2020 Was Unlike Any Other Year

Every year at Rosco Plumbing, we look back at the plumbing emergencies we responded to and identify the trends that shaped the year. In a normal year, the patterns are fairly predictable: water heater failures peak in winter, hurricane-related calls spike in fall, and drain clogs are steady year-round. But 2020 was anything but normal. The COVID-19 pandemic put everyone at home, the toilet paper shortage changed bathroom habits overnight, and a record-setting hurricane season kept us on our toes well into November.

Here in Bradenton and across Manatee County, the combination of these factors created a plumbing landscape we have never seen before. Our service calls were up significantly, and the types of problems shifted in ways that directly reflected the unusual circumstances of the year. Here is what we saw, what caused it, and what you can learn from it.

Number One: Sewer Line Blockages from Wipes

The undisputed champion of 2020 plumbing emergencies was the wipes-related sewer blockage. When toilet paper vanished from store shelves in March, families across Bradenton turned to baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and paper towels. Even after toilet paper returned, many households continued using wipes. The result was a surge in sewer line blockages unlike anything we have experienced in our decades of service.

Our sewer blockage calls roughly doubled between March and June compared to the same period in 2019. The clogs were consistently dense, compact masses of wipes mixed with grease and other debris. Many of these blockages required hydro-jetting to fully clear — a cable machine alone could not break through the compressed wipe material. Several homeowners experienced sewage backups into their homes before calling for help, resulting in significant cleanup costs on top of the plumbing repair.

The lesson is clear and worth repeating: "flushable" wipes are not flushable. Use them if you prefer, but throw them in the trash. A small wastebasket next to the toilet is all it takes to prevent this expensive and unpleasant problem.

Number Two: Water Heater Failures Under Increased Demand

With families home around the clock, water heaters that had been coasting along with moderate daily use were suddenly running at full capacity. More showers at different times of day, more loads of dishes, more hand-washing — the cumulative effect pushed aging water heaters past their limits. We saw a noticeable increase in water heater failures starting in the late spring and continuing through the summer.

Many of these failures were in units that were 8 to 12 years old — approaching the end of their lifespan but still functioning under normal usage. The increased demand acted as a stress test, exposing weaknesses in tanks, heating elements, and thermostats that might have held on for another year or two under lighter use. The takeaway: if your water heater is approaching the 10-year mark and your household usage has increased, do not wait for a failure. Proactive replacement saves you from the mess and inconvenience of a sudden breakdown.

Number Three: Kitchen Drain Clogs from Increased Cooking

With restaurants closed or operating at limited capacity for much of the year, Bradenton families were cooking at home more than ever. Three meals a day, every day, for months on end. The increase in kitchen use led to a corresponding increase in kitchen drain clogs, primarily from grease buildup. Grease from cooking — whether poured down the drain or washed off dishes — accumulates inside drain pipes and eventually creates blockages.

Garbage disposal failures also increased as these units processed far more food waste than usual. Jammed impellers, burned-out motors, and clogged drain lines from overuse were common calls. The lesson: scrape plates into the trash before rinsing, never pour grease down the drain, and give your garbage disposal a break by processing food waste in small batches with plenty of cold water.

Number Four: Hurricane-Related Plumbing Emergencies

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season produced a record 30 named storms — shattering the previous record of 28 from 2005. While Bradenton was fortunate to avoid a direct hit from any major hurricane, several tropical storms brought heavy rainfall and localized flooding to Manatee County. We responded to numerous calls for sewer backups caused by overwhelmed storm drains, water intrusion through plumbing penetrations, and outdoor plumbing damage from wind and debris.

The record season reinforced the importance of pre-hurricane plumbing preparation. Homes with backwater valves fared significantly better than those without during heavy rainfall events. Homeowners who had secured their outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems experienced less damage. And those who knew how to shut off their main water valve were able to prevent additional damage when problems occurred.

Looking Ahead: Lessons for 2021

The plumbing emergencies of 2020 were driven largely by changes in how we used our homes. More time at home meant more demand on every fixture, drain, and appliance. The habits that developed during the pandemic — both good and bad — will continue to shape plumbing needs in the coming year. We encourage every homeowner in Bradenton to keep wipes out of the toilet, stay aware of your water heater's age and condition, keep grease out of your kitchen drain, and schedule an annual plumbing inspection.

At Rosco Plumbing, we responded to every one of these emergencies with the same urgency and care that has defined our service since 1983. We adapted our operations to keep our team and our customers safe during the pandemic, and we are proud to have been here for Manatee County during a truly challenging year. Whatever 2021 brings, we will be ready.

Related: Schedule a plumbing inspection

2020 tested everyone — including your plumbing. The combination of increased home usage, the wipes crisis, and a record hurricane season created a perfect storm of plumbing challenges in Bradenton. The good news is that every one of the top emergencies we saw was preventable with basic awareness and simple habits. If you want to start 2021 with confidence in your plumbing system, give Rosco Plumbing a call at (941) 345-2464. We will inspect your system, address any issues, and help you head into the new year with one less thing to worry about.

Year in Review: Bradenton's Most Common Plumbing Emergencies in 2020