December Plumbing Tips from Plumbers Please
December is one of the busiest times of year for plumbing issues. With extra guests, more cooking, kids home from school and the heat ramping up, your plumbing system is under more pressure than usual.
The good news? A few simple checks now can help you avoid a messy (and expensive) Christmas surprise.
🚿 1. Check Your Hot Water System
Nothing ruins the holidays faster than cold showers.
If your hot water system is:
- Making unusual noises
- Taking longer to heat
- Running out quickly
- Leaking or showing rust
…it may be warning you that it’s struggling. December heat and higher water use can push an already tired system over the edge.
Tip: If your system is over 8–10 years old, it’s worth getting it checked before Christmas.
🚽 2. Be Kind to Your Drains
Christmas entertaining means heavier use of sinks, toilets and drains.
Avoid blockages by:
- Keeping fats, oils and grease out of kitchen sinks
- Scraping plates into the bin (not the drain)
- Avoiding wipes, paper towel or hygiene products down toilets
Tree roots and older pipes are especially vulnerable during summer storms, so slow drains should never be ignored.
🌳 3. Watch for Outdoor Plumbing Issues
Summer heat can cause:
- Burst garden taps
- Cracked pipes
- Leaking irrigation systems
Check hoses, taps and exposed pipework for leaks. Even small drips can waste a lot of water over the holidays.
🚨 4. Don’t Ignore Small Leaks
A small leak now can become a big problem when everyone is home and water usage spikes.
If you notice:
- Damp patches
- Unexplained water bills
- Dripping taps
- Low water pressure
…it’s best to address it early.
