Tips for Protecting Your Plumbing on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the best and busiest times of the year for families, whether they are traveling to a relative’s house or hosting people at their own homes. But, the day after Thanksgiving may not be as fun for some people if it’s a day spent waiting for the plumber. The day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for plumbers. This is primarily due to all of the guests in the house, along with all the extra food preparation. But, there are some things you can do to help prevent these plumbing problems. Here are a few tips for avoiding common holiday plumbing problems.

Take Care of Any Repairs

If you already have plumbing problems, a house full of guests could easily make the issue worse. So if your garbage disposal is acting up, your toilet is running all the time, or your sinks don’t drain well, it’s best to have the repairs done before your guests arrive. You don’t want a serious plumbing problem on Thanksgiving day, and if the problem becomes worse, it could cost more to fix.

Prepare Your Drains

Your kitchen sink is going to see some heavy use. There could easily be a lot of grease going down the drain, even if it shouldn’t be. There are also likely to be many leftovers ending up in the sink. This could easily mean a serious clog if your drains weren’t in good shape, to begin with. It could be a good idea to have your drains professionally cleaned before Thanksgiving, so they will be ready and less likely to clog.

Be Careful With the Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is probably the part of your plumbing most likely to give you trouble on Thanksgiving. It is important to only put food down the garbage disposal, not actual garbage. Also, you should not put fats, fibrous foods, or bones down the drain. Additionally, make sure to let the water run down the drain for a few seconds after it stops running.

Stagger Shower Times

It is best to ask your guests to shower at least fifteen minutes apart. This will give time for your drains to clear, thus making it less likely your shower will develop a clog. Your guests might not even mind since it will also allow the water to get hot again.

Ask Guests to Put Only Toilet Paper in the Toilet

You’ll be less likely to end up with a clogged toilet if you ask guests to make sure the only thing they put in the toilet is toilet paper. This does not include flushable wipes, as these are not good for your plumbing. Facial tissue and paper towels are also not good alternatives to toilet paper. Other items that people sometimes flush down the toilet, such as sanitary napkins, cigarettes, and cotton balls, can also cause problems.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a great time for families to get together, and with a bit of preparation and a few precautions, the day after can be time for shopping or relaxing instead of waiting for a plumber.

Contact Us

If you ever need any help with your plumbing, feel free to contact us. Our experienced plumbers have more than 30 years of plumbing experience and are ready to help you. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.