Your Holiday Plumbing Checklist
The holidays can sneak up fast — and nothing derails a family gathering like a plumbing surprise. A little preparation now can prevent emergencies during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year celebrations. This holiday plumbing checklist helps you spot issues early, protect your home from cold weather, and make sure everything runs smoothly when guests arrive.
At John Shelton Plumbing, we help homeowners in Lower Burrell, New Kensington, Cheswick, Fox Chapel, and Aspinwall, and surrounding Alle-Kiski Valley areas get their homes winter-ready with reliable plumbing inspections and repairs.
Holiday Plumbing Checklist: What to Inspect Before Guests Arrive
Before the season gets hectic, take a few minutes to walk through your home and check these important areas. Catching issues now can save time, money, and stress later.
1. Test Every Toilet and Sink
If a bathroom hasn’t been used in months, test all fixtures early. Flush toilets, check for slow draining sinks, and listen for running water or leaks. Small issues become big headaches when guests arrive.
2. Winter-Proof Exposed Pipes
Cold snaps can freeze and burst pipes without warning. Insulate exposed plumbing, seal drafty areas, and make sure your home is protected long before temperatures drop.
3. Drain Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Valves
Leaving hoses connected traps water in the line, which leads to bursts and costly repairs. Disconnect hoses, drain sprinkler systems, and close outdoor shut-off valves for winter.
4. Test All Sources of Heat
Turn on your furnace, space heaters, radiant floors, and supplemental heating systems. Identifying failures now prevents uncomfortable — and costly — surprises during gatherings.
5. Check Your Hot Water Tank
Holiday cooking, cleaning, and extra showers put a heavy load on your hot water supply. If your tank is aging, noisy, or slow to heat, have it inspected before the season begins.
6. Inspect Your Septic Tank (If Applicable)
Full septic tanks often misbehave when guest usage increases. If it’s overdue for service, schedule pumping before holiday events to avoid backups or odors.
7. Shut Off Outdoor Gas Lines
Unused gas lines for grills, pool heaters, or patio warmers should be shut off for the winter. Snow, shifting temperatures, or falling ice can damage exposed piping.
8. Clear and Inspect Gutters
Blocked gutters create dangerous icicles and water overflow. Make sure they drain properly so guests can safely enter and exit your home.
9. Flush Out French Drains
Leaves and soil can clog French drains, causing freezing and cracking. Run water through the system now to ensure it flows freely through winter.
10. Test All Integrated Appliances
Dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, gas fireplaces, and ventilation hoods should be tested before heavy holiday use. Early fixes prevent last-minute breakdowns.
Why Early Plumbing Prep Saves Stress — and Money
Tackling plumbing problems early keeps celebrations running smoothly. Guests use more water, more appliances, and more fixtures than usual, which exposes issues that normally remain hidden.
- Avoid emergency service calls during holidays
- Prevent water damage from leaks or frozen pipes
- Improve home comfort during cold weather
- Reduce wear on plumbing systems under heavy use
A quick inspection now can eliminate stress later — and keep your focus where it belongs: enjoying the season.