10 Plumbing Checks You Need to Do Before Guests Arrive for Christmas

Christmas in Australia is all about warm weather, backyard BBQs, seafood spreads, long lunches, and family or mates dropping by for a visit. It’s a great time of year — until the loo blocks up, the kitchen sink refuses to drain, or the hot water runs out just as your guests arrive. Nothing kills the festive vibe faster than a plumbing disaster.

The good news? A little pre-Christmas plumbing check can save you a whole lot of stress (and embarrassment). Even better, most issues can be spotted early — long before they turn into full-blown dramas. Here’s how to give your home a quick plumbing once-over so everything runs smoothly when the festivities kick off.

1. Start with the Obvious: Check for Slow Drains

If any of your sinks, showers, or tubs are draining slower than usual, that’s your home waving a little red flag. Slow drains usually point to a partial blockage. Maybe it’s hair, food scraps, soap residue, or the odd mystery item someone flushed months ago. It may seem minor now, but with a house full of guests using the bathroom and kitchen, things can escalate quickly.

Try running the tap for 30 seconds. If water pools or drains sluggishly, that’s worth getting a tradie to look at. They’ve got the gear (and the stomach) to clear blockages properly — not just push the problem further down.

2. Pay Attention to Gurgling Sounds

Gurgling is never a good sign unless it’s coming from your stomach while waiting for Christmas pudding. If you hear gurgles when you flush, drain water, or run the dishwasher, that’s usually a sign of air trapped in your pipes — often caused by blockages, venting issues, or even tree roots sneaking into your plumbing system.

Gurgling might seem harmless, but it’s often a precursor to backups. And trust us, nobody wants a sewage surprise during Christmas lunch.

3. Give the Toilet a Test Run

Your toilet might be the unsung hero of the season, so treat it well. Check for:

• Weak flushes

• Constant running water

• Leaks around the base

• Wobbling or instability

A wobbly toilet might just be loose bolts, but it could also indicate a failing seal — which can lead to slow leaks and long-term water damage. A plumber can sort it quickly and save you from awkward “the toilet isn’t working” conversations with your guests.

And if your toilet is prone to blockages at the best of times? Get it serviced before it becomes overwhelmed by increased holiday traffic.

4. Check for Hidden Water Leaks

Not all leaks are dramatic—some quietly waste water and cause damage without you noticing. Before your guests arrive, do a quick walk-around:

• Check under sinks for dampness or mould.

• Inspect the back of cabinets for warping.

• Look at walls and ceilings for stains or bubbling paint.

• Listen for hissing sounds near taps or toilets.

You can also do a simple water-meter test: turn off all taps and fixtures, then see if the meter is still running. If it is, you probably have a hidden leak.

A licensed plumber can detect the source quickly using proper tools — and stop leaks before they ruin your Christmas plans (or your flooring).

5. Don’t Forget the Hot Water System

Your hot water system works overtime during the holidays — showers, dishwashing, endless hand-washing, you name it. Check it now to avoid a chilly surprise later.

Look out for:

• Strange noises like popping or banging

• Rust-coloured water

• Leaks around the tank

• Fluctuating water temperature

If your system is more than 8–10 years old, it’s especially important to get it checked by a professional. Hot water issues often give subtle warnings before failing — and December is peak season for hot water breakdowns.

Consider it a gift to future you: maintaining your hot water system means fewer emergency call-outs and more time relaxing with family.

6. Test Outdoor Plumbing Too

Outdoor taps, garden hoses, and irrigation lines get a workout in summer. Before your Christmas guests arrive:

• Turn on all outdoor taps to check flow.

• Look for leaks around garden plumbing and sprinkler heads.

• Make sure the BBQ area sink (if you have one) drains properly.

If you’re hosting Christmas outside — which most Aussies do — you’ll want everything functioning perfectly. A tradie can tighten fittings, replace washers, or fix broken connections on the spot.

7. Notice Any Strange Smells? Investigate Them.

A foul smell from drains is more than just unpleasant — it’s a sign something isn’t right. It could be:

• Blocked vents

• Sewer line issues

• Trapped food waste

• Build-up in the P-trap

Bad smells rarely fix themselves and often get worse as more appliances are used. With extra cooking, more showers, and constant flushing during Christmas, small odours can turn into big problems. A plumber can diagnose the source quickly and get your home smelling fresh again (your guests will thank you).

8. Inspect Taps for Drips and Low Pressure

A dripping tap may not seem urgent, but it wastes water and may indicate worn parts. Meanwhile, low water pressure could be due to limescale, blockages, or supply issues.

Try this quick test:
Turn on all taps in the house one after another. Do any sputter? Do any drop significantly in pressure? That’s a sign you should call in a tradie before the Christmas rush.

9. Listen for Unusual Pipe Noises

Pipes should be basically silent. If you hear:

• Banging

• Rattling

• Whistling

• Vibrating

…it’s worth investigating. These sounds can indicate loose pipes, pressure problems, or water hammer — all of which can escalate under heavier holiday usage.

A plumber can secure pipes, adjust pressure, or install arrestors to prevent damage.

10. Get a Pre-Christmas Plumbing Check (It’s More Common Than You Think)

Plumbers get busy in December — and for good reason. Homeowners all over Australia book pre-holiday check-ups to avoid emergency call-outs when their houses are full of guests. A simple inspection can pick up small issues and fix them before they become disruptive (and more expensive).

If you’re juggling hosting duties, travel plans, and shopping lists, this is one job that’s worth delegating to a professional.

Why Book a Tradie Through ServiceSeeking.com.au?

When you’re preparing for Christmas, the last thing you want is to spend hours chasing plumbers, comparing prices, and hoping someone is available before the holidays hit.

ServiceSeeking.com.au makes the whole process easier:

• Get quotes fast from local plumbers

• Compare reviews and choose someone reliable

• Find tradies available now, even during the December rush

• Avoid festive plumbing emergencies with quick, affordable fixes

A little plumbing prep goes a long way when the house is full, the BBQ is sizzling, and the esky is stocked.

Final Thoughts

Christmas should be about good food, good company, and good memories — not last-minute plumbing chaos. By checking your drains, toilets, taps, leaks, and hot water system now, you’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday season.

And if you’d rather have a professional handle it, jump onto ServiceSeeking.com.au and find a trusted plumber who can get your home ready for Christmas.

Your guests will never know how close you were to a festive plumbing meltdown — and that’s exactly how it should be.