect conditions for clogged drains.
Holiday Kitchen Maintenance Tips:
✅ Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing.
✅ Pour leftover grease into a disposable container — never down the drain.
✅ Run cold water while operating your garbage disposal.
✅ Avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods (celery, pasta, potato peels) into the disposal.
✅ Clean disposal blades with ice cubes and lemon peels for freshness.
Fort Wayne Insight: Local plumbers see a 20–30% increase in kitchen drain calls between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day — mostly due to grease and disposal misuse.
- Managing Laundry and Dishwasher Loads
When guests stay for several days, laundry and dishwashing routines double — adding strain to both water supply and drainage systems.
Prevent Overload Problems:
✅ Space out loads throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your sewer line.
✅ Run dishwashers and laundry separately from showers or toilets.
✅ Use high-efficiency appliances to reduce water consumption.
✅ Check hose connections and clean filters before guests arrive.
Fort Wayne Tip: If your home has an older sewer line, avoid running multiple high-flow fixtures (like showers and washing machines) simultaneously — it helps maintain consistent drainage.
- Preventing Main Line Backups
The last thing you want during a holiday gathering is a backed-up drain or sewage odor creeping through the house. A quick professional inspection can catch potential problems before guests arrive.
Preventive Measures:
✅ Schedule a pre-holiday sewer camera inspection.
✅ Have your main line cleared with hydrojetting if you’ve had past blockages.
✅ Check basement floor drains for proper flow.
✅ Install or inspect backwater valves to prevent sewage reversal.
Pro Tip: If you notice slow drainage or gurgling sounds, don’t wait — it’s a warning that your system is struggling. Early maintenance is far cheaper than an emergency call.
- AAA Sewer Service: Fort Wayne’s Holiday Plumbing Experts
AAA Sewer Service helps Fort Wayne homeowners stay worry-free through the holidays with fast, effective maintenance and 24/7 emergency service. Their experienced team understands the seasonal plumbing challenges unique to the area.
Our Holiday Plumbing Services Include:
✅ Drain and sewer cleaning before guest arrival.
✅ Camera inspections to spot hidden problems.
✅ Hydrojetting to remove grease, roots, and buildup.
✅ Emergency response for unexpected backups or leaks.
Final Thought
The holidays should be spent enjoying company — not calling for plumbing repairs. With simple preparation and professional maintenance, your home’s plumbing system can handle the busiest season of the year with ease. Keep your drains clear, your guests comfortable, and your Fort Wayne home holiday-ready.
📞 Call AAA Sewer Service at (260) 456-6930
🌐 Visit www.aaasewerservice.com