Holiday Hosting Plumbing Prep: Keep Your Home Running Smoothly This December

December 10, 2025

December is a special time in North Mississippi, full of family gatherings, big meals, and holiday traditions. But there is a hidden reality behind the season: your plumbing system works overtime.ο»Ώ

Here at Olive Branch Plumbing Co. we understand the holidays bring a unique set of plumbing challenges: from kitchen sink backups to bathroom overflows and an overworked water heater, December can be demanding on your home's systems. A bit of preparation and awareness can help you maintain smooth, stress-free plumbing throughout the season, no matter how many guests you welcome through your door.


Why Holiday Traffic Impacts Your Plumbing

When relatives visit, big meals are cooked, and bathrooms stay in constant rotation. Your plumbing system is under far more strain than usual. The most common holiday-season problems we respond to include:

  • Kitchen sink clogs from food scraps, oils, and grease
  • Garbage disposal jams caused by holiday cooking
  • Bathroom overflows from extra usage
  • Shower drain slowdowns due to increased back-to-back use
  • Sewer line stress from added water load

These issues can develop quietly and then surprise homeowners at the worst possible time, often right in the middle of holiday festivities.


In the Kitchen: Avoid Holiday Clogs and Disposal Jams

Holiday cooking means more dishes, more food prep, and more potential for drain problems. A few simple habits can protect your kitchen plumbing and help everything run smoothly:


Keep grease out of the drain

Never wash grease, butter, or cooking oils down the sink. They cool, harden, and create tough blockages. Instead, pour them into a disposable container and throw it away.


Know what not to put in the garbage disposal

Your disposal does a lot, but it’s not built for everything. Avoid:

  • Potato peels
  • Eggshells
  • Fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, onion skins)
  • Fruit pits
  • Bones
  • Coffee grounds


Run cold water before and after using the disposal

This helps food particles travel down the line instead of sticking in the drain.


In the Bathroom: Keep Guest Traffic from Causing Overflows

More guests mean more bathroom traffic and more chances for plumbing problems. These simple habits can help:


Put a small wastebasket in every bathroom

This encourages guests to throw away items like wipes, cotton swabs, tissues, and hygiene products rather than flushing them.


Use a plunger proactively

If you notice slow flushing, address it early. A few plunges can prevent a future overflow.


Space out showers when possible

This lets your water heater recover and prevents stress on older drain systems.


In the Utility Areas: Hot Water Planning Matters

With laundry, dishwashing, and showering happening more often, your water heater works overtime in December.


Tips for a smoother holiday:

  • Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for comfort and efficiency
  • Use your dishwasher rather than hand washing to conserve hot water
  • Encourage shorter (or staggered) showers
  • If your water heater is older or inconsistent, consider scheduling a tune-up before guests arrive


A Little Holiday Plumbing Maintenance Goes a Long Way

As you prepare your home for gatherings, a quick plumbing check can help you stay ahead of any issues:

  • Check sinks and showers for slow drains
  • Test toilets for proper flushing
  • Listen for unusual pipe sounds
  • Ensure the garbage disposal runs smoothly
  • Look for leaks under sinks or around fixtures

If something doesn’t look quite right, it’s always better to address it early.


Here When You Need a Helping Hand This Holiday Season

Since 1994, Olive Branch Plumbing Co. has proudly served Olive Branch, Southaven, Hernando, Collierville, and homeowners across North Mississippi. Our experienced team is here to keep your home comfortable and your plumbing dependable, especially during the busy holiday season.

Whether you need a pre-holiday plumbing checkup, drain cleaning, a water heater inspection, or quick help with an unexpected issue, we’re just a call away at (662) 850-8546 or contact us online using the contact form.


From all of us here at Olive Branch Plumbing, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Dripping faucet with water drops, in front of a blurred yellow car.

Hard Water in North Mississippi: How It Affects Your Plumbing (and What You Can Do About It)

November 28, 2025
Improve your home water quality. Learn how hard water affects plumbing in North Mississippi and how Olive Branch Plumbing Co. can protect your pipes and appliances.

Cooler Weather Is Coming — A Perfect Time to Check Those Pipes

By Olive Branch Plumbing Co. • October 10, 2025
Fall has arrived in North Mississippi, bringing cooler mornings, football weekends, and that first reminder that winter isn’t far away. While we’re still enjoying comfortable temperatures, now is the perfect time to make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for the season ahead. At Olive Branch Plumbing Co., we know that fall maintenance often gets overlooked — but a quick plumbing check now can prevent costly surprises later. As temperatures gradually drop, your pipes, water heater, and outdoor plumbing begin to feel the change long before freezing weather sets in. A few simple steps can make a big difference: Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses for drips or cracks. • Make sure exposed pipes in garages or crawl spaces are insulated. • Check for signs of slow leaks under sinks or near water heaters. • Schedule a professional inspection to ensure your water lines are in good shape. We’re proud to help our community stay proactive about home care — and to be featured on trusted industry and local platforms like PlumberSup.com , RenovationSup.com , GrayTVLocal.com , and RegionalDirectory.us . These partnerships allow homeowners to easily find reliable, family-owned plumbing professionals they can count on season after season. Whether you need a water heater tune-up, leak detection, or a quick inspection before winter, our licensed plumbers are ready to help. Taking care of your pipes now means fewer headaches later — and more time to enjoy everything this season has to offer. πŸ“ž Call Olive Branch Plumbing Co. today at (662) 850-8546 or request your fall plumbing check online. Let’s make sure your home is prepared for the cooler weather ahead!

