The 12 Days of Plumbing: Problems to Solve and Upgrades to Consider

Holiday hosting is in full swing—family visiting, meals cooking, and your home’s plumbing working harder than ever. To help you avoid mid-celebration disasters (and maybe even level up your home for the new year), we’re breaking down the 12 Days of Plumbing: the most common seasonal issues and a few upgrades worth considering for long-term comfort.

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1. A Backed-Up Garbage Disposal

Holiday cooking can overwhelm your disposal. Fats, peels, bones, and fibrous veggies often clog the system.

Quick Fix:

• Reset the disposal using the button on the bottom

• Run cold water while grinding small amounts of food

• Avoid dumping grease—wipe pans first

If it's still jamming, it may need expert clearing.

2. Slow or Clogged Kitchen Drains

More dishes + more food scraps = extra strain on your sink.

Try This:
Pour a kettle of hot water down the drain, followed by a baking soda and vinegar flush. If it’s still slow, schedule a drain cleaning with Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air using our professional drain services.

3. Low Water Pressure

Extra showers and laundry loads can reveal pressure problems.

Possible Causes:

• Mineral buildup

• Leaks

• Failing fixtures

A quick inspection can pinpoint the issue.

4. A Water Heater Running Out Too Fast

Cold showers in winter? Hard pass.

Common Culprits:

• A failing heating element

• Sediment buildup

• A unit that’s simply too small for holiday usage

Flushing the tank can help, but older systems may need replacement.

5. Toilets That Keep Running

More guests often mean more toilet use—and more chances for issues.

Simple Fixes:

• Adjust the flapper

• Fix a loose chain

• Check the fill valve

If the toilet refuses to behave, we can repair or replace it quickly.

6. Bathroom Sink Backups

Holiday glam sessions can send hair, makeup, and more into the drain.

DIY Step:
Use a drain snake or Zip-It tool to remove hair buildup.

7. Leaky Faucets

They may seem small, but leaks waste water and money.

Why They Happen:

• Worn-out washers

• Corroded valve seats

• High water pressure

A tune-up can stop the drip before it gets worse.

8. Sewer Line Smells

Cool weather and heavy usage can push sewer odors back into bathrooms.

Check For:

• Dry P-traps

• Blocked vents

• Early signs of a sewer clog

If the smell persists, have the line inspected ASAP.

9. Guest Bathroom Flood Risks

Unexpected guests can overwhelm plumbing in rarely used bathrooms.

Prevent Trouble:

• Run water in unused sinks before guests arrive

• Check toilets for wobbling or leaks

• Inspect under-sink pipes

10. Dishwasher Trouble

Extra dishwashing can expose leaks, clogs, or failing hoses.

Look For:

• Water pooling under the dishwasher

• Cloudy dishes (a sign of drain issues)

• Long cycle times

11. Burst Hose Bibs or Pipes

Even in warmer states, winter nights can dip low enough for pipes to freeze.

Protective Tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Disconnect outdoor hoses

• Let indoor faucets drip during cold snaps

12. Upgrades Worth Considering for the New Year

The holidays are a great reminder of what’s working—and what’s not.

Top Plumbing Upgrades:

• Tankless water heater for endless hot water

• Whole-home water filtration to improve taste and appliance health

• Low-flow toilets and faucets to cut water costs

• Hydro-jetting service to clear years of buildup in your main line

• Smart leak detectors for peace of mind

These improvements can save stress, water, and energy year-round.

Ready for Stress-Free Plumbing This Season?