A Christmas plumbing emergency is the last thing anyone wants in the festive season: a burst pipe, a blocked drain, or a sudden leak can cause stress, mess, and costly damage. With a few simple precautions, however, you can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing problems and enjoy a more peaceful holiday. 

If you notice anything concerning, please contact us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk. We are available 24/7. 

[quote_block quote= “Preventing a Christmas plumbing emergency isn’t difficult with proactive checks and a trusted local plumber like Maintracts Services Ltd on speed dial; you can avoid holiday disruption.”] 

Why Christmas Is A High-Risk Time For Plumbing 

  • Increased water use: The festive period means more washing up, extra showers, and more people staying over, all of which put additional strain on your plumbing system. 
  • Cold weather threats: External pipes are more likely to freeze in low temperatures, and the expansion of frozen water increases the risk of a burst pipe. 
  • Heavy appliance demand: Dishwashers, washing machines, extra toilets, and showers are frequently used at once. If drains are not clear, this can lead to blockages. 
  • Delayed maintenance: Plumbing issues that could have been detected earlier may be overlooked in the lead-up to Christmas, only to escalate into emergencies. 

Proactive Measures To Prevent A Christmas Plumbing Emergency 

  1. Schedule A Plumbing Maintenance Visit

Book a general plumbing maintenance service with us. Our experienced plumbers will inspect your system for leaks, weak joints, and pipe wear, reducing the chance of a sudden failure. We cover general plumbing repairs and maintenance across London. 

  1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Isolate the water supply to any outside taps to prevent the taps freezing causing emergency call outs. Wrap or insulate any unprotected external pipes before freezing weather hits. Proper insulation helps prevent freezing and possible burst pipes.  

 

  1. Regulate Water Pressure

If your water pressure is too high, it may stress your plumbing. Ask us to check your pressure-reducing valve. Well-maintained water pressure minimises the risk of damage. 

  1. Manage Drain Usage Carefully

Avoid pouring fat, grease or food scraps down the drain. Let the cooking fat cool, then scrape it into a container and dispose of it in the bin. Also, avoid overloading your sink or dishwasher, as excessive use during the Christmas season can lead to blocked drains or slow drainage. 

  1. Know Your Stopcock Location

Ensure everyone in the household knows where the main water stopcock is and how to turn it off quickly. This knowledge can prevent significant water damage if a pipe bursts or a leak develops. 

  1. Keep Our Emergency Number Handy

Save 02086822244 in your phone. If a plumbing issue arises, you can reach our 24/7 emergency plumbing team immediately. We specialise in fast-response plumbing and same-day repairs. 

What To Do If A Christmas Plumbing Emergency Occurs 

  • Turn off the water: Shut down your water supply via the stopcock to prevent flooding. 
  • Call Maintracts immediately: Reach us on our emergency plumbing line on 020 8682 2244, even on Christmas Day, and we can respond. 
  • Minimise damage: Use towels or buckets to contain water. Protect valuable items until help arrives. 
  • Take photos: Document the issue with photos or video. This can help with insurance claims or guide our engineers when diagnosing the problem. 
  • Stay safe: Avoid handling gas-related issues on your own. Let our fully Gas Safe registered engineers assess and resolve them. We follow rigorous safety standards, including for boiler and heating work. 

Why Maintracts Is The Right Choice For Emergency Plumbing 

  • Proven experience: We’ve been operating in London since 1974, offering both plumbing maintenance and emergency response. 
  • 24/7 availability: Our plumbers are available day or night, including holidays, to handle emergencies. 
  • Transparent pricing: We provide fair and honest quotes, clearly explaining any additional after-hours or emergency rates. 
  • Qualified engineers: All our plumbers are Gas Safe registered and have extensive experience with a wide range of plumbing and drainage issues. 
  • Comprehensive services: Beyond emergencies, we provide routine plumbing maintenance, drain unblocking, appliance installation, and more. 

Conclusion 

Avoiding a Christmas plumbing emergency comes down to preparation and the proper support. By scheduling a maintenance visit, insulating pipes, controlling water usage, and knowing how to respond if things go wrong, you significantly reduce the risk of festive plumbing disasters. 

However, even with the best preparation, problems can still arise, and when they do, you need a reliable team you can call immediately. At Maintracts Services Ltd, we're here for you 24/7.  

Call us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk, and we’ll help you enjoy a peaceful, dry, and worry-free Christmas. 

FAQs 

Q1: Can I prevent frozen pipes during a cold Christmas? 

A: Yes, insulate exposed pipes, isolate the water supply to any external pipework and ensure heating is on a low but steady setting. 

Q2: How quickly can Maintracts respond in an emergency? 

A: We aim for rapid response via our 24/7 emergency plumbing service. 

Q3: Will emergency calls cost more than regular plumbing jobs? 

A: Yes, after-hours, weekend or holiday call-outs may carry a higher rate. But we provide transparent pricing upfront. 

Q4: Do you offer same-day plumbing repairs? 

A: We do. Our engineers are equipped to resolve urgent issues quickly. 

Q5: How often should I schedule plumbing maintenance? 

A: We recommend annual checks; having your system inspected before winter can help you avoid a Christmas plumbing emergency. 

Q6: What are the earliest signs of a potential Christmas plumbing emergency? 

A: Slow drains, gurgling noises, weak water flow, recurring blockages, or small leaks are early warning signs. These should be checked before they escalate. 

Q6: Should I turn off the stopcock if I’m away for Christmas? 

A: Yes, turning off the main water supply prevents leaks or burst pipes while you're away and keeps your home protected during cold weather. 

Q7: How do I reduce the risk of drain blockages over Christmas? 

A: Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the sink, use filters on plugholes, and run hot water after heavy sink use to keep drains clear.