EXPERT ADVICE
Post-Christmas plumbing check: simple ways to stop leaks and blockages
Created 12/25
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Alex Peters
Plumbing problems can often show themselves in January — not dramatically, but quietly.
A small drip, a slow drain, or a toilet that doesn’t flush quite right. A simple check now can help prevent winter call-outs later. Here’s how to spot issues early.
A simple check now can prevent winter call-outs later. Here’s how to spot issues early.
Quick January plumbing check (5 minutes)
Some things to look for after Christmas:
Check under sinks for damp or drips
Run taps and watch how quickly water drains
Flush toilets and listen for refilling sounds
Look for damp patches around baths and showers
Check outdoor drains for smells or pooling water
If anything feels off, a plumber can usually fix small issues quickly.
You can find checked, reviewed plumbers and drain services on Checkatrade, making it easy to book the right help when needed.
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Why plumbing issues appear in January
December puts extra strain on pipes:
More cooking and washing up
More showers and guests
Fats and food scraps in drains
Small problems often surface once things quieten down.
1. Check for hidden leaks
Leaks don’t always drip loudly.
Easy test:
Place dry kitchen roll under pipe joints
Leave for 10 minutes
Any dampness = a leak worth fixing
2. Prevent kitchen drain blockages
Fats solidify in cold pipes.
To prevent issues:
Pour boiling water down weekly
Use a sink strainer
Never pour oil or gravy down the sink
For mild blockages, use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water. For stubborn blockages, hire a drain unblocking service with Checkatrade.
3. Bathrooms: small leaks add up
Extra winter use stresses seals and joints.
Keep an eye out for:
Damp smells
Water marks on ceilings below
Loose or cracked sealant
These are quick fixes — but ignoring them risks hidden damage.
4. Check toilets for quiet problems
Signs to notice:
Weak flush
Continuous refilling
Water pooling at the base
Most toilet issues are inexpensive when caught early.
Find and hire checked and reviewed plumbing services that cover your local area.
5. Outdoor drains and gullies
Winter rain can expose blockages.
Look for:
Gurgling
Overflow during rain
Slow draining nearby sinks
Ready to make the most of winter and get your home in shape? Whether it's landscape maintenance, carrying out a home 'MOT' or finding costs for cold weather damage, we've got you covered.
When it’s worth getting help
Some jobs are quick to tackle yourself, but others are easier (and less stressful) to sort with support — especially in winter.
Contact a checked plumber or drainage service if:
Blockages keep returning
You notice damp but can’t find the source
Water backs up or overflows
Find plumbers and drain-unblocking services near you on Checkatrade — all trades are checked and reviewed, so you can book with confidence.
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