Holiday Drain Cleaning Tips Tulsa Homeowners Need for a Stress-Free Season
November and December bring holiday gatherings, heavy cooking, and extra showers. This increase in water use puts drains and sewer lines under more pressure than at any other time of the year. Unfortunately, these months also bring more drain emergencies, especially in older homes in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, and Owasso.
To help you avoid sewer backups, kitchen sink clogs, and slow drains, here are the most important holiday drain cleaning steps recommended by the experts at Alert Plumbing, Leak Detect and Drains.
1. Be careful with holiday cooking grease
Grease from turkey, ham, roasts, and holiday sides cools quickly and turns solid in your pipes. Once hardened, it traps food particles and creates major blockages.
Always scrape grease into the trash. Never rinse it down the sink, even with hot water.
2. Use the garbage disposal responsibly
Holiday cooking leads to overuse of garbage disposals. Certain foods should never go in, including:
- potato peels
- eggshells
- pasta or rice
- bones
- coffee grounds
- fibrous foods like celery
These items cause blades to jam or bind together into pipe-blocking sludge.
3. Run hot water after using the dishwasher or disposal
Running hot water for 20 to 30 seconds clears food residue and helps keep fats from solidifying in the drain line. This prevents slow drains and reduces buildup.
4. Schedule a professional drain cleaning before hosting
If you already have slow drains, gurgling sounds, or foul odors, consider a preventive cleaning. A professional can remove buildup before heavy holiday usage begins.
This is especially helpful in homes with older sewer lines or previous clog issues.
5. Protect bathroom drains with simple strainers
Extra guests mean more showers, which introduces more hair and soap buildup into bathroom drains. Basic drain strainers can capture most debris and prevent slow shower drainage.
6. Pay attention to early warning signs of sewer problems
During the holidays, the sewer line carries extra waste volume. Watch for these indicators:
- water backing up into tubs or showers
- gurgling toilets
- multiple drains slowing at the same time
- sewer odors near drains
These symptoms often point to a blockage in the main sewer line, not an isolated drain.
7. Clear outdoor drain lines before freezing temperatures
Leaves, sticks, and debris can clog outdoor drains during heavy winter rain. Clearing them helps prevent standing water and protects your foundation.
Final Thoughts
Holiday plumbing issues often strike without warning, but most can be prevented with simple preparation. If you need drain cleaning, sewer line inspection, or emergency service, Alert Plumbing, Leak Detect and Drains is available 24/7 throughout the Tulsa area. You can contact us online, or you can call us at (918) 221-8638!
Enjoy a smooth and stress-free holiday season by keeping your drains ready for the extra activity.
