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Edward Cervantes, a plumbing professional with Temperature-Control, Inc., a Rosie on the House Certified Partner, knows this firsthand. He and his team have seen what can go wrong when homeowners don’t prepare, and how much smoother things go when they do. His advice: perform preventive maintenance before the holidays begin.

Cervantes says the first step is to check that hot water is flowing and drains are running properly throughout the house. “You want to make sure everything is working before people arrive,� he said. “I recommend getting a company out there to do a maintenance check on all the plumbing.�

A professional maintenance visit can include checking water pressure, inspecting the water heater, clearing minor blockages, and testing fixtures and drains. It’s also an opportunity to identify any small leaks that could worsen under heavy use.

Even with regular upkeep, small plumbing issues can pop up. What matters most is how quickly you address them. Cervantes warns against ignoring any slow drains, gurgling toilets, or damp spots near plumbing fixtures or along walls.

“It could be a sign of a stoppage. Water on the floor or moisture on any type of surfaces where water pipes are should not be ignored,� Cervantes said. “A professional needs to be called in to look at the issue.�

Ignoring these signs can lead to larger issues, such as burst pipes or water damage — repairs that can quickly derail your holiday plans.

The kitchen is one of the most common places for plumbing problems during the holidays. Between cooking, cleaning, and constant use of the sink and garbage disposal, the risk of clogs skyrockets. Cervantes recommends a simple but effective cleaning tip: use paper towels to wipe down dishes before washing them.

“That simple step helps get rid of grease and debris before it ever reaches the drain,� he said. “You’re removing the buildup before it can cause problems.�

He also warns against using the garbage disposal like a trash can. Don’t throw any pasta, egg shells, lemon peels or rice down there — those are some of the biggest things that stop up disposals and kitchen drains.

When in doubt, toss scraps in the trash instead. A little prevention here can go a long way toward keeping your sink clear during the busiest cooking days of the year.

Cold weather adds another layer of risk, especially for homes in areas where temperatures drop below freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to serious water damage and expensive repairs. Cervantes suggests insulating exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or exterior walls before the temperature dips.

“One of the best ways to stop your pipes from freezing or bursting is insulating them or putting some type of blanket on them,� he said. “They even have heat strips if it gets too cold in certain areas that can further help keep them running and safe.�

While handy homeowners may be tempted to tackle plumbing fixes themselves, Cervantes says that can sometimes make matters worse. Professionals have the tools and training to identify the root cause of the issue, not just the symptom. That means faster, safer, and longer-lasting repairs.

For Cervantes, the holidays often come with memorable moments on the job.

“One of the craziest things I’ve done on the holiday happened last year,� he recalled. “I had an elderly gentleman who had a water leak, and when digging down to expose it, it turned out the leak had corroded his gas line. He had no gas and no water right before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.�

Stories like that highlight why preparation matters. Plumbing problems don’t wait for a convenient time — and during the holidays, they’re the last thing anyone wants to deal with.

A little preventive maintenance can make all the difference between a stress-free holiday and a plumbing emergency. Check your systems early, call in a professional for an inspection, and follow Cervantes’ simple tips for keeping drains clear and pipes protected. To learn more, see .