Christmas in Queensland is one of the best times of the year. Family visits, big lunches, and a bit of chaos in the kitchen are all part of the fun. But while you’re entertaining and relaxing, your plumbing is working overtime. More showers, more dishes, more laundry, and more strain on systems that are already feeling the summer heat.
At RJT Plumbing & Gas, we see a spike in emergency calls every December. Most of them could have been prevented with a few simple checks. Here are the most common Christmas plumbing mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them.
1. Pouring Fat, Oil and Grease Down the Sink
Cooking for a crowd often means roasting meats and using more oil. When you pour that leftover grease down the sink, it cools and hardens inside your pipes, creating thick blockages that don’t budge easily.
Instead, pour oils and fats into a jar or container and bin them once they cool. Wipe pans and trays with a paper towel before washing. Your drains will thank you for it.
2. Ignoring Slow Drains Before Guests Arrive
That slightly slow-draining sink you noticed in November will almost always turn into a complete blockage by Boxing Day. Extra dishes, food scraps, and heavy water use push small clogs to breaking point.
If you’ve noticed any slow drains, gurgling noises, or bad smells, book a quick inspection before Christmas. It’s far easier (and cheaper) to clear a partial blockage than an overflowing one.
3. Flushing the Wrong Things Down the Toilet
When you have a house full of guests, things get flushed that shouldn’t be. Paper towels, wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary items don’t break down like toilet paper. They build up and cause blockages that no plunger can fix.
The easiest prevention is to place a small bin in the bathroom with a polite sign. It saves awkward conversations and expensive callouts.
4. Overloading the Washing Machine
Christmas means endless laundry: towels, sheets, and clothes from visiting family. Overloading the machine can stress hoses, pumps, and seals, leading to leaks or complete breakdowns.
Keep loads moderate, check pockets, and if your machine hoses are more than five years old, replace them before they burst.
5. Running Out of Hot Water Mid-Celebration
Nothing kills the Christmas spirit faster than a cold shower after lunch.
If your system is already struggling, the extra demand from guests can push it over the edge. Electric systems in particular can run out of hot water fast.
If your hot water system hasn’t been serviced in a while, or if you’re considering a heat pump upgrade, now’s the time to plan it. RJT can help you assess whether your current system suits your household and how to make it more efficient heading into summer.
6. Letting Kids Play With Outdoor Taps and Hoses
In Queensland heat, kids love water play. The problem is when outdoor taps and hoses are left under constant pressure, they can burst or start slow leaks that waste thousands of litres.
Check for drips, tighten fittings, and always turn taps off at the wall after use. A quick inspection before the holidays can prevent bigger issues later.
7. Using the Garbage Disposal as a Rubbish Bin
Even if you have a disposal unit, it’s not designed for bones, fibrous veggies, or fruit peels. These items jam blades and clog pipes.
Scrape food into the bin first, then rinse dishes. For households without a disposal, fit a simple sink strainer to catch debris.
8. Ignoring Water Pressure Changes
With everyone showering and using taps at once, you might notice pressure drops or fluctuations. That’s often the first sign of a blockage or failing valve.
Consistent low pressure or hammering noises can indicate a deeper problem. Don’t wait until it fails completely — have it checked early.
9. Leaving Minor Leaks for “After the Holidays”
A small drip might not seem urgent, but it adds up quickly under heavy use. Small leaks often worsen when systems are under stress.
If you see damp cupboards, hear water running when taps are off, or notice your meter spinning unexpectedly, get it looked at before guests arrive.
10. Attempting DIY Fixes That Go Wrong
Everyone has that relative who thinks they can fix anything with a wrench. Unfortunately, we see the aftermath every Christmas — cracked fittings, backwards washers, and flooded bathrooms.
It’s tempting to have a go, but a quick call to a qualified plumber usually saves time, money, and frustration.
Avoid Plumbing Problems This Christmas
The holiday season should be about food, family, and relaxation, not plumbing stress. A few simple checks before the rush can prevent most issues altogether.
At RJT Plumbing & Gas, we’ve helped hundreds of local families keep their homes running smoothly over Christmas. With 400+ five-star reviews, our reputation is built on honest advice, quality workmanship, and friendly service.
If you want peace of mind before the holidays, book a pre-Christmas plumbing inspection or hot water service today.
RJT Plumbing & Gas – Real advice. Real savings.
