One of the best parts of this time of year is visiting with family, hosting parties, and spending time with loved ones. But there is nothing that ruins the holidays like a clogged sink, a toilet that won’t flush, or a burst pipe! We have some plumbing tips to help you avoid any plumbing issues this holiday season.
Garbage Disposal Etiquette
Your garbage disposal is probably used quite often, especially around the holidays. With so many meals prepared and guests visiting, it is sure to be put to the test. It is important to remember that your garbage disposal cannot handle certain types of food, including rice, bones, pasta, oils, grease, and stringy foods. Washing these items down the drain could lead to clogs or damage to your disposal. The best practice is to scrap your plate over the trash before it goes into the sink.
Protect Your Drain
We all know how much easier it is to simply rinse off a plate – scraps and all – in the sink, instead of using the trashcan. Remember, even if you have a garbage disposal, there are food items that should be thrown in the trash, not run through the disposal. The easiest way to protect your drains from unwanted leftovers is to use a sink strainer. By using a sink strainer, you can continue to rinse your plates and still keep those scraps from causing damage to your pipes. When you are finished, dump the contents of the sink strainer away, and you are good to go!
What to Flush
The holidays bring more people into your home. Some are just visiting, while others are staying for an extended period. Because of this, the plumbing in your home may be used more often than normal. Be sure to provide trash cans in every bathroom to encourage guests to throw away trash versus disposing in the toilet. It can also be helpful to remind your guests that the toilet is for toilet paper only. All other items should be disposed of in the garbage – including wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, Q-tips, and paper towels.
Disposing of Grease Properly
Grease can be one of the biggest dangers to your plumbing system because it solidifies as it cools. If it is dumped down the drain while hot and then cools, it can lead to major clogs or damage to your plumbing. To dispose of grease, we recommend pouring it outside, or into a can or plastic bag that can then be thrown away.
Wait on the Dishwasher
When you are cleaning up after your holiday meal, you may be tempted to run a quick dishwasher cycle to clean the plates and silverware while you wash pots and pans in the sink and run your garbage disposal. Just remember, your dishwasher and the garbage disposal will typically share the same drain. So, it is possible that by pouring leftover gravy in the sink and running the disposal, you could end up pushing waste into the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle. Or, if your drain clogs, a running dishwasher could cause the water to back up and potentially flood your kitchen.
Schedule out Showers
Another aspect of your plumbing system that is largely affected during the holiday season is your showers. Try spacing out time between showers by at least 10 or 15 minutes to allow your hot water supply to replenish, so no one is stuck with taking a cold shower. We also encourage you to get hair catchers ahead of your guests’ arrival. This way, your plumbing is protected from clogs.
Prepare Your Pipes
Hosting for holidays can be stressful, so we say be prepared. Before your guests arrive, call and schedule an appointment with Eastern Plumbing. If you have any minor plumbing issues before your company arrives, they could quickly become more serious. Our team of plumbing professionals can identify any leaks, cracks, or other issues that may ruin your holiday festivities.
We hope you don’t need us, but things do go wrong, that’s why we are prepared for emergencies. We are available 24/7 for any plumbing emergency you may experience. Contact Eastern Plumbing today at 252-758-7579 for quality service that you can trust.
