Prevent Holiday Plumbing Disasters: Stress-Free Thanksgiving Tips
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. However, amidst the joy and celebration, it can also be a time for plumbing disasters. Did you know that plumbing problems increase by 50% on Thanksgiving alone? With the kitchen and bathrooms working overtime, your home’s plumbing system faces extra pressure. At GPS Plumbing, we want to help you avoid any holiday mishaps with these essential Thanksgiving plumbing tips.
1. Don’t Toss Leftovers Down the Drain
One of the most important Thanksgiving plumbing tips is to avoid tossing leftovers down the drain. It might be tempting to dispose of Thanksgiving leftovers this way, but doing so can overwhelm your plumbing system and cause clogs. Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle large amounts of food waste, especially after a big holiday meal. Dispose of food waste properly by throwing leftovers into the garbage or a compost pile. Avoid putting items like potato peels, fruit pits, poultry skin, and bones into the garbage disposal, as these can damage the blades and cause blockages. Keeping your drains clear of food waste is a simple way to prevent clogs during the holiday.
2. Properly Dispose of Cooking Grease
Another crucial Thanksgiving plumbing tip is to never pour grease, cooking oil, or fat down the drain. After cooking a delicious Thanksgiving meal, your pots and pans are likely covered in grease. These substances solidify in your pipes and cause blockages. Instead, wipe the grease off with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash, or collect cooled oil in a metal can and throw it away once full. Proper grease disposal helps protect your plumbing from serious clogs. Call GPS Plumbing for drain cleaning assistance.
Learn more about preventing grease clogs in your kitchen drain.
3. Run the Garbage Disposal Regularly
To keep things running smoothly, run your garbage disposal before and after putting food waste into it. This Thanksgiving plumbing tip ensures that clogs are avoided. Always turn on the faucet to allow water to flow into the drain before and after using the disposal. This helps keep the disposal and drain clear of food particles. Use cold water, as it solidifies any remaining fats or grease, allowing the disposal to chop them up more easily. Regularly running your disposal prevents food buildup, which can lead to unpleasant odors and clogged sinks.
4. Coordinate Dishwasher Use
Coordinating your dishwasher use is another important Thanksgiving plumbing tip. Your garbage disposal and dishwasher share the same drain. Running them simultaneously can cause food waste to enter the dishwasher, leading to potential flooding and improper drainage. Ensure the garbage disposal is running smoothly before using the dishwasher to maintain the efficiency of your kitchen appliances. Running the disposal before starting the dishwasher helps clear any debris that might get washed back into your dishwasher, keeping your dishes and your drain clean.
5. Wait to Run the Dishwasher
A key Thanksgiving plumbing tip is to wait until you’ve finished using the disposal to start a load of dishes. Running the dishwasher while the garbage disposal is in use can lead to food scraps mixing into your dish wash cycle. This helps keep your kitchen drain system running smoothly. Additionally, make sure your dishwasher isn’t overloaded, as this can cause water to back up into the sink. Give your appliances the best chance to work efficiently by spacing out their use.
6. Take Breaks Between Showers
Taking breaks between showers is a useful Thanksgiving plumbing tip for homes with overnight guests. Space out showers to allow tub drains to do their job effectively. Waiting about 10 minutes between showers helps prevent hair and other debris from causing clogs. Using drain strainers can also stop large clumps of hair from blocking your pipes. The last thing you want during a holiday is a clogged shower drain, so taking short breaks between showers can help keep everything flowing smoothly.
7. Avoid Flushing Anything But Toilet Paper
With increased bathroom traffic, it’s essential to follow this Thanksgiving plumbing tip: only flush toilet paper. Items like wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, facial tissues, cotton swabs, and paper towels can cause serious clogs. Provide an empty waste bin near the toilet for proper disposal of these items. Remind your guests to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper to prevent any mid-holiday plumbing emergencies.
8. Address Plumbing Problems Before Turkey Day
One of the best Thanksgiving plumbing tips is to address plumbing problems before the holiday arrives. If you’ve noticed slow-draining sinks or dripping faucets, don’t wait until Thanksgiving to fix them. Hire a professional plumber to inspect and resolve any issues beforehand. This ensures your plumbing system can handle the holiday traffic, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends. A quick inspection can identify potential issues before they turn into major problems, giving you peace of mind during the holiday.
Schedule a plumbing inspection with GPS Plumbing today.
9. Use Sink Strainers
Using sink strainers is a simple yet effective Thanksgiving plumbing tip. Adding sink strainers to your kitchen sink helps prevent solid food from entering the drain, reducing the risk of clogs. This tool can save you from major plumbing issues, especially on a busy day like Thanksgiving. Strainers catch food particles before they reach the disposal, making cleanup easier and preventing unexpected backups. Remember, even small particles can contribute to a clog over time, so using a strainer is a smart precaution.
10. Call GPS Plumbing for Pre-Holiday Drain Cleaning
For peace of mind, schedule a drain cleaning with GPS Plumbing before the holiday rush. This Thanksgiving plumbing tip can prevent unexpected clogs on Thanksgiving Day. Our expert plumbers will ensure your drains are clear, removing stubborn blockages and buildup that might cause issues when your plumbing system is under heavy use. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your home running smoothly.
11. Consider Water Heater Maintenance
Considering water heater maintenance is a valuable Thanksgiving plumbing tip, especially if you have guests staying over. Make sure your water heater is functioning efficiently to handle the extra demand. In Texas, fluctuating temperatures can cause the pipes connected to your water heater to expand and contract, leading to potential leaks. Hard water can also cause scale buildup inside the tank, reducing efficiency and leading to premature failure. Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank to remove scale and insulating exposed pipes, can help mitigate these effects. If your water heater is located in the attic, consider investing in a water-sensing alarm to detect leaks early and avoid potential floods.
Learn more about water heater maintenance from trusted sources like Energy.gov.
At GPS Plumbing, we’re committed to keeping your home’s plumbing running smoothly during the holidays and beyond. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to call us for prompt and professional service. Our team of experts is ready to help with everything from drain cleaning to water heater maintenance, ensuring you can focus on what really matters—enjoying time with your loved ones.
Contact GPS Plumbing today to schedule your pre-holiday plumbing check-up.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
step-by-step guide from GPS Plumbing.
