Home emergency callouts set to spike on Easter Monday, analysis indicates

Emergency callouts for problems around homes – such as blocked drains, toilet faults and leaking pipes – often spike on Easter Monday, according to a specialist provider.

HomeServe said analysis of its data in recent years indicated that Easter Monday is consistently the busiest day of the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Overall, Easter Monday accounts for nearly a third (31%) of Easter weekend callouts, compared with 26% on Good Friday, 25% on Saturday and 18% on Easter Sunday, according to the analysis of HomeServe data running from 2023 to 2025.

Chris Houghton, a home expert at HomeServe, said: “Easter weekend is one of those times when homes are working harder than usual, from extra cooking to more people using bathrooms and appliances.

“Often, small issues like slow drains or minor leaks go unnoticed or are put off until after the weekend. By the time Monday comes around, those problems have built up and need urgent attention.”

Here are some suggestions from Mr Houghton to prevent a bank holiday ending in an emergency callout:

1. Avoid tipping fat down the drain.

Easter roasts and extra cooking can put pressure on pipes and cause blockages.

2. Keep an eye on early warning signs.

Slow-draining sinks, gurgling noises or bad smells can indicate a blockage forming. Tackling small issues early can prevent a bigger problem later.

3. Do not ignore dripping taps or small leaks.

A minor leak may not seem urgent, but over a busy weekend it can worsen quickly. Fixing or containing it early can help avoid more serious damage.

4. Know how to shut off your water.

If a pipe leaks or bursts, being able to quickly locate and turn off a stopcock can limit damage and allow time until help arrives.