Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun. But it’s also a time when your plumbing system can face serious challenges. With all the cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, it’s easy to forget the toll food scraps and substances can take on your drains. At Brothers Plumbing Heating and Electric, we’re here to remind you of the simple things you can do to avoid major plumbing headaches this holiday season.
Why Drain Care Matters More Than Ever
It’s the little things. You might not think twice about dumping that last bit of gravy down the sink or flushing a few extra baby wipes after the kids have cleaned up. But these small actions can lead to big problems later on. Drain clogs don’t always show up immediately. They tend to build up slowly until, one day, you’re dealing with a slow drain or, worse, a full-blown backup.
Here’s the thing—your plumbing system is a lot more sensitive than you might realize. The pipes in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room work together to keep things flowing smoothly. And what stuff did you put down those drains? Well, it’s a lot more important than it seems.
What Not to Put Down Your Drains
We all know how easy it is to dump something down the sink without thinking about it. Maybe it’s easier than tossing it in the trash, or you’re in a rush. Whatever the reason, here’s a list of things you should keep far away from your drains this Thanksgiving (and year-round, really):
Grease, Oils, and Fats
After you’ve roasted that beautiful turkey or cooked up some crispy bacon, pouring the grease down the drain is tempting. It’s liquid, right? But once it cools down, it solidifies and sticks to your pipes. It’s a recipe for disaster, causing clogs that are tricky to fix. Instead, collect it in a container and throw it out with your trash.
Starchy Foods
Rice, pasta, potatoes, and oatmeal—these are common culprits when it comes to drain issues. They absorb water and expand in your pipes, creating blockages. You might not think much of rinsing that extra rice off your plate, but over time, it adds up. Toss it in the trash or compost it instead.
Fibrous Vegetables
Corn husks, pumpkin skins, and celery stalks might seem harmless, but they can easily get tangled in your pipes, causing a serious jam. These vegetables are tough to break down, so they should never go down your drain. Throw them away or compost them instead.
Coffee Grounds
You might think coffee grounds are biodegradable but don’t break down easily in your pipes. Instead, they get stuck to the sides of your pipes, collecting other debris and forming a thick sludge. This leads to a nasty clog. Always throw your used coffee grounds in the compost bin or trash.
Baby Wipes and Paper Towels
Even if the label says “flushable,” baby wipes and paper towels don’t dissolve like toilet paper. They can get stuck in your pipes and cause significant backups. Stick to flushing only toilet paper, and keep the wipes in the trash.
Eggshells
It’s tempting to scrape eggshells down the sink, but they’re not as harmless as they seem. The shells don’t break down and can get caught in other debris, causing a blockage. Instead, throw them in the trash or compost them
Paint and Paint Thinners
Whether you’re touching up a wall or cleaning brushes, never pour paint or paint thinners down the drain. These substances can harm your pipes and contaminate the water supply. Always follow safe disposal instructions for these materials.
How to Keep Your Drains Safe This Thanksgiving
So, what can you do to protect your plumbing this holiday season? Here are a few simple tricks:
- Use Drain Screens: Place screens or strainers over your kitchen sink and bathtub drains to catch food scraps, hair, and other debris. This keeps larger particles from going down the drain and causing problems later. A small investment can save you from costly repairs.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Be mindful of what goes down your drains. After meals, scrape food scraps into the trash instead of rinsing them down the sink. Consider using compost bins for food waste like veggie scraps, eggshells, and other compostable items.
- Flush With Hot Water: Once you’ve used your sink or disposal, run hot water for a few seconds. This helps clear out any grease, oils, or soap scum that might still be lingering in your pipes. It’s an easy habit to get into and can go a long way in preventing clogs.
- Regular Drain Maintenance: Every few months, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drains to help break down build-up. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water. This simple step helps keep your pipes clear of minor blockages.
- Don’t Overload the Garbage Disposal: Your garbage disposal is handy but not invincible. Avoid putting large amounts of food down at once, and never put fibrous materials, bones, or hard items into the disposal. Always run plenty of water while using it to help wash everything down the drain.
When to Call a Professional
Even with all the precautions, plumbing issues can still arise, especially when you least expect them. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to call in a professional:
- Slow Drains: If your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or shower drains are slowing down, it shows some buildup in your pipes.
- Gurgling Noises: If you hear gurgling sounds from your sink or toilet, it could mean a blockage or air is trapped in your plumbing system.
- Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells from your drains are never a good sign. It could indicate stagnant water or decaying food particles in your pipes.
- Backups or Overflows: If water starts backing up into your sink, bathtub, or toilet, it’s a clear sign that your drain or sewer line is clogged and needs attention.
Contact Brothers For Drain Help Today!
Thanksgiving is a time to relax, enjoy great food, and make memories with loved ones. The last thing you want is to deal with a plumbing disaster. You can avoid the most common plumbing issues by being mindful of what you put down your drains and taking a few simple steps to maintain your pipes. But if something goes wrong, don’t hesitate to contact (303) 468-2294 for professional plumbing help. We’re always here to ensure your plumbing is in tip-top shape—so you can focus on what matters this holiday season.
We offer professional drain cleaning & rooter services in the following locations:
