With Thanksgiving upon us, many US residents have started to make preparations and getting ready for the upcoming holiday. But did you know that for residential plumbers, Thanksgiving is the single busiest day of the year? In fact, plumbing problems spike by 50 percent the day after Thanksgiving — and it’s no doubt why. Just think about it — you’ll be delighting in turkey and sweet potatoes, and soon your wayward and greasy dishes will be clogging your drains.
Here are our top plumbing tips for Thanksgiving so you can stay sane and enjoy family time to the fullest.
1. Don’t Put Leftovers Down the Drain
Sure, it’s easier to just throw leftovers down the drain, but this will almost certainly clog it. Instead, throw leftovers in the trash or compost pile so there won’t be any clogging. If you choose to throw them down the drain, feed waste gradually to prevent overloading. Also, make sure to never pour fats or cooking oils in the drain as they will solidify in pipes. Use paper towels to wipe grease from pots, then throw them in the trash.
2. Run the Garbage Disposal
Another common mistake that can clog your drain is not turning the disposal on before putting food into it. To avoid plumbing issues due to the garbage disposal, make sure to turn on the faucet to allow the drain to fill with water before you put any food into it. Keep the water running for a short time after turning it off so the waste won’t clog the drain.
3. Use a Sink Strainer
The best way to prevent clogging your drain is using a sink strainer to prevent any food from going down it. This will keep the water running while making sure that no leftovers will pass through it. The waste gathered in the strainer can be thrown in the trash or compost pile once you’re done washing the dishes. With a little bit of precaution, even the most challenging plumbing problems can be easily avoided.
4. Wait 10 Minutes Between Showers
If you’re hosting overnight guests, advise them to wait at least 10 minutes between showers so the hair moving through your plumbing has enough time to disperse and dispose of itself. If the additional hair doesn’t have an adequate amount of time to disperse, it can clog or even back up your pipes — two situations that will require the assistance of a professional plumber like John C. Flood. Consider using a drain strainer to prevent any hair from going down the drain — this is the safest option if you’re concerned about clogged drains, and want to keep your pipes waste-free.
5. Have Your Plumbing Checked Out Before Thanksgiving
Why wait until Thanksgiving to find out that there’s something wrong with your drains or plumbing? Call in a reliable and highly skilled plumbing contractor to inspect your plumbing system and ensure that everything is fine. By doing so, you can rest assured knowing that, if any clogs are present, they will be successfully removed by an expert in preparation for the upcoming holiday. Further problems, such as leaky pipes or dripping faucets, can also be diagnosed and resolved ahead of time.
6. Know the Limits of a DIY Fix
Don’t pick Thanksgiving to become a DIY expert. Know your limits — if you attempt to fix the problem yourself without accurately knowing what the real problem is, there’s a good chance you’ll instigate a major plumbing disaster. Always keep an emergency number at hand so you can call in the experts when plumbing issues strike.
Need to have your plumbing checked or fixed? Call John C. Flood at 703-214-5611!