Top 7 Plumbing Problems in Southaven, MS—and How to Fix Them Fast

By Olive Branch Plumbing Co • September 23, 2025
Plumbing issues don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a burst pipe at midnight or a slow drain that just won’t clear, Southaven homeowners know that quick action saves time and money. At Olive Branch Plumbing Co., we specialize in fast, dependable service—backed by 24/7 availability, AI-powered scheduling, and decades of experience. Here are the seven most common plumbing problems we see in Southaven, along with professional tips to fix or prevent them. 1. Leaky Faucets and Fixtures The problem: Constant dripping wastes water and raises utility bills. Quick fix: Tighten or replace worn washers or O-rings if you’re handy. Why call a pro: A licensed plumber ensures the leak isn’t caused by hidden pipe issues. 2. Clogged Drains and Toilets The problem: Hair, grease, and foreign objects block drains, leading to slow flow or backups. Quick fix: Use a plunger or a natural baking-soda/vinegar flush—avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Professional solution: We provide safe mechanical or hydro-jet cleaning to clear the entire line. 3. Running or Overflowing Toilets The problem: A faulty flapper or fill valve can waste gallons of water daily. Quick fix: Check the float and flapper; replace inexpensive parts if worn. Professional solution: If parts keep failing, we inspect for hidden cracks or pressure issues. 4. Water Heater Trouble The problem: No hot water, inconsistent temperatures, or strange noises. Quick fix: Check pilot lights, circuit breakers, or thermostat settings. Professional solution: We repair or replace heating elements, flush sediment, and recommend energy-efficient upgrades. 5. Low Water Pressure The problem: Weak flow in sinks or showers can signal mineral buildup or leaks. Quick fix: Clean faucet aerators or showerheads. Professional solution: We diagnose and fix deeper issues like corroded pipes or hidden leaks. 6. Burst or Leaking Pipes The problem: Sudden leaks cause major water damage. Immediate action: Shut off the main water valve and call a plumber right away. Our service: 24/7 emergency pipe repair and replacement to protect your home. 7. Sewer Line Backups The problem: Sewage odors, gurgling drains, or yard puddles often mean a clogged or broken main line. Quick fix: Unfortunately, this is not a DIY job. Professional solution: We use camera inspections and trenchless repair when possible to restore flow quickly. • Prevents costly damage to walls, floors, and foundations. • Keeps water bills under control. • Reduces health risks from mold or sewage exposure. βΈ» How Olive Branch Plumbing Co. Makes It Easy • AI-Powered Scheduling & Chat: Book an appointment instantly on Google, Facebook, or our website—no phone call required. • 24/7 Emergency Service: Our team is on call whenever a plumbing issue strikes. • Transparent Pricing: Upfront estimates with no hidden fees. • Trusted Local Experts: Serving Southaven and nearby communities with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
A winding path through a forest with trees ablaze in vibrant autumn colors: red, orange, and yellow.

πŸ‚ Fall is Here — Why Now is the Time to Call Your Plumber

August 31, 2025
As September rolls in, the weather in Hernando, Mississippi begins to shift. Cooler nights, falling leaves, and the start of seasonal routines mean it’s the perfect time to make sure your home’s plumbing system is ready for fall and the winter months ahead. At Olive Branch Plumbing Co. , we proudly serve homeowners in Hernando, and we know how quickly seasonal changes can create plumbing challenges if they aren’t addressed early. Here’s why September is one of the best times of the year to call your plumber: 🍁 1. Prepare Pipes Before Cold Snaps While Hernando doesn’t see long winters, the Mid-South often experiences sudden freezes. A cold snap can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leaving behind costly repairs. Taking time in the fall to inspect and insulate your pipes can save you major headaches later. βΈ» 🍁 2. Service Your Water Heater As temperatures drop, demand on your water heater increases. Hot showers become longer and laundry piles grow with school and sports in full swing. Having your water heater inspected this month ensures you’ll have reliable hot water when you need it most. βΈ» 🍁 3. Clear Gutters and Drains Hernando is surrounded by beautiful trees, but those falling leaves can wreak havoc on your gutters and drains. If not cleaned, clogs can lead to water backing up against your home and causing damage. Scheduling a plumber to check your drainage system now helps prevent flooding and leaks when fall storms roll in. βΈ» 🍁 4. Check Outdoor Fixtures & Sump Pumps If your home has a sump pump or outdoor faucets, fall is the time to test them. A quick inspection ensures your home is protected against heavy rainfall and that outdoor plumbing fixtures are ready before winter weather sets in. βΈ» 🍁 5. Get Ahead of Holiday Plumbing Issues The holiday season is right around the corner, and with family gatherings and big meals, plumbing systems often get pushed to their limits. By scheduling preventative maintenance in September, you can avoid emergency calls during Thanksgiving or Christmas. βΈ» πŸ› οΈ Hernando’s Trusted Plumbing Experts At Olive Branch Plumbing Co ., we’re committed to helping Hernando families stay comfortable, safe, and stress-free all year long. πŸ‘‰ Don’t wait until an issue arises—call us today to schedule your fall plumbing checkup and protect your home for the season ahead. πŸ“ž Contact us at (662) 729-0846 to book your appointment!