Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious meals, and quality time with family and friends. However, it’s also a time when your plumbing system can take a beating due to the increased usage in the kitchen and bathroom. A clogged sink or toilet can quickly turn your holiday celebration into a plumbing nightmare. In this blog, we’ll share essential Thanksgiving plumbing tips to help you avoid common issues and ensure your plumbing system works flawlessly during the holiday season. To learn more about our plumbing services and to get your plumbing system checked out before the Holidays arrive, contact Marines Service Co.!
Common Thanksgiving Plumbing Issues
Before we dive into specific tips, let’s take a quick look at some common Thanksgiving plumbing problems you might encounter:
- Clogged kitchen sink
- Garbage disposal not running
- Toilet clogs
- Shower plumbing problems
Garbage Disposal Clogged
During Thanksgiving, the kitchen is the heart of the action. Unfortunately, it’s also where many plumbing problems originate. Garbage disposals often become clogged due to the disposal of holiday leftovers and food scraps. Common culprits include:
- Turkey bones
- Potato peels
- Grease and fat
- Fruit pits
In general, you should also avoid these:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Pasta and rice
- Bones and large food scraps
To prevent garbage disposal clogs, avoid putting these items down the disposal. Instead, dispose of them in the trash or compost. If your disposal becomes clogged, try resetting it by pressing the reset button, and always run cold water while using it to help break down food particles.
Cooking Oil
One of the most common mistakes during Thanksgiving is improperly disposing of cooking oil. Pouring hot cooking oil down the drain may seem convenient, but it can lead to severe complications. As the oil cools, it solidifies and can create blockages in your pipes, causing clogs and backups.
To dispose of cooking oil properly, allow it to cool in a container, then seal it and throw it in the trash. Alternatively, consider recycling options in your area, as some facilities accept used cooking oil.
Dishwasher Overload
Our dishwashers are a privilege to have, especially around the holidays. However, it’s important to avoid dishwasher overloading even when dirty dishes seem to be coming out of nowhere. Overloading your dishwasher can lead to inefficient cleaning and potential damage to the dishwasher itself. When you load your dishwasher, keep these tips in mind:
- Pre-Rinse Dishes: Before loading dishes into the dishwasher, give them a quick rinse to remove excess food debris. This step can prevent clogs in the dishwasher’s spray arms and filters.
- Load Strategically: Pay attention to the dishwasher’s loading guidelines in the user manual. Place larger items like pots and pans on the sides and bottom rack, while smaller items like plates and glasses go on the top rack.
- Don’t Block the Spray Arms: Ensure that dishes are not blocking the dishwasher’s spray arms. These arms are responsible for distributing water and detergent evenly for effective cleaning. Blocked spray arms can lead to uneven cleaning results.
- Use the Right Detergent: Make sure you’re using the appropriate dishwasher detergent and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the right amount. Using too much detergent can result in excessive suds, which may lead to dishwasher malfunction.
- Run Full Loads: Dishwashers are more efficient when running full loads. Wait until you have a full load of dishes before starting the dishwasher to conserve water and energy.
Toilet Clogged
Toilet clogs are another common problem during the holidays. The increased usage, combined with improper disposal of items, can lead to backups. Explain to your guests that only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet and provide a trash bin for other items.
Shower Plumbing Problems
Increased shower usage during Thanksgiving can lead to shower plumbing issues. Hair and soap scum can accumulate in the drain, causing slow drainage or blockages. Regularly clean your shower drain to prevent these problems. Consider using a drain cover to catch hair and debris before it enters the drain.
Preventative Thanksgiving Plumbing Tips
To ensure your holiday season is stress-free, utilize these Thanksgiving plumbing tips to prevent plumbing havoc:
- Educate your guests: Inform your family and friends about what should and should not go down the drain or toilet.
- Dispose of cooking oil properly: As mentioned earlier, let the cooking oil cool before disposal.
- Use a drain strainer: Place strainers in kitchen sinks and shower drains to catch debris and prevent clogs.
- Avoid dishwasher overloading: Pre-rinse your dirty dishes after Thanksgiving dinner, use the correct detergent, and load strategically.
- Schedule a plumbing check: Consider having a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system before Thanksgiving to catch any potential issues.
Marines Service Co. Plumbing Check
One of the best ways to ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving is by taking proactive measures to address potential plumbing issues before they become major headaches. That’s where Marines Service Co. comes in. Our professional plumbing experts are here to help you prepare your plumbing system for the holiday season. By scheduling a plumbing check with Marines Service Co. before Thanksgiving, you can:
- Identify Hidden Problems: Our skilled technicians can identify any hidden plumbing issues that may not be apparent to the naked eye. They can spot leaks, clogs, or other potential problems that could escalate during the holiday rush.
- Prevent Emergency Calls: Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing emergency in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. By addressing issues in advance, you can avoid last-minute, costly emergency service calls.
- Ensure Proper Functionality: We’ll make sure all your plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and drains, are in excellent working condition. This guarantees that your guests won’t encounter any unpleasant surprises during their stay.
- Save Money: Addressing plumbing issues early can save you money in the long run. A minor repair today can prevent a major repair or replacement in the future.
Have a Worry-Free Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and gratitude, and you don’t want plumbing problems to spoil the festivities. By following these Thanksgiving plumbing tips and being mindful of what goes down your drains and toilets, you can ensure a smoothly running plumbing system throughout the holiday season. Enjoy your Thanksgiving without any plumbing worries! Contact Marines Service Co. today for expert plumbing services and more Thanksgiving plumbing tips!
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