Guest-Proof Your Home: The Ultimate Turkey Day Plumbing Prep Checklist

Family gathering around the table.

Hosting Thanksgiving in Ada this year? Between the turkey, football, and visiting family, the last thing you need is a backed-up toilet, a cold shower, or a clogged kitchen drain. The holidays bring joy—but they also bring a huge spike in water usage and strain on your plumbing system.

At Diamond Plumbing, we’re already fielding calls this time of year from overwhelmed homeowners dealing with preventable holiday plumbing emergencies. So we put together the Ultimate Turkey Day Plumbing Prep Checklist—a simple guide to make sure your home is ready before the guests arrive.

1. Check for Minor Leaks Before They Become Major Problems

A small drip under a sink or around a toilet base may not seem urgent, but under holiday traffic, it can quickly turn into a mess.

Do this quick leak check:

• Open cabinets under each sink and feel for moisture

• Look for puddles around the base of toilets

• Run faucets for several seconds and inspect for drips

• Listen for running toilets (a silent water waster!)

If you spot anything questionable, Diamond Plumbing can knock out quick repairs before your guests pull into the driveway.

2. Give Your Water Heater a Pre-Holiday Boost

More people = more hot water demand.

If your house will be full, consider:

• Turning your water heater up slightly (no more than 120°F for safety)

• Draining a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment—especially important in Ada’s hard water area

• Insulating exposed hot water pipes for better efficiency

If your water heater struggles even with just your household, it won’t survive a house full of holiday guests. We offer water heater tune-ups and replacements to make sure you’re ready.

3. Guest-Proof Your Bathroom (Your Toilet Will Thank You)

Between little kids, teens, and relatives who don’t know your plumbing quirks, the bathroom takes a beating during the holidays. Here’s how to prevent the most common mishaps:

Keep “Flushable” Wipes OUT of the Toilet

Even though they're labeled “flushable,” they don’t dissolve and cause clogs—especially in older plumbing systems common in Ada.

Place a small trash bin in plain sight and consider adding a sign like:

“Please place wipes and paper towels in the trash—thank you!”

Hide Anything That Shouldn’t Be Flushed

Items that commonly cause clogs:

• Cotton balls

• Q-tips

• Feminine products

• Baby wipes

• Makeup wipes

• Paper towels

A visible trash can solves 90% of holiday bathroom disasters.

Prevent Shower Backups

If you’ve got a full house:

• Space showers 10–15 minutes apart to allow drains to clear

• Clean hair from tub drains before guests arrive

• Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan to reduce humidity buildup

If you frequently notice slow drains, let us clear them before your guests come over.

4. Prep the Kitchen: The Most Common Thanksgiving Plumbing Trouble Spot

Thanksgiving is the Super Bowl of plumbing problems, especially in the kitchen.

Follow these tips to avoid a clogged sink or dead garbage disposal:

Don’t Put These Down the Disposal

• Turkey grease or drippings

• Potato peels

• Eggshells

• Coffee grounds

• Onion skins

• Pasta and rice

• Celery or fibrous vegetables

Grease and starch are the main culprits that call us out every year.

Run Your Disposal Like a Pro

• Run cold water before and after using the disposal

• Feed food slowly—never all at once

• Keep it running 5–10 seconds after the grinding stops

  
  

5. Protect Your Sewer Line From Holiday Overload

If you have older clay tile pipes (common in Ada), tree roots and debris can restrict flow. A house full of guests can overwhelm an already-tight sewer line, causing backups.

Signs you need a sewer line inspection before Thanksgiving:

• Gurgling toilets

• Slow drains throughout the home

• Water backing up into tub or shower

• Odors from floor drains

  
  

A quick camera inspection from Diamond Plumbing can give you peace of mind before the crowd shows up.

6. Know When to Call a Professional

If you spot any of these, call us sooner rather than later:

• Water heater not keeping up

• Persistent slow drains

• A toilet that clogs more than once a week

• Visible leaks under sinks

• Musty or unexplained odors

  
  

We can often get repairs done the same day—especially during the holidays when the stakes are high.

Final Thought: A Stress-Free Holiday Starts With a Worry-Free Home

Thanksgiving should be about people, food, and celebration—not plumbing emergencies. A little preparation now can help you avoid expensive repairs and embarrassing mishaps when your home is full.

If you want a pre-holiday plumbing checkup or need help with any of the items above, Diamond Plumbing is here to help.

📞 Call: 580-332-7668💻 Request service online: DiamondPlumbingOK.com

Have a wonderful, clog-free Thanksgiving from all of us at Diamond Plumbing Services, LLC!