The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and good food—but it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year for your plumbing. In fact, the days surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the busiest of the year for emergency plumbers in New York City.
At Boris Mechanical, we’ve seen it all—from clogged drains caused by cooking grease to bathroom backups during large family parties. Fortunately, most holiday plumbing disasters are preventable with a little preparation.
Here’s how to keep your plumbing system running smoothly while you host for the holidays:
✅ 1. Prep Your Kitchen Plumbing for Heavy Use
With all the extra cooking, your kitchen sink and garbage disposal will be working overtime.
Do not put these items down your drain or disposal:
- Grease, fats, or oils (they solidify and clog pipes)
- Coffee grounds, rice, or pasta (they expand in drains)
- Fibrous vegetables like celery or potato peels (they tangle blades)
- Bones or eggshells (they damage disposal motors)
Pro Tip: Pour cooled grease into a container, seal it, and toss it in the trash. Install a sink strainer to catch food scraps before they hit your pipes.
✅ 2. Prevent Bathroom Backups with Quick Checks
Extra guests mean your toilets and showers will be under pressure too.
Before guests arrive:
- Test all toilets for slow flushes or running water
- Clear slow-draining sinks or tubs
- Check for drips, leaks, or weak water pressure
Keep a plunger in each bathroom and a trash can nearby so guests don’t flush inappropriate items (like wipes or feminine products).
✅ 3. Don’t Ignore Your Water Heater
Hot showers are a must in winter—but if your water heater is overworked or overdue for maintenance, expect trouble.
Watch for signs like:
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Strange noises (like banging or popping)
- Rust-colored water or leaks
Flushing the tank and checking the thermostat may help—but if your heater is 10+ years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
✅ 4. Know When to Call in the Pros
Even with preparation, issues can still happen. The worst thing you can do is wait—especially if:
- You hear gurgling or bubbling from drains
- Water backs up when you use appliances
- You suspect a frozen or leaking pipe
- Your gas stove or water heater smells off or won’t ignite
Gas line and appliance issues should always be handled by a licensed NYC plumber.
Trust Boris Mechanical This Holiday Season
We serve homeowners across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx with honest, licensed plumbing services—from routine checks to emergency calls. Whether you’re hosting dinner for two or twenty, we’re here to make sure your plumbing performs under pressure.
Hosting this year? Book your holiday plumbing tune-up today—and enjoy a stress-free season with Boris Mechanical on your side.
