Christmas is coming, and while it might still feel far away, your home could already be showing early signs of strain. At 24/7 Best Emergency Services, we know December is one of the busiest times of year for emergency callouts. The good news is that most of the problems we’re called for can be spotted and sorted ahead of time.
Here are the 12 most common home issues that appear during the festive season, and what you can do now in November to prevent last-minute disasters.
Table of Contents
- 1. Heating Stops Working
- 2. Toilet Problems with Extra Guests
- 3. Blocked Kitchen Sink After Cooking
- 4. Fusebox Tripping from Christmas Lights
- 5. Frozen Outdoor Pipes
- 6. Radiators Not Heating Properly
- 7. Hot Water Running Out Too Quickly
- 8. Electric Shower Cuts Out
- 9. Overflowing Gutters
- 10. Leaking Taps or Pipes
- 11. Boiler Making Noises
- 12. Power Cuts in One Room
- Stay Ahead of the Stress
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Heating Stops Working
One of the worst things to deal with over Christmas is waking up to a freezing house. A sudden heating failure can be caused by low pressure, frozen pipes, or a faulty thermostat.
Run your heating system at least once a week to check everything functions properly. If radiators stay cold or your boiler makes unusual noises, it’s worth booking a system check before the holidays.
2. Toilet Problems with Extra Guests
Over the holidays, your toilet will be used more than usual, especially if you are hosting family. This increased usage can cause blockages or highlight flushing issues.
If your flush is weak, slow to refill, or makes strange sounds, get it looked at early. A quick repair now is better than an emergency fix later.
3. Blocked Kitchen Sink After Cooking
Holiday cooking leads to a lot of fats, oils, and leftovers going down the drain. This often causes sink blockages or slow drainage right when you need the kitchen most.
Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the sink. If the water is already draining slowly, call a plumber to clear the pipes before they get worse.
4. Fusebox Tripping from Christmas Lights
Plugging in decorations and heaters all at once can overload circuits and trip your fusebox repeatedly.
Spread your devices across different sockets and test lights before setting them up. If your fuses trip easily, book an electrical inspection to make sure your system can handle the festive load.
5. Frozen Outdoor Pipes
Pipes that are not properly insulated can freeze and burst during colder nights, especially in December.
Turn off outdoor taps and insulate any exposed pipework now. You can buy pipe insulation foam at most hardware stores or contact our team for professional winter preparation.
6. Radiators Not Heating Properly
Uneven heat or cold patches on radiators can be signs of air trapped in the system or a circulation issue.
Bleed your radiators and check if the issue persists. If multiple radiators have problems, a system balance or pump check may be needed.
7. Hot Water Running Out Too Quickly
More guests mean higher demand on your water system. If your hot water runs out fast, it could be due to an old cylinder or inefficient boiler settings.
Test your system by running taps and showers one after another. If hot water runs low quickly, it’s time for a boiler or cylinder check.
8. Electric Shower Cuts Out
Older showers or faulty wiring can cause electric showers to stop working mid-use. This becomes more noticeable with more frequent use over Christmas.
Test your shower now. If it flickers, overheats, or fails to start properly, book an electrician to check the connection and switch.
9. Overflowing Gutters
Leaves and debris can block gutters, causing overflow and damp patches around the walls or entrances during winter rain.
Clean out your gutters or hire someone to do it safely. Check for water buildup near your foundations and make sure downpipes are clear.
10. Leaking Taps or Pipes
A small leak now can turn into a burst pipe when temperatures drop. Even slow drips waste water and can cause hidden damage.
If any taps or pipes are leaking, tighten fittings or call a plumber. Prevention is faster and cheaper than dealing with a damaged wall or flooded floor.
11. Boiler Making Noises
Boilers that bang, whistle, or gurgle may be showing signs of scale build-up or air in the system. Left unchecked, these issues can cause a full breakdown.
A quick boiler service can catch these problems early. This is especially important before the high-demand holiday period.
12. Power Cuts in One Room
If one part of the house keeps losing power, it could be faulty wiring, an overloaded socket, or a failing fuse.
Unplug devices in the affected area and test the circuit. If the problem repeats, call an electrician before it turns into a bigger issue.
Stay Ahead of the Stress
Avoid last-minute panics and emergency repairs when everyone should be relaxing. At 24/7 Best Emergency Services, our expert teams are already helping UK households get winter-ready. Whether it’s heating, plumbing, electrical, or drainage, they’re available for routine checks, emergency repairs, and quick callouts.
And yes, we’ll be available day and night over the entire holiday period.
Call us now at 020 3318 8667 or book your pre-holiday check through our services page.
Stay warm, stay prepared, and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I book a heating or boiler service before Christmas? Now is a great time. Booking in November helps ensure your system is running safely and efficiently before temperatures drop and service demand rises.
- Can you help with electrical checks before I plug in decorations? Yes. Electricians can inspect your sockets, circuits, and fuse box to make sure everything is safe before you plug in lights or other seasonal equipment.
- Do you cover plumbing services during the holidays? Yes. You can request help during the holiday period, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year.
- What if I need a quick repair for something small now? Don’t wait. Small problems can get worse quickly. You can request same-day support for minor fixes in most areas.
- How fast can someone get to me in an emergency? Response times vary depending on your location, time of day, and local demand. In many cases, help can arrive within the hour.
- What areas do you cover? Our experts are available across the UK. To see the services and areas covered, visit 247bestemergencyservices.co.uk.