The holiday season in Florida is one of the most exciting times of the year. Families are gathering, decorations are going up, and many folks are traveling to see loved ones or host guests in their homes. While the holidays bring joy, they also come with a surprising uptick in home-related emergencies, especially water damage.
At Wet Out Restoration, we’ve seen it all when it comes to holiday-related water disasters. From leaking pipes while homeowners are out of town, to kitchen mishaps during big family dinners, water damage doesn’t take a holiday. That’s why we’re here to shed some light on the most common causes of water damage during the holiday season and offer helpful tips to prevent them before they ruin your festivities.
Key Takeaways
- Shut off your water main before traveling for the holidays.
- Avoid grease, fats, and large food scraps down kitchen drains.
- Check appliance hoses regularly and don’t run them unattended.
- Place a waterproof mat under your Christmas tree.
- Clean gutters and inspect your roof before winter rains.
- Insulate exposed pipes in case of freezing temperatures.
- Use waterproof-rated electrical decor and secure holiday lights properly.
Traveling for the Holidays? Don’t Forget Your Plumbing
One of the top causes of holiday water damage happens when people leave their homes unattended for extended periods. Florida may not freeze like northern states, but it’s still important to prep your plumbing before heading out of town.
A small, unnoticed leak can become a massive problem in just a few days. We’ve walked into homes where a pipe under the sink had been dripping for a week while the family was away, soaking cabinets, flooring, and drywall.
How to avoid it:
- Shut off the main water valve before you leave.
- Drain outdoor hoses and irrigation lines.
- Consider installing a smart water leak detector that can notify you if something goes wrong.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your property periodically while you’re gone.
Holiday Kitchen Chaos: A Recipe for Clogged Drains
Between all the cooking, baking, and dishwashing, your kitchen plumbing sees a lot more action during the holidays. Grease, food scraps, and even decorative items (yes, we’ve seen glitter and fake snow down a garbage disposal) can clog drains and create backups.
One of the most common calls we get around Thanksgiving and Christmas? Kitchen sink overflows from clogged garbage disposals or blocked pipes. Water damage from these backups can soak cabinetry, damage flooring, and invite mold if not cleaned up quickly.
How to avoid it:
- Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fats down the drain.
- Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.
- Run the disposal with cold water before and after use.
- Space out the dishwasher and laundry loads to avoid overwhelming your drainage system.
Appliance Failures at the Worst Time
With more guests in the house and higher-than-normal usage, appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are more likely to fail under the pressure of the holidays.
Dishwasher leaks and washing machine overflows are incredibly common, especially when hoses are worn out or overused. Nothing puts a damper on your holiday cheer like stepping into a puddle in the laundry room while guests are arriving.
How to avoid it:
- Inspect and replace old hoses, especially on washing machines and dishwashers.
- Don’t overload the machines.
- Run appliances only when you’re home and awake.
- Check behind and beneath units regularly for signs of moisture.
Christmas Tree Watering Gone Wrong
A lesser-known but surprisingly common cause of holiday water damage is the live Christmas tree. To keep them fresh, many people water their trees daily, but accidents happen. Spilled water can seep into carpets or hardwood floors, and if unnoticed, can cause warping, discoloration, or even mold growth.
In some cases, tree stands themselves can leak if they crack or are overfilled. We’ve seen entire living rooms damaged because water slowly leaked under presents and tree skirts for days before anyone noticed.
How to avoid it:
- Use a waterproof mat under the tree stand.
- Check for leaks regularly and empty excess water if needed.
- Avoid overfilling the stand.
- Be mindful of pets or kids who may knock into the tree.
Roof Leaks and Gutters Full of Debris
Even though it’s not peak hurricane season, Florida still gets its fair share of rain in the winter months. Combine that with leaves and debris from fall, and your roof and gutters can quickly become a source of holiday headaches.
A clogged gutter can cause rainwater to overflow and seep into your roof or siding. If your roof already has a weak spot, a heavy downpour could lead to water intrusion and interior damage.
How to avoid it:
- Clean out gutters and downspouts before the holidays.
- Inspect your roof for damaged shingles or flashing.
- Trim tree branches hanging over your roof.
- Schedule a professional inspection if your roof is older or has had prior issues.
Frozen Pipes in Rare Cold Snaps
While not common, Florida does experience the occasional hard freeze, especially in northern parts of the state. When temperatures dip unexpectedly, exposed pipes can freeze and burst, especially in outdoor walls, attics, or crawlspaces.
A burst pipe can release gallons of water in minutes, causing significant damage before you even realize something is wrong. These types of water damage are especially devastating because they often go unnoticed overnight or while you’re away.
How to avoid it:
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape.
- Keep the heat on to at least 55°F when you’re away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- Let faucets drip during especially cold nights to keep water moving.
Decorations and Water Don’t Mix
Another unexpected risk? Holiday decorations. Whether it’s hanging lights outside or adding a festive display indoors, water and electrical cords are a dangerous mix. Outdoor lights installed improperly can cause water to leak into outlets or walls. And indoor decorations near fish tanks, humidifiers, or fireplaces can create spill risks if not placed carefully.
How to avoid it:
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords and keep plugs off the ground.
- Don’t overload circuits.
- Keep decorations away from water sources.
- Monitor decorations and electrical equipment regularly for any signs of heat, moisture, or malfunction.
We’re Here When You Need Us Most
No matter how much you prepare, sometimes water damage just happens, and when it does, Wet Out Restoration is here to help day or night, holiday or not. Our Florida-based team is local, experienced, and ready to respond fast to minimize the damage and get your home back to normal. Whether it’s a small leak, a burst pipe, or a full-scale flood, you can count on us to handle it with care and professionalism.
If you’re dealing with water damage or want to get ahead of potential issues, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Wet Out Restoration today, and let’s protect your home this holiday season and beyond.
