During the festive season, even a small drain issue can cause major disruption. In Reading and surrounding areas, we see five recurring problems each year. From frozen pipes to kitchen fat clogs, this guide outlines what to expect, how to spot early signs, and what to do.
We provide fast-response emergency drainage in Reading and the surrounding boroughs throughout the festive period. Our team is available when you need urgent help with blocked drains during holidays or other festive plumbing issues.
What causes kitchen sinks to block during Christmas?
Christmas cooking produces a lot of fat, oil, and grease (FOG). These substances cool quickly inside pipes and solidify. Combined with food waste, they create thick clogs called fatbergs that prevent water from draining.
Grease-related blockages are especially common in cold weather. You may first notice that water is draining slowly or not at all.
Hot water or chemical cleaners usually will not fix the issue. Our 24Hrs Drainage team uses professional drain jetting equipment to clear grease build-ups safely and effectively.
Always cool and store fats in containers, then dispose of them in the bin. Thames Water and WaterSafe recommend following the “Bin it, don’t block it” rule.
Why do toilets back up more during Christmas visits?
More guests mean more frequent flushing. In older Reading homes, this added strain can overwhelm aging pipes and trigger blockages.
Items like wipes, cotton buds, or excessive toilet paper often cause these problems. These items lodge in bends or reduce water flow, especially in legacy systems.
We handle emergency toilet blockages across Reading throughout the holiday season. Our team clears pipes quickly so families can return to their celebrations.
Remind guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Campaigns such as Unblocktober raise awareness about what belongs in the bin and not the drain.
Pro Tip: If water backs up when it freezes outside, check your external gullies before calling in.
Book a Christmas Drain Emergency Callout
If your sink, toilet, or outdoor drain is causing trouble this festive season, get our team on site quickly.
How does cold weather affect outdoor drainage?
Freezing temperatures can stop wastewater from flowing properly. Outdoor pipes, especially exposed condensate pipes, freeze overnight. This causes water to back up indoors.
The pressure from expanding ice can crack pipes. Once they thaw, leaks or bursts may follow. Drain backups caused by ice are a serious winter hazard and one of the most overlooked holiday plumbing problems.
We use safe diagnostic tools to assess the extent of freezing. Our team uses approved thawing and insulation methods to restore drainage.
To reduce the risk, you should lag exposed pipes and keep garden gullies clear of leaves and ice.
Why do outdoor gullies clog more during Christmas?
During winter, storms and celebrations combine to overwhelm outdoor drains. Leaves, party rubbish, and wrapping paper can block gully grates.
This causes water to collect around patios and kitchen walls. If left unchecked, it can lead to minor flooding.
Our team uses high-powered gully vacuum equipment to clear blockages fast. Flood-prone areas in Reading are especially vulnerable. If flooding continues, Reading Borough Council and DEFRA offer additional guidance for waterlogged areas.
To reduce the risk:
Clear waste from outdoor grates regularly.
Keep bin lids secure.
Report persistent water pooling to your local council.
What causes sewer smells during the holidays?
In Reading, many older homes use shared Victorian-style drains. These drains can collapse or crack, leading to bad smells or sewage backup.
Sometimes, tree roots enter the system or joints fail over time. These issues may also allow rats to enter the drainage system.
We use CCTV inspection tools to detect damage without needing to dig. If repairs are needed, we work with neighbours to coordinate shared drain solutions.
Strong odours or strange noises from downstairs sinks and toilets are early signs something is wrong. Do not ignore these warning signs. Blocked shared drains are often complex and require urgent callout plumbers to resolve the problem properly.
“Boiling water always clears a blocked sink.”
Boiling water may help minor residue but will not shift hardened grease deep in the system.
“Outdoor drains cannot freeze because they are not indoors.”
Outdoor pipes are exposed to air and freeze faster than those inside the home.
“Toilets can handle wipes marked ‘flushable’.”
Most ‘flushable’ wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper. They contribute to u-bend blockages and sewer build-up.
Pro Tip: Smells near the kitchen often mean internal build-up and not a full blockage yet, act early.
Find Out if Your Drain Issue is Shared
Older Reading homes often have shared systems. We’ll inspect and liaise with neighbours where needed.
If you experience a blocked drain during the holidays, follow these steps:
Take clear photos of any flooding, leaks, or sewage.
Keep family members and pets away from the affected area.
Avoid using connected toilets, baths, or sinks.
Call 24Hrs Drainage. We are available across Reading 24/7.
Whether you are facing a grease-blocked sink, a drain backup caused by ice, or a full sewer smell in the house, our emergency drainage service covers it all.
Holiday Drain Checklist:
Clear gullies and outdoor drains. Remove leaves, twigs, and festive debris before storms hit.
Check internal drainage. Make sure everything is flowing freely. Slow drainage is an early sign of a blockage.
Store grease safely. Have containers ready for leftover cooking fats. Never pour grease down the sink.
Inform guests. Remind everyone what not to flush.
Save our number. Keep our contact details handy in case of emergency.
Planning ahead helps avoid emergencies when your home is busiest.
Can I get a drain expert on Christmas Day?
Yes. Our team works 24 hours a day, every day including Christmas.
How much does it cost to call out an emergency plumber?
We give clear, upfront quotes. Prices vary depending on the time and issue.
What should I do while waiting for a drainage expert?
Turn off water, do not use affected areas, and take photos if safe.
What if the drain issue affects my neighbour too?
We regularly manage shared drain issues in Reading. We will coordinate inspections and reporting for both properties.
If you are facing a drainage emergency this Christmas, call our urgent callout plumber service in Reading right away. The sooner we can help, the quicker your home returns to normal.
Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Catch You Out
Prevent costly bursts and back-ups with a quick check of outdoor pipes and gullies.
24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday : Open and available 24 hours per day
Drain Services
We provide Drainage Services across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London, Oxfordshire, and the surrounding areas.
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If You’re Dealing With Blocked Drains Or Require Drain Repairs, You’ve Come To The Right Destination. Contact Our Team Today At 0800 0209198 For Professional Guidance And A Complimentary, No-Obligation Quote!
We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
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