Why Are Drains Slower After the Holidays? Here’s What You Need to Know

The holiday season may be winding down, but your plumbing could still be feeling the strain. More guests, extra cooking, and higher traffic put added pressure on your system. If your drains are running slower or gurgling after the festivities, you’re not alone—many homeowners experience sluggish drains this time of year.

So, what’s causing your slow drains? Let’s take a look.

Increased Drain Usage During the Holidays

Post-holiday slow drains are usually caused by extra use.

Imagine your plumbing system like a highway: it handles regular traffic just fine, but during the holidays, that traffic increases with more people using your sinks, toilets, and showers. This added strain puts your plumbing at risk for “traffic jams,” aka build-ups that can cause slowdowns. Factors like cooking grease, extra showers, and foreign items being flushed can all contribute to the problem.

Common Plumbing Issues After the Holidays

1. Grease, Grime, and Food Build-Up

During the holidays, kitchens get a lot of use with big meals and extra dishes. Grease, oils, and food bits like vegetable peels or turkey bones often go down the sink. Over time, the grease and food build-up collects inside the bends and elbows of your pipes, creating blockages that make it harder for water to flow.

2. Hair and Soap Scum Build-up

More showers and baths during the holiday season mean extra hair, soap, and other debris that can clog your bathroom drains. These materials stick to the sides of the pipes and can lead to slow drainage over time.

3. Increased Bathroom Traffic

With more people using your toilets and sinks, it’s no surprise that the drains experience extra wear and tear. High-volume use, especially in older plumbing systems, can cause parts to wear out faster, resulting in sluggish water flow.

Tips to Get Your Drains Moving

If you’re dealing with slow drains after hosting a holiday gathering, there are a few steps you can take to clear up the issue before calling in a plumber.

1. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

While it may be tempting to use harsh chemical drain cleaners, these can often do more harm than good. They can damage your pipes and create additional problems down the line.

Instead, opt for safer and more effective solutions:

• Hot Soapy Water: Running hot soapy water down the drain can help break down grease, soap scum, and other debris that may be causing the slowdown.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This simple yet effective combination creates a mild chemical reaction that can sometimes loosen up stubborn clogs.

Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.

Cover or plug the drain for 20 minutes or until the bubbling stops.

Then, flush the drain with 4-6 cups of hot water.

Like a mini volcano, the baking soda and vinegar will fizz and bubble. This eco-friendly method helps clear your drain without harming your pipes and can be used again if necessary.

• Bio-Friendly Drain Cleaners: Products like Bio-Clean or Bio-One contain natural bacteria that digest organic waste build-up, offering a non-toxic and environmentally friendly way to clear slow drains.

2. For Blocked Drains: Try a Plumber or Hand Auger

For fully blocked toilets or sinks, a plunger is often a good first step. If the clog persists, you can try using a hand auger (or drain snake), a manual tool with a coiled metal wire that you push and twist into the drain to break up deeper blockages.

For especially tough clogs or if you’re unsure about using the tool, it’s best to call a professional plumber. The experts at EJ Home Services have the right equipment, including mechanical augers, to clear your pipes safely and effectively.

3. Disassemble and Clean Trap

If you’re up for a DIY project, disassembling the drain under the sink for a thorough cleaning can help improve drainage by removing hair, soap scum, and other debris.

Keep in mind that this only clears part of the system, and there could still be build-up further down the pipes. For a more complete solution, it’s a good idea to call professional plumbers. The experts at EJ Home Services can inspect and clear your entire plumbing system to ensure your drains stay clear and flow smoothly.

4. Consider Hydro Jetting

For a more thorough cleaning, hydro jetting can help clear even the most stubborn blockages. This technique involves high-pressure water jets that scour the insides of your pipes, removing grease, grime, and mineral build-up. While this method requires professional assistance, it can help restore your plumbing and make it feel new again.

Give us a call at EJ Home Services for all hydro jetting questions and scheduling.

How to Stop Slow Drains Before They Start

It’s important to address slow drains quickly, but preventive maintenance can help you avoid future issues. Regularly cleaning your drains, avoiding pouring grease down the sink, and checking for signs of wear can help prevent these drain problems.

In summary, slower drains after the holidays are common due to the higher-than-usual traffic in your plumbing system. By maintaining your drains and using safe cleaning methods, you can keep your plumbing flowing strong all year.

Need Help with Your Drains? Call the Experts at EJ Home Services

If you’re dealing with slow drains or want to prevent future issues, our expert plumbers at EJ Home Services are here to help. From drain cleaning to complete plumbing inspections, we have the tools and experience to keep your system running smoothly. Don’t wait for a clog to cause more trouble—call EJ Home Services today!