Most people think about preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving, but if you are hosting the holiday this year, it’s a good idea to get your plumbing ready, too. One of the busiest days of the year for plumbers is actually the day after Thanksgiving. After a day full of cooking and disposing of food in the kitchen, and a houseful of guests using the bathroom or staying overnight, it’s no surprise that plumbing can suffer, especially if there were issues to begin with. This year, you might be able to prevent some common problems and be better prepared with tips from Gillece Plumbing.
1. Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’tsA common issue Gillece Plumbers see over the Thanksgiving holiday is broken garbage disposals, in which scraps and pieces of food end up where they don’t belong, causing damage to the disposal or clogging the sink. While garbage disposals are intended for breaking up food particles and allowing everything to flow easily down the drain, many foods should never be put there in the first place. These include:
- Fats, oils and grease
- Stringy, fibrous foods
- Poultry skins
- Vegetables
- Fruit and potato peels
- Corn husks
- Bones
- Egg shells
While liquid when hot, oils and grease harden when cool and can solidify in your pipes, causing clogs. Use a paper towel to wipe grease from pots and pans or collect it in a container to throw away instead. Most food scraps are better off in the trash. When you do use your garbage disposal, make sure to turn it on prior to putting food down and run a lot of water during use.
2. Potential Toilet TroublesAnother common problem Gillece Plumbers see are clogged toilets. With more people than usual using the toilet in your home’s main bathroom, there is great potential for it to clog. First, make sure that your toilet is flushing properly. You may need to replace the toilet flapper, which can wear out over time and cause your toilet to run. Second, while the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper, many people like to flush wipes and other products that can easily cause a clog. Keep a plunger by the toilet in case, and don’t hesitate to call for a Gillece Plumbing Technician when you need expert assistance.
3. Saving Shower DrainsIn addition to clogged sinks, overnight guests using the shower may lead to clogged shower drains. Drain cleaning is one way to ensure your plumbing is clear for guests, as well as using a strainer to trap hair and other particles, helping to prevent potential clogs.
4. Calling a Plumber for Maintenance and RepairsWhen in doubt, before the holiday and guests arrive, give your home’s plumbing a once-over. Plumbing inspections, drain cleaning and toilet repairs are some of the things Gillece Plumbers can do to help get your home ready for Thanksgiving. Plumbing maintenance may save you some unwanted trouble this holiday. If an issue does arise, remember, Gillece Plumbing is open all nights, weekends and holidays- Thanksgiving included. Have a happy holiday!
