With the holidays just around the corner, cooking and get-togethers are inevitable. Did you know that the day after Thanksgiving is the single busiest day in the plumbing world?
With increased traffic in your toilets and the possibilities of unusual things making it down your kitchen drain, it’s smart to be aware of potential plumbing issues you may encounter this holiday season.
Here are some of the basic things you should be aware of before hosting your get-together this holiday season:
Be kind to your garbage disposal
There will be a lot of cooking going on this Thanksgiving and you’ll be tempted to throw many things down into your garbage disposal. However, due to common belief, there are many things that should NOT be going down your drain.
- Avoid putting any stringy or starchy waste down the garbage disposal, such as celery, potatoes, pastas, rice, egg shells, etc. These items can get all tangled up in your disposal and cause it to jam up.
- Run cold water when running your garbage disposal and don’t wait until it’s full to turn it on.
- Your garbage disposal cannot process hard things such as bones and pits.
Avoid grease going down your drain!
Pressure on cooking and hosting can cause you to rush to clean and rinse your pots and pans in the sink. Remember the following:
- Avoid allowing grease, oil, and other fats from going into your drain.
- Grease will solidify and clog up your drain pipes.
- You should wipe as much grease as possible from the pots and pans prior to putting them in your sink or dishwasher. Pour them into a separate container and throw them in the trash.
Increased bathroom traffic
If you are hosting gatherings at your home, your bathroom will be getting a lot of extra usage. Keep in mind the following:
- Never flush anything other than human waste or toilet paper down the toilet. Many other materials will dissolve or expand and cause clogs in the pipes. Even “flushable” wipes are not recommended for flushing down your toilets!
- Address any existing plumbing problems with an inspection BEFORE you have extra guests in your home.
- If you are having guests spend the night, make sure there is a span of 10-15 minutes in between each shower.
The long Thanksgiving weekend should be about eating, family, and shopping fun. Don’t let plumbing issues get in the way! To take preventative measures or if you do have to deal with these issues, ensure you have a good and reputable company to turn to. Need A Plumber has experienced and knowledgeable plumbers that can help you whether you are trying to avoid issues or resolve them.
