Tomorrow, December 12, is the peak day for winter repair callouts, according to a new study.
It shows that drains, blockages and plumbing issues are expected to account for around 35% of all problems, driven by recent unsettled
weather bringing wet and windier-than-normal conditions across the UK.
The Aspect repair firm has analyse some 2,000 pre-Christmas callouts from 2023 and 2024 alongside live weather data. By matching callout patterns with weather conditions, it predicts when homes are most at risk and which trades will be needed, helping ensure teams are ready 24/7.
The top home emergencies to watch out for
Plumbing & Drainage – 35% – Busy festive kitchens make it easy for things to end up down the sink that shouldn’t – like hot oil that solidifies when cool, food scraps and other waste. These quickly lead to slow drains and blockages that can turn into costly Christmas callouts.
Leaks, Damp & Restoration – 31% – Wet, windy weather can drive rain into cracks and weak points in a property’s exterior, triggering internal leaks, while freezing temperatures create ice plugs in exposed pipes that can cause them to burst. Indoors, the festive season adds pressure too: more cooking, laundry and showering all raise moisture levels, and without adequate heating or ventilation, that excess moisture quickly turns to damp.
Roofing & Building Repairs – 17% – Debris and leaf-filled gutters overflow in winter rain, and strong winds can loosen tiles and guttering – all of which can allow water into the home if not fixed promptly.
Heating, Hot Water & Electrical – 15% – Festive lights, extra appliances and high boiler use put added strain on systems. Older or boilers that haven’t been serviced and overloaded circuits are more likely to fail during the holiday period.
An Aspect spokesperson says: “People often assume Christmas Eve is the busiest day for callouts, but our data shows the surge starts much earlier. By December 12, homes are already working harder – heating on longer, Christmas lights plugged in, more people coming and going and unpredictable weather.
“All of this puts real pressure on properties and the systems that keep them running. In addition, many people want to sort out any outstanding jobs before the festivities really ramp up.”
Aspect’s data also reveals the top ten regional hotspots for Christmas callouts. The busiest locations are predicted to be Greater London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Harrow, Oxford and Brighton, driven by increased drainage, plumbing and weather-related issues.
