We’re all getting ready for the holiday season, and if this year is like any other, we’re expecting another busy season. We not only stuff ourselves, but we also stuff our garbage disposals with holiday trimmings like celery, turkey, stuffing, rice, potato peels and much more. People think if it’s called a “garbage disposal,” then anything can be disposed of in it. This, combined with out-of-town guests, puts a strain on your plumbing system.
Avoid the unexpected guest, your friendly Adeedo! plumber, by following these simple tips:
Top 7 Tips to Help Avoid a Holiday Plumbing Disaster
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Never pour grease or oily condiments down your drain.
Congealed turkey drippings, gravies and other grease- and oil-based fluids can harden into a consistency like candle wax or clay. Over time, this leads to the creation of “fatbergs,” which will cause serious backups in your home and neighborhood.
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Clean up oil and grease with paper towels and then discard them.
Best practices are to wipe off all dinnerware before they hit the sink or dishwasher. When grease is too hot for the trash, pour it into a disposable metal container, leave it on the counter or freeze until it’s solid, and then toss into the trash. Easy, peasy, goodbye greasy!
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Never send semi-solid materials down your garbage disposal.
Disposals aren’t meant to handle more than the smallest of food bits. Add more than that, and you’re asking for trouble. Again, best practices are to wipe or scrape everything before it comes near the sink. Happy sink, happy home!
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Don’t wait until the disposal is full to turn it on, and use plenty of water when running it.
When using a disposal, start running your water before you even turn it on. Continue letting the water run for 20 to 30 seconds afterwards, ensuring it’s clear of all food bits.
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Wait at least 10 minutes between showers.
Giving your plumbing system more time to clear out between showers helps prevent over-use backups, especially if you have an older home and plumbing system.
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Don’t flush wipes, cotton swabs or paper towels down the toilet.
Just because a wipe product says it’s “flushable,” doesn’t mean these items won’t block your pipes. As a matter of fact, only toilet paper and your, um, personal business should be flushed. That’s the rule!
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Fix plumbing issues before your guests arrive.
If your sinks are slow to drain or your toilets are giving you gurgles and heartaches, it’s best to take care of those problems before you put a larger strain on your plumbing. Ask your favorite plumber (ahem) to get your system guest-ready and you’re sure to have a trouble-free holiday season. (Well, as much as we can help… You’re on your own with Uncle Phil!)
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