Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude — not for unexpected plumbing disasters. But in the Phoenix-area, even when the weather is mild, plumbing problems can creep up fast during the holidays. At All Drains Emergency Plumbing, we’ve seen it all: from clogged drains to sewer backups. With a little preparation, you can avoid costly emergency repairs so you can focus on what really matters.
Here’s your guide to preventing plumbing emergencies this Thanksgiving
Why Thanksgiving Puts Extra Strain on Your Plumbing
Holidays like Thanksgiving mean more cooking, more dishes, and more guests. That all adds up to heavy use of your plumbing system — especially in the kitchen. According to local plumbers, it’s common to see a large spike in service calls around Thanksgiving.
Some of the most frequent holiday plumbing issues include:
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Grease buildup: Turkey fat, oils, and grease from cooking often end up down the drain. As the grease cools, it can harden inside your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs.
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Food waste: Scraps, vegetable peelings, and bits of food that go down the sink may clog the kitchen drain.
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High volume use: Multiple sinks running, garbage disposal working overtime, perhaps even more guests using the bathrooms — all of this adds stress to your plumbing.
If something starts to go wrong, plumbers are often booked or delayed around holidays because of the surge in calls.
Local Risks in the Phoenix / Glendale Plumbing Landscape
Understanding the specific plumbing challenges in the Valley of the Sun can help you take smarter steps:
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Grease hardens faster: Cooler nights in Phoenix (especially during late fall) make grease and oils more likely to congeal inside pipes.
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Old or sagging pipes (“pipe bellies”): Many older Phoenix-area homes have sewer or drain lines that dip or sag due to shifting desert soil. These “bellies” trap water and waste, which increases the risk of backups.
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Tree roots: In dry months, tree roots search deeper for water and can invade sewer lines, causing blockages or even damage.
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Sewer line problems: Slow drains, foul odors, or frequent backups could indicate a problem with the main sewer — not just a simple clog.
Preventative Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Here are practical, local-relevant recommendations from All Drains Emergency Plumbing to help you avoid plumbing issues this holiday season.
Be Careful with Grease
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Never pour turkey fat or grease down the drain. Let it cool and solidify in a container, then throw it in the trash.
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Use heat-safe containers (like soup cans) to collect cooking grease.
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Wipe pans with paper towels before washing them, especially after cooking with oil.
Run the Garbage Disposal Smartly
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If you’re using the disposal, run cold water (not hot) while the disposal is on — it helps solidify greasy particles so they flush out more easily.
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Don’t overload it: feed small amounts of soft food waste rather than dumping everything in at once.
Pre-Holiday Plumbing Check
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Inspect drains ahead of time: If you’ve noticed slow sinks or gurgling, call a plumber before Thanksgiving. Addressing these issues proactively can prevent worse problems later.
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Schedule a drain cleaning: Especially if you haven’t had one in a while, professional cleaning (snaking or hydro-jetting) can prevent holiday blockages.
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Inspect your sewer line: If your home is older or you’ve had previous trouble, a video inspection can reveal issues like root intrusion or pipe sagging.
Know Your Shut-Off Valve
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Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located.
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In case of an emergency (like a burst or severe leak), shutting off water quickly can save major damage.
Mind the Toilets
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Remind guests not to flush anything but toilet paper — no wipes, no paper towels, no sanitary products.
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If you regularly host, consider putting a small sign in your bathroom or placing a bin next to the toilet.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude — not for unexpected plumbing disasters. But in the Phoenix-area, even when the weather is mild, plumbing problems can creep up fast during the holidays. At All Drains Emergency Plumbing, we’ve seen it all: from clogged drains to sewer backups. With a little preparation, you can avoid costly emergency repairs so you can focus on what really matters.
Here’s your guide to preventing plumbing emergencies this Thanksgiving
Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance for Arizona Homes
Thanksgiving is a perfect reminder to think about seasonal plumbing maintenance. Here’s a simple checklist recommended for Arizona-area homeowners, including by local plumbing professionals.
| Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Inspect and insulate exposed pipes | Even in Phoenix, freezing nights or cold drafts can cause exposed plumbing to crack. |
| Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses | Prevents water from freezing in the pipes connected to your hose bibs. |
| Seal gaps and leaks | Cold air can sneak in and damage pipes. Seal cracks around pipe entries with caulking or insulation. |
| Let faucets drip on cold nights | A slow drip keeps water moving and reduces the risk of freezing. |
| Flush / maintain your water heater | Sediment builds up over time, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of failure. |
| Check for hidden leaks | Look under sinks and behind appliances for any signs of moisture or slow drips. |
Why Proactive Care Saves Money (and Stress)
Putting in a little effort now can help you avoid a plumbing emergency — and potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars. Here’s how:
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Emergency calls cost more: A last-minute plumbing emergency often comes with premium rates — especially during holidays.
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Damage prevention: A small leak unchecked over the holiday can lead to water damage in walls, floors, or cabinets.
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Health risks: Sewer backups are not just gross — they can pose major health hazards.
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Peace of mind: Knowing that your plumbing is ready lets you focus on making memories, not managing crises.
Why Choose All Drains Emergency Plumbing
At All Drains Emergency Plumbing, we understand how stressful a plumbing emergency can be — especially during the holiday season. Here’s what sets us apart:
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24/7 emergency service — We’re always a phone call away, no matter the hour.
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Advanced diagnostics — We use hydro-jetting and video-inspection to solve tough clogs and prevent recurring issues.
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Locally rooted — We know the Phoenix / Glendale plumbing landscape, including common sewer-line problems in our soil and environment.
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Licensed & insured — Professional, reliable service you can trust.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving should be a time of celebration—not stress over plumbing disasters. With a few smart preventative measures and the right professional help lined up, you can reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
If you’re worried about your drains, sewer lines, or want a pre-holiday inspection, give All Drains Emergency Plumbing a call today. We’re here to help make sure your Thanksgiving is filled with joy — not leaks.
