The fridge is full, the air conditioning’s running flat out, and the house smells like ham and sunscreen. It’s the week before Christmas in Queensland, and your home’s about to go from quiet to chaos.
What most people forget is that their plumbing system feels that chaos too. More showers, more dishes, more washing, more water. Every year we get calls from people caught out by the same small problems that turned into big ones once the guests arrived.
Here’s what to check before the rush starts.
The Hot Water System
The first long shower of the holidays is usually the one that finds the weakness in your system. Sediment builds up over time, relief valves seize, and systems running near capacity suddenly give up under extra demand.
Walk outside and check around the unit. If you see rust, leaks, or damp patches, it’s worth getting it looked at before the house fills up. Make sure the isolator switch is dry and the drain line is clear.
When a hot water system fails in December, it’s usually not bad luck. It’s just bad timing.
The Kitchen Sink
Holiday cooking puts more down the drain than most months combined. Fat, coffee grounds, rice, and potato peelings are the biggest offenders. They stick to the inside of the pipes, cool overnight, and set hard.
Run hot water for a minute after cooking, and avoid tipping grease straight down the sink. If you’ve got a slow drain now, it’ll be worse when guests arrive. Clearing it early saves a world of frustration later.
The Toilets
Extra guests mean extra flushes. A toilet that’s been fine all year might start running or leaking when it’s used more often. Check the cistern for slow drips or phantom refills.
If it hisses or runs after every flush, it’s wasting water and could start overflowing into the bowl overnight. A quick check now is easier than explaining to family why you’re using the neighbour’s loo on Christmas Day.
The Outdoor Drains
Queensland’s summer storms love arriving right when everyone’s relaxing after lunch. Take a minute to check your outdoor drains and grates. If you see leaves, dirt, or mulch covering them, clear it before the next rain shower.
A blocked stormwater drain can turn a simple downpour into a flooded patio or garage. It takes minutes to prevent and hours to clean up.
The Laundry
With beach towels, bedding, and extra washing, the laundry cops it over Christmas. Look behind the machine for leaks or frayed hoses. Make sure the taps turn easily and the drain isn’t slow.
If you notice water pooling on the floor, don’t ignore it. Small leaks under pressure can burst when the machine’s on a full cycle.
The Yard and Garden Taps
It’s easy to forget the outdoor taps until someone goes to fill a bucket or rinse off sand. Check they’re not dripping or cracked from the sun. A slow leak might not seem like much, but over a week it can waste hundreds of litres.
The Peace of Mind Check
The goal isn’t to fix everything yourself. It’s to catch the small signs before they become big problems. If something looks or sounds off, get it checked early. Once the holidays hit, every plumber in town is running flat out with emergencies that could’ve been prevented.
Your home should run quietly in the background while you focus on food, family, and a bit of rest. A few quick checks now make sure it stays that way.
Contact RJT Plumbing & Gas
Helping local families stay stress free through the holidays.
