Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting, but it can also spell trouble for your home’s plumbing if you’re not careful. With an increase in kitchen activity and extra guests, your plumbing system is likely to face more strain than usual. To ensure your holiday goes smoothly, follow these tips to avoid common plumbing disasters.
1. Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs
Your kitchen sink will likely be working overtime as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast. To keep it running smoothly:
- Scrape plates before rinsing: Avoid letting food scraps go down the drain. Dispose of them in the trash or compost instead.
- Use a drain strainer: A simple strainer can catch small debris that could otherwise clog your pipes.
- Avoid pouring grease down the drain: Grease solidifies as it cools, leading to stubborn blockages. Instead, collect grease in a container and throw it in the trash once it solidifies.
2. Treat Your Garbage Disposal With Care
A garbage disposal is a helpful tool, but it’s not designed to handle everything. Keep these items out of your disposal:
- Stringy vegetables: Celery, asparagus, and corn husks can tangle and jam the blades.
- Starchy foods: Potato peels and pasta can form a sticky paste that clogs your drain.
- Bones and fruit pits: These hard items can damage your disposal’s motor and blades.
- Eggshells and coffee grounds: These can create sludge in your pipes over time.
Always run cold water while using the disposal to help flush debris down the drain and avoid overloading it by feeding waste in small amounts.
3. Don’t Overwork Your Dishwasher
With all the extra dishes to clean, it’s tempting to overfill the dishwasher, but this can lead to poor cleaning results or even a breakdown. Instead:
- Scrape and rinse plates before loading.
- Don’t block the sprayer arms to ensure proper water flow.
- Use the correct amount of detergent to prevent soap residue buildup.
4. Be Mindful of Your Bathrooms
If you’re hosting guests, your bathrooms will see a lot more traffic. To keep them functioning properly:
- Provide a trash bin: Guests are less likely to flush inappropriate items (e.g., wipes, tissues, or feminine products) if there’s a clear place to dispose of them.
- Check your toilets before guests arrive: Ensure they’re flushing properly and aren’t already prone to clogs.
- Stock up on toilet paper: Running out of essentials during a busy day is inconvenient and could lead to unexpected issues.
5. Take Precautions With Your Water Heater
Extra showers and dishwashing can strain your water heater, potentially leaving you without hot water when you need it most.
- Turn up the temperature slightly: If it’s safe to do so, increasing the water heater temperature can help meet higher demand. Avoid exceeding 120°F to prevent scalding.
- Schedule showers: Spacing out showers allows the water heater to replenish between uses.
- Consider a tune-up: If your water heater is older, a professional inspection before the holidays can prevent sudden breakdowns.
6. Know When to Call a Plumber
Despite your best efforts, plumbing issues can still arise. Be prepared to call a professional plumber if you notice:
- Persistent clogs that don’t respond to plunging or drain cleaners.
- Unusual noises coming from your pipes or garbage disposal.
- Water pressure drops or leaks that worsen quickly.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
By taking proactive steps, you can focus on enjoying the holiday with your loved ones rather than dealing with plumbing headaches. However, if disaster strikes, Ensor Plumbing is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals is available to handle emergencies and keep your home running smoothly.
Contact us today to schedule maintenance or for immediate assistance!