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How To Avoid Plumbing Mishaps During Thanksgiving Get-Togethers

How To Avoid Plumbing Mishaps During Thanksgiving Get-Togethers

When you have a house full of guests for Thanksgiving, the last thing you want to deal with is a plumbing problem. This also happens to be one of the busiest days for plumbing professionals, as is the day right after Turkey Day. So, plumbing problems on or around Thanksgiving are, unfortunately, fairly common. This is because extra guests and bustling kitchens and bathrooms are the perfect setting for unexpected plumbing-related woes. Below, we offer some tips to keep in mind that can help you avoid plumbing mishaps during Thanksgiving get-togethers.

Minimize Kitchen Traffic

Not surprisingly, a busy kitchen is common on Thanksgiving. However, all this extra traffic around your sink, disposal, and drain increases the risk of accidents, like dropping jewelry or other items down an open drain. Direct the socialization to a nearby area so you can focus more on your kitchen-based activities and avoid too much distraction.

Get Rid of Grease Properly

It may not seem like a big deal to dump a little grease or cooking oil down the drain on a busy day like Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, grease doesn't remain in liquid form. As grease cools and solidifies, it can block your pipes and contribute to clogs. Avoid this possibility by having an extra can or jar set aside for grease, oil, and any other liquids from your cooking activities.

Be Good to Your Disposal

Avoid the temptation to use your garbage disposal like a garbage can substitute on a busy Turkey Day. If you overdo it with how you use your disposal, you could end up needing a plumbing professional later that same day or a day or two later. Some of the things we recommend keeping out of your disposal include:

  • Turkey bones
  • Fibrous foods like celery
  • Pasta and noodles
  • Eggshells and coffee grounds
  • Potato peels

Don't Use Your Dishwasher and Disposal Together

On a related note, don't run your dishwasher while using your disposal on Thanksgiving. Wait until you're all done with your disposal instead. We say this because these two appliances share the same drain. Avoiding too much use of a single drain reduces the risk of a blockage or backup.

Discourage Flushing of Unflushable Things

Remind your guests and other household members not to flush things that could clog your home's toilets on Thanksgiving. This is a list that includes things like cotton balls, cotton swabs, paper towels, and female hygiene products. Convenient wipes shouldn't be flushed either to prevent clogs, even if such products are often labeled as being "disposable."

Call Us Today

Also, be mindful of who's using showers and other sources of water in your home at any given time if you'll be having guests over to avoid overstressing your plumbing system. One other step you can take to minimize the risk of plumbing mishaps during Thanksgiving gatherings is contact Robert Bair before the big day. Our trained technicians can quickly take care of any minor issues or do a preventative cleaning of your drains. Call our plumbing professionals today for routine or urgent plumbing service needs.