Winter Plumbing Disasters to Avoid (And How to Prevent Them)

A Clayton, NC Homeowner’s Guide from Adam and Company Plumbing

 

Winter for family, food, and celebration—but they’re also one of the busiest times of year for plumbing emergencies. At Adam and Company Plumbing, we see a spike in service calls every winter from homeowners across Johnston and Wake County.

The good news? Many of these plumbing disasters are completely preventable. Below are the most common issues we see—and how you can avoid them before they ruin your holiday plans.

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains from Cooking

Larger celebration meals mean more grease, food scraps, and leftovers going down the drain—often too much for your plumbing to handle.

Common causes include:

  • Pouring cooking grease or oil down the sink

  • Potato peels, pasta, rice, and fibrous vegetables

  • Garbage disposals overloaded with food waste

How to prevent it:

  • Never pour grease down the drain—dispose of it in the trash

  • Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing

  • Run cold water when using the garbage disposal

  • Schedule a professional drain cleaning in Clayton, NC before the holidays

Pro Tip: If your sink drains slowly now, it will clog completely during holiday meals.

2. Garbage Disposal Breakdowns

Garbage disposals work overtime during the winter season and misuse is one of the top reasons we get emergency calls.

Items that should NEVER go into a disposal:

  • Turkey bones

  • Coffee grounds

  • Eggshells

  • Celery, onion skins, or corn husks

Prevention tips:

  • Feed small amounts of food at a time

  • Always use running water

  • When in doubt, throw it out

If your disposal hums, jams, or smells, it’s time to call a licensed Clayton plumber.

3. Toilet Clogs from Extra Guests

More guests = more toilet use—and many clogs happen when your plumbing system isn’t prepared for the increase.

Common issues we see:

  • Too much toilet paper at once

  • Non-flushable items (wipes, paper towels, feminine products)

  • Older plumbing systems struggling with volume

How to avoid toilet disasters:

  • Make sure guests know only toilet paper should be flushed

  • Keep a plunger in each bathroom

  • Schedule a plumbing inspection if your toilet clogs frequently

4. Frozen Pipes During Cold Holiday Weather

While winters in Clayton, NC are usually mild, freezing temperatures can still cause serious plumbing damage—especially overnight.

Frozen pipes can lead to:

  • Burst pipes

  • Water damage

  • Emergency plumbing repairs

Prevention tips:

  • Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces and garages

  • Let faucets drip during extreme cold

  • Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate

  • Have your plumbing checked by a Clayton, NC plumbing professional

5. Water Heater Failure When You Need It Most

Nothing ruins a cold morning faster than running out of hot water. With guests showering and dishes piling up, your water heater works harder than usual.

Warning signs your water heater needs service:

  • Inconsistent water temperature

  • Rusty or discolored water

  • Unusual noises

  • Not enough hot water

Prevention:

  • Schedule water heater maintenance before guests arrive

  • Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater for larger households

Trust Adam and Company Plumbing for Holiday Plumbing Services in Clayton, NC

At Adam and Company Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Clayton and Johnston County avoid costly plumbing emergencies—especially during the winter season. Whether you need drain cleaning, water heater service, or emergency plumbing repairs, our team is ready to help.

Why Clayton homeowners trust us:

✔ Local, licensed plumbing professionals
✔ Fast, reliable service
✔ Honest pricing and quality workmanship
✔ Emergency plumbing services available

Schedule Your Winter Plumbing Service Today

Don’t wait for a holiday disaster to strike. Protect your home and enjoy peace of mind this season.