With Thanksgiving upon us, many of us 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 Roberts Plumbing’s top Plumbing Tips for Thanksgiving so you can stay sane and enjoy family time to the fullest:
1. Don’t Throw 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. Make Sure the Disposal Is Running!
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 at Least 10 Minutes Between Showers!
Many of us have family guests for the holidays. Ask them to wait at least 10 minutes between showers to allow for your water heater to recycle and provide adequate hot water for everyone.
