Top 5 Plumbing Emergencies During Christmas (And How to Prevent Them)

The holiday season in Saskatchewan is a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, and creating cherished memories indoors. But as residents of Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, and the surrounding areas know, Christmas can also bring unexpected plumbing challenges. With freezing temperatures outside and increased household activity inside, your plumbing system faces more strain than any other time of year. At DMC Limited, we understand how important it is to keep your home warm, dry, and welcoming all season long. Here are the top five plumbing emergencies we see most often in Saskatchewan during Christmas—and how you can prevent them.

Frozen Pipes: A Common Saskatchewan Nightmare

Freezing temperatures in December can quickly turn your home’s plumbing into a disaster zone. Frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of burst pipes and water damage during the holidays. In places like Moose Jaw and Regina, where subzero temps are common, water expands as it freezes, putting immense pressure on pipes—especially those along exterior walls or in unheated areas.

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes:

- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.

- Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to circulate warm air.

- Let cold water drip from faucets on extreme cold days.

- Keep your thermostat set to at least 15°C (59°F) even when away.

2. Clogged Kitchen Drains from Holiday Cooking

Christmas feasts result in more grease, food scraps, and fats going down the drain—sometimes overwhelming your plumbing. Oils and fats can solidify in cold pipes, causing stubborn clogs and even backups.

How to Avoid Kitchen Drain Clogs:

- Never pour grease, fats, or oils down the sink.

- Use a drain catcher to trap food particles.

- Run hot water after using the disposal to flush pipes.

- Dispose of food scraps in the compost or garbage.

People Also Ask: How Can I Keep My Pipes from Freezing During the Holidays?

- Ensure pipes are properly insulated before winter hits.

- Leave taps slightly open during freezing weather to allow movement.

- Close garage doors to protect exposed pipes.

If you’ll be away, ask a neighbour to check your house and run the taps occasionally.

3. Toilet Overflows: The Holiday Rush

More guests mean more bathroom usage. Older toilets, low water pressure, or minor clogs can quickly turn into messy overflows. This is a common issue in many Saskatchewan homes during the Christmas rush.

Prevention Tips:

- Place a trash bin in the bathroom for wipes or napkins (never flush them).

- Make sure everyone knows not to flush anything except toilet paper.

- Address minor clogs before guests arrive.

4. Water Heater Failure: No Hot Water for the Holidays

There’s nothing worse than a cold shower on a frosty Saskatchewan morning. Increased demand from visiting family can push an old or poorly maintained water heater to its limit.

Prevent Water Heater Problems:

- Schedule a professional inspection with DMC Limited before winter.

- Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment.

- Insulate your water heater and exposed pipes for greater efficiency.

5. Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

Dripping faucets can waste hundreds of litres of water over the holidays, driving up your water bills and potentially leading to water damage. The wear and tear of cold weather can accelerate minor leaks.

What to Do:

- Repair leaky faucets promptly.

- Check for drips under sinks and around fixtures.

- Replace worn washers or seals.

Stay Stress-Free This Christmas—Trust Saskatchewan’s Local Plumbing Pros

Christmas in Saskatchewan should be about celebration, not repairing water damage or scrambling to fix a burst pipe. At DMC Limited, we’re proud to support homeowners in Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, and across the region with professional plumbing and heating solutions year-round. Our skilled and experienced technicians can address emergencies fast and help you winterize your home to prevent problems in the first place.

Don’t let plumbing emergencies put a damper on your holidays. Book a seasonal inspection or emergency service with DMC Limited today, and enjoy a warm, dry, and stress-free Christmas with your loved ones. Visit our website or call now to ensure peace of mind all winter long.