Why So Many Homes in Riverside Get Clogged Drains in the Winter (And How to Prevent It)

clogged drain

Winter brings cooler temperatures, holiday gatherings, and unfortunately… a spike in clogged drains throughout Riverside County.
If you’ve noticed your sinks draining slower or your shower backing up more often this time of year, you’re not alone. Our team at Davis Plumbing sees 30–40% more drain calls from November to February — and there are very real reasons why.

In this article, we’ll explain why drains clog more during the winter, what to watch for, and how to prevent expensive repairs before the holidays.

1. Holiday Cooking = Grease Buildup in Kitchen Drains

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s mean big meals — and big messes.

The oils, fats, butter, and leftover food scraps from:

  • roasted turkey

  • ham

  • gravy

  • stuffing

  • pies

  • bacon, sausage, and breakfast foods

…all end up getting washed into the sink.

Even if you don’t pour grease directly down the drain, residual fats cling to your pipes, harden as temperatures drop, and slowly choke off the flow.

This is the #1 cause of winter kitchen clogs we see.

Pro tip:
Let grease cool, scrape it into the trash, and run hot water for 10 seconds after washing oily dishes.

2. More People Home = More Strain on Bathroom Drains

Winter break =
✔ kids home
✔ guests visiting
✔ family from out of town
✔ more showers, more handwashing, more toilet flushes

This extra usage pushes your plumbing system harder than normal — especially older homes in Riverside, Perris, Menifee, and Moreno Valley.

Common symptoms:

  • slow shower drains

  • recurring toilet clogs

  • gurgling sounds

  • standing water in tubs

If you hear “glug glug,” it’s your plumbing begging for help.

3. Colder Weather Causes Pipes to Contract

Even Southern California gets cool enough in winter for pipe contraction, which:

  • tightens existing buildup

  • narrows the pipe diameter

  • makes hair + soap scum stick

  • slows water flow

This is why shower drains often feel like they “randomly” get slow in November/December.

4. Tree Roots Grow Toward Moisture in Winter

This one surprises most homeowners:

During winter, thirsty tree roots dig deeper in search of warm, moist soil — and often find your sewer line.

Root intrusion can cause:

  • sewer backups

  • slow drains throughout the whole house

  • bad smells

  • gurgling toilets

  • frequent clogs

If more than one fixture is slow, roots may be the cause.

5. Sewer Lines Can Back Up After Heavy Winter Rains

When Riverside County gets a solid winter rain, it overwhelms older sewer systems.

This leads to:

  • basement drain backups

  • floor drain overflows

  • slow toilets

  • bubbling sinks

Homes built before 1985 are especially at risk.

How to Prevent Winter Drain Problems

Here’s what our techs recommend to homeowners this season:

1. Use a drain strainer in every sink and shower.

Catch food, hair, and debris before they enter the pipes.

2. Run hot water for 10 seconds after greasy dishes.

It helps push residue through the system instead of coating the pipes.

3. Avoid chemical drain cleaners.

They can damage your pipes and make the issue worse.

4. Schedule a preventive drain cleaning.

A quick clear-out before the holidays prevents emergency calls at the worst time.

When to Call a Plumber Immediately

Call Davis Plumbing ASAP if you notice:

🚨 water backing up in the sink or tub
🚨 multiple drains slow at once
🚨 persistent odors coming from drains
🚨 gurgling noises in toilets or sinks
🚨 sudden spikes in toilet clogs

These are signs of a deep blockage or a failing sewer line — not something a household remedy can fix.

Local Offer: $99 Winter Drain & Leak Check (This Week Only)

To help Riverside & Moreno Valley homeowners avoid costly emergencies, we’re offering a $99 Winter Drain & Leak Check which includes:

✔ Whole-home visual plumbing inspection
✔ Slow drain check + minor quick clear
✔ Leak detection around sinks, toilets & water heater
✔ Water pressure test
✔ Written report
✔ Priority scheduling for repairs

Final Thoughts

Winter brings joy and celebrations — but it also puts your plumbing system under more pressure than any other season. By understanding the causes of winter drain clogs and taking preventive steps, you can keep your home running smoothly and avoid expensive emergency calls.

Davis Plumbing & Heating is here with same-day service, local family care, and fair pricing all season long.

📞 Call or text: 951-657-0393