Plumbers Gear Up for Another Record 'Brown Friday' Surge

As Thanksgiving approaches, plumbers across the US are preparing for their busiest day of the year: Brown Friday, the annual post-holiday surge in emergency calls. According to Yelp search data, homeowner demand for help unclogging drains, toilets, and disposals spikes immediately after Thanksgiving, with last year showing large increases in “emergency plumber” (up 27%), “plumber” (up 22%), and “24-hour plumbing” (up 19%) searches.

“Brown Friday is always our busiest day of the year, and with last year being busier than the year before, all signs point to even more calls this year,” says Josh Campbell, founder and president of Rescue Air & Plumbing in Dallas. “More families cooking at home, more disposable wipes, and larger gatherings all put extra stress on aging pipes. The smartest hosts prep early and keep a pro’s number ready.”

Salt Lake City Leads Brown Friday Demand

Salt Lake City ranked as the “most clogged city” in the country, seeing a 23% increase in plumbing-related searches during last year’s Brown Friday period. Homeowners reported major leak issues — “leak repair” searches jumped 800% — likely tied to early winter weather and freeze-related failures. Searches also climbed for “plumbers near me” (up 180%), “dishwasher repair” (up 71%), and “septic services” (up 60%).

Dallas and Honolulu Round Out the Top Three

Dallas claimed the number-two spot with a 15% overall increase in plumbing-related searches, including major spikes for septic pumping (up 300%) and toilet repair (up 167%). “With our city’s older homes, unpredictable weather, and legendary Texas hospitality, it’s no surprise Dallas is one of the nation’s top Brown Friday hotspots,” Campbell says.

Honolulu ranked third at 12% overall, followed by Miami (11%) and Los Angeles (11%). Other high-demand metros included Minneapolis, San Jose, Austin, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Fresno.

Full Top 20 (percentage increase during Brown Friday search period):

1. Salt Lake City (+23%)

2. Dallas (+15%)

3. Honolulu (+12%)

4. Miami (+11%)

5. Los Angeles (+11%)

6. Minneapolis (+11%)

7. San Jose (+10%)

8. Austin (+9%)

9. New Orleans (+9%)

10. Las Vegas (+9%)

11. Fresno (+8%)

12. Milwaukee (+8%)

13. San Diego (+8%)

14. San Francisco (+7%)

15. Indianapolis (+7%)

16. Charlotte (+6%)

17. Oklahoma City (+6%)

18. New York (+6%)

19. Raleigh (+6%)

20. Washington, DC (+6%)

Tips to Reduce Holiday Service Calls

Campbell offers several homeowner strategies that can help reduce preventable Brown Friday emergencies and keep systems running throughout the long weekend.

Pre-Holiday System Check Pays Off

Existing issues typically surface under heavy use. A pre-holiday inspection can prevent costly weekend or holiday emergency rates, which Campbell notes often run twice the standard price.

Keep Food Waste and Grease Out of Drains

Overloaded disposals remain one of the top Thanksgiving trouble spots. Campbell recommends using a mesh strainer and keeping problematic items out of drains — especially starchy sides like potatoes, fats and oils from gravy or turkey drippings, and stuffing scraps that expand in pipes.

Weekly Maintenance Helps Aging Systems

Grinding a few ice cubes with dish soap helps keep disposal blades clean. Running a full sink of hot, soapy water through the system once a week can clear buildup ahead of the holidays.

Know Red Flags That Require a Pro

Issues like water backing up in tubs, multiple running toilets, or dripping fixtures can signal high water pressure or developing blockages. A low-cost pressure gauge can confirm whether a PRV is needed.

24/7 Pros Keep Holiday Disruptions Minimal

If problems arise, Campbell reminds homeowners not to panic. Companies like Rescue Air & Plumbing offer 24/7 support, with most stoppages resolved in one to two hours.

Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.